February 20th: Join the Dhammadharini community alongside Bhikkhunis worldwide as they commemorate the lunar anniversary of the Parinibbana of Mahapajapati Gotami Theri, the founding mother of the Bhikkhuni Sangha. (fb)

Pilgrimage update- The Final Step: The weather devas agreed with us today and gave us little to no issues. It was a pleasant climate to be walking in and so we did. The change in country quickly became apparent with less people, less traffic, more open spaces and more peace and calm. We reached the temple through the back gate as that was closer to the border we crossed over. The sudden calm and quiet that descended upon us was testimony to the power of inspiration the place holds. We lit butter lamps before going to the main temple. After viewing the site, the guards were kind enough to let us read all the prayers, do some chanting (albeit silently) just by the site within the temple itself. No one to rush us or ask us to leave it was the best ending one could ask for such a long and arduous journey. We thank you and everyone else we met along the way, from the bottom of our heart, to support us on the journey with the kindness and generosity that only good kamma in previous lives can generate. In addition, an estimated $786 USD was raised to benefit Alliance for Bhikkhunis. Much anumodana to all of you for trusting us with your prayers and sending metta our way. May you all be well, may you all be happy and may you all experience the ultimate bliss of Nibbana in this very lifetime. Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu 🙏🪷 Day 17: 30 kms Day 18: 30 kms Day 19: 11 kms Day 20: 23 kms Day 21: 13 kms Day 22: 26 kms Day 23: 25 kms Day 24: 29 kms Day 25: 30 kms Day 26: 9 kms Bodhgaya to Sarnath: 242 kms Sarnath to Kushinagar: 215 kms Kushinagar to Lumbini: 132 kms Total distance: 589 kms (fb)