We are pleased to inform all that our Spiritual Director, Ajahn Brahm is one of the recipients of 2019 Queens Birthday Honours. He has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to Buddhism and gender equality. Ajahn Brahm is being honoured for helping to empower women in Buddhism, including the ordination of the Bhikkhunis in 2009.The honours have been presented to mark the Queen’s birthday today.
Congratulations, Ajahn Brahm for this very well deserving award, which has come quite timely!
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bhikkhunis’ Ordination this year, we know this would not have been made possible without Ajahn’s belief in giving equal opportunity to women in Buddhism. It is no wonder that Venerable Hasapanna has written such a beautiful, heartfelt letter in support of this nomination, herself being one of the first four Bhikkhunis in Australia being ordained during that time.
Thanks to Cecilia Mitra, President – Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils and ex-President of BSWA for her nomination of Ajahn Brahm, a process that has taken 18 months. We are also appreciative of all those contacted who provided a good reference to the nomination.
You can read more about this award in the following article, as well as Venerable Hasapanna’s reference to the nomination.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-10/wa-queens-birthday-honours-list-recipients/11194448
ASA Support Letter for Ajahn Brahmavamso
Best Regards
Lay Har Goh
Vice President, BSWA