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Mahaprajapti Gotami was the Buddha's aunt, a queen, and the first woman he ordained. She was the founder of the Bhikshuni Order, the Order of Nuns that has existed for nearly 2,600 years.
After hearing the Buddha's teachings, she was inspired to join the Sangha. To show her dedication to do this, Gotami and five hundred women shaved their heads, donned monastic robes, and walked barefoot across India to request ordination.
Her single-pointed commitment is the reason the Nuns Order exists today. To establish Buddhism in America-and for it to last thousands of years—the monastics of Sravasti Abbey will need to be as dedicated as Mahaprajapati Gotami.
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