A HISTORIC NOVITIATE IN THE MAKING!

The Aloka Novitiate 2010, Kushinara will be historic! Just in terms of numbers, it will be history in making for the following:

• the highest number of participants,
• the biggest and widest geographical representation,
  
• the record number shaving, and
  
• the longest land distance covered by a Novitiate

320 participants are taking part in this year's Novitiate; outstripping the 118 in Lumbini in 2007, 309 in Bodhgaya in 2008 and 150 in Sarnath last year.

The 320 are made up of 4 Sangha members, 98 samaneras, 152 upsasikas, 9 anagarikas, 31 pilgrims, and 26 helpers.

At 98 and 152, the number of samaneras and upasikas respectively are the highest ever.

The number shaving is also a record at 166 -- 61 upasikas, 5 anagarikas and 2 helpers in addition to the 98 samaneras -- overtaking the previous record of 130 in Bodhgaya.

The Aloka Novitiate has traditionally been drawing participation from Malaysia, Singapore and Australia but this year, there is greater diversity in terms of geographical representation with participants coming from Indonesia, France and Switzerland as well.

Unlike previous years, the Novitiate programme this year will traverse locations in northern India and Nepal. After 10 days in Kushinara, the Novitiate programme will continue in Sravasti and then proceed to Lumbini, Nepal -- covering an unprecedented land distance!

It also brings to full circle a Novitiate programme that Bhante Mahinda started in 2007 after conducting 32 years of Novitiate programme in the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, Malaysia as a commitment to his late teacher Ven K Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Maha Thera

Bhante mooted the idea of Novitiate in the Buddha's holy sites to provide the opportunity for the lay devotees to establish themselves deeper in the Dhamma and grow in faith and confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. It also serves to strengthen the commitment to walk the Noble Path as well as entrench the support for the Buddha Sasana and work for the welfare and happiness of the many.

A CHANCE NOT TO BE MISSED!

The Aloka Novitiate 2010 will start in 37 days and you don't have that many days left to book the offering of lights at three Buddha's holy sites!

Share with your friends and relatives that they have this rare opportunity to offer lights at Kushinara, Sravasti and Lumbini as more than 2,000 lights will be offered each of the 15 nights during the Novitiate.

Make the right effort to kindle the light of wisdom and dispel the darkness of ignorance!

An opportunity to perform dana also presents itself during the Novitiate. You can sponsor:

• Breakfast, minimum at RM50 per day (16 days)
• Lunch, minimum at RM100 per day (16 days)
• Requisites of Samaneras & Upasikas at RM250 (or above) OR
• You may contribute any amount towards the cost of organizing this programme

Please call the Aloka Foundation office at 03.7842.7001 to offer lights or dana.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

38 MORE DAYS

The countdown begins! It's 38 more days to the Aloka Novitiate 2010 which will start in Kushinara and proceed to Sravasti before ending in Lumbini.

ARE YOU PREPARED?

Some tips to prepare yourself for the Novitiate Programme:

• Don't overwork yourselves to the eve of the departure date. Phase out your work as early as possible so that you don't exhaust yourself prior to the trip
• Sleep early and wake up early
• Cut down on food intake in the evening
• Get accustomed to sitting long period on the floor. Start sitting cross legged on floor or flat seat when watching TV or reading
• Exercise more and be healthy
• Learn chanting and meditation. Start to meditate at least 30 minutes a day
• Talk less. Cut down on idle chatter
• Acquaint yourself with wearing sarong at home

Some other things to note:

• Upasikas who are shaving must get permission from spouse or parents
• Upasikas shaving must cut hair short -- recommended above shoulder length for easy and speedier shaving in India
• Samaneras and upasikas must bring one set of white attire (top & pants) for shaving & ordination ceremony
• Samaneras can choose their sponsors who will present robes to them. Inform Aloka office otherwise, sponsors will be appointed for you