The Compassionate Refuge of the Triple Gem

After much deliberation, the future Sangha of the new monastery, Ayya Vimala and Ayya Kathrin Vimalañāṇī, has come up with a name for the monastery that might be a little unconventional, but we guess, so is our teacher 🙂

Let us explain our reasoning behind it:
The most precious, magnificent and awesome thing in the world is the Triple Gem, the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. The Triple Gem has been a refuge for so many in the last 2600 years.
The pali word for “triple” is “ti”.
In the ancient Wallon/patois languages of the region, where our monastery will be established, that, which is most magnificent and awesome, most worthy of respect, is called “lorien” (lit. crowned by laurels).

So we decided to call the monastery Tilorien. Literally this means “The Three That are Crowned by Laurels”.

But those who know us a little bit better, would know that Lorien also stands for this magical, mystical spiritual journey. Lorien is a refuge on the Path.
Lorien is ruled by the white witch Galadriel, who, according to Bhante Sujato, is “An icon for bhikkhunīs everywhere”. Like Kwan Yin, she is the protector of what is right and just, the embodiment of compassion. She alone is able to fight Māra directly and come out victorious.

In this ever more divided world, let Tilorien be a refuge of compassion.