Ordained name

Some folks have asked if I got a special name at ordination: Maechee Siritaree is my Pali name. Pali is the language from the Buddha's time (like Aramaic for Jesus) and Maechee is the Thai title given to nuns (mae = mother...I don't know what chee means). My preceptor (the 84 year old abbot here, who many believe is an arahant!) asked for the day of the week I was born--Friday. This is apparently important to know if you are Buddhist. Most Thai temples have a row of 8 Buddha images in specific postures for each day of the week (not sure what the 8th one is for...). You can give dana (donate money) to your Buddha image and make a wish for good luck. Friday is a standing Buddha with both hands crossed over his heart, but no one has explained to me what this means...

After a few minutes of closed eyed mutterings while I knelt quietly in front of him, feet neatly tucked behind me, hands in prayer position over my heart, head slightly bowed (the respectful way to sit before a monk (I spend a lot of time this way these days...)), the abbot tried out a few different syllables, asked my teacher (who is much younger and has better eyes) look something up in a little blue book of names, and chose Santiyani--Knower of peace and tranquility. Sounded good to me, but as luck would have it, this is the same Pali name he gave to my neighbor from Taiwan! She happened to be in the room waiting to ask her question next (usually reporting is done alone and I don't know how often the same name is chosen...perhaps an energetic connection with Maechee Joy? Or perhaps he picked my name based on her energy being present?). Well, when he asked if she had a Pali name and she said he had already given her the same one, he laughed and said no, no! and chose for me again. So I am Maechee Siritaree--One who maintains one's mertis, or One who maintains highest good fortune. A lot to live up to, but an auspicious beginning to this journey, I think.