12 Facts About Dhammananda Bhikkhuni

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni, born Chatsumarn Kabilsingh or Chatsumarn Kabilsingh Shatsena, is a Thai bhikkhuni.

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni is Abbess of Songdhammakalyani Monastery, the only temple in Thailand where there are bhikkhunis.

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni taught for 27 years at Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand, in the Department of Philosophy and Religion.

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni is a well-known author of many books on contemporary issues in Asian Buddhism; many were published before her ordination and are under her birth name, Dr Chatsumarn Kabilsingh.

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni has often said that she knew she would become a monastic in the Buddhist tradition at some point in her life; she was just waiting for the right time.

Since her ordination, Dhammananda Bhikkhuni has written more than 100 books, designed to educate the public about various issues related to Thai Buddhism, including the place of women.

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni has encountered resistance from both laymen and monks in Thailand who believe female monastics are illegal and a corruption.

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni's work has caused some controversy in Thailand, although she receives much support from a growing number of Western Buddhist women.

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni makes clear acknowledgments about both the weaknesses and strengths of the current Thai Sangha; her writing advocates serious reform for monastic and lay Buddhists, not the least of which is the reestablishment of the Bhikkhuni order.

In 2014, Dhammananda Bhikkhuni was appointed as Pavattini by a Sri Lankan preceptor during a group ordination for women monks in Songkhla, Thailand.

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni was recognised as one of the 100 Women of 2019.

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni cannot be dismissed as just another Westerner criticizing Asian culture.