Dhammanda Bhikkhuni

Dhammananda is a former University Professor in Eastern Filosofy in Bangkok Thailand, who became the first Bhikkhuni (female monk) in Thailand. She is the abbess of the only female temple in Thailand: Sondhammakalyani Temple in Nakhon Pathom.

Female ordination was never introduced in Thailand, and still the official Sangha refuses admittance to women. There are 300,000 monks in Thailand, temporarily ordained or for life. Young boys from poor families can get education by entering a temple. Young girls are not allowed.

Because it is a great honor for families if a boy is a monk, often the oldest daughter is send "to Bangkok to work", which is often an understatement for entering the sex-industry. She earns the money, and the sons get education and they earn the respect for the family.

Dhammananda took it as her life project to make spiritual education and ordination possible for women in Thailand. She chooses a respectful way in line with the tradition, so that women can be accepted by the official Sangha in time.