Even as a beginner, her mind easily went into deep absorption for many hours. After that she was advised to turn inwards to investigate her mind, to remove the layers and layers of defilements until what was left was the pure mind.Ījahn Mun could see that she possessed uncommon psychic abilities and had great spiritual potential. The methods and techniques they taught her was the repetition of the word ‘buddho’ to enter into Samadhi. Mae Chee Kaew was very fortunate to have learnt meditation from great meditation masters like Ajahn Sao in 1914 and Ajahn Mun in 1917 when they came to stay near her village. The challenges she faced of being a female renunciant are evident here. She also arranged for the care of her daughter before she renounced.

After her first taste of temporary renunciation, Maechee Kaew decided to pursue her life-long path for enlightenment.Īt the age of 37, after 20 years of marriage, her husband consented to a divorce after she agreed to relinquish all her property to him. It was only after her uncle’s intervention, that her husband relented. She was weary of the suffering of life and each year, she pleaded without success for her husband’s permission to allow her to join a three month meditation retreat. Unable to have children, they adopted a daughter from a relative. She did not have a happy marriage as her husband became unfaithful to her. Her mother passed away when she was five years old.Īt the age of 17, she was compelled to marry. She is the youngest of 5 children, all of whom had no formal education. This is an inspiring story of the trials and tribulations of a simple village woman from a pious family in Baan Huay Sai in northeast Thailand. Thailand – Mae Chee Kaew (1901-1991), a reputed female arahant in modern times

This article is written by Barbara Yen in conjunction with 2014 International Bhikkhuni Day Celebration at Gotami Vihara Society Malaysia Honouring Eminent Asian Buddhist Women in the Modern Era.

Mae Chee Kaew by Silaratano Bhikkhu