Bhikkhuni Dr. Sobhita Malikul

Thailand

Bhikkhuni Dr. Sobhita Malikul

Thailand

Bhikkhuni Dr. Sobhita was born Thonburi province, Thailand. She is one of four children. Throughout her childhood she studied diligently. She excelled in many subjects including English and the use of new technologies.

She eventually entered a career at the Bank of Thailand. And, upon her retirement began her full-time pursuit of Buddhism. Interestingly, she followed in the footsteps of her mother, who became a white-robed nun, Maechee, in her later adult life. Dedicatedly, she and her siblings cared for their mother and respected her spiritual pursuits until her passing.

Gifted by her mother’s presence, Bhikkhuni Dr. Sobhita developed resilience, a social factor facilitated by her relationships with the adults in her youth which expressed as patience and the ability to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Thus, at the age of 58, she began her M.A. studies in Buddhism at Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University, International Program. Then upon successfully completing her Master’s degree, she began her Ph.D. studies in Buddhism at the age of 62, at Mahamakut Buddhist University and graduated in October 2022. This extraordinary accomplishment earns her great admiration as the first Thai Bhikkhuni to earn a Ph.D. in Buddhism in Thailand.

Bhikkhuni Dr. Sobhita also practiced meditation and studied Buddha-Dhamma at: Ba Arun Vivake Temple in Amnad Charoen; Ba Luang Ta Bua Yan Sampano Temple in Petchaboon; Ba Arun Vivake Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand; and Ngui Tao Uh Gam Mat Tan Temple in Ta Ki Lek, Myanmar.

In the future, Bhikkhuni Dr. Sobhita aims to bring Tipitaka studies to youth, especially Right View and the cultivation of virtues, meditation and wisdom.