Bhikkhuni Saddha

Cambodia

USA

Bhikkhuni Saddha

Cambodia – USA

Bhikkhuni Saddha was born with the name, Seam Chim, in the Village of Srey Snom, Seam Reap Province.

In 2007, her life turned directly to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha after a fire destroyed her home in the USA and all worldly possessions. She and two other family members, who were in the fire, escaped successfully with their bodies intact and the clothes they were wearing.

With the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha as her refuge, she sought out Dhamma teachers. Then in 2009, she met Anglo-American-born, Venerable Bhikkhuni Sudhamma. She went to study with her every Sunday, as she worked during the weekdays. She had a question in her mind continuously during this time. "How could a woman become a Bhikkhuni?" She had never heard of a Bhikkhuni in the 7 generations of history that she knew of from her homeland of Cambodia. She had never seen a Bhikkhuni in her lifetime.

Then in 2011, she met her root-teacher, Most Venerable Bhikkhuni Dr. Pannavati, America's first African-American, Bhikkhuni. So, she studied with her teacher two times each month, as she was still working. She did so until the age of 62.

In 2016, she met two Samaneris, at Lowell Temple, Venerable Mettajivi and Venerable Dhammanusari. They studied together and ordained as Bhikkhunis. After ordination, there was no support for them. So, she became an 8-precept nun.

Since 2022, she could receive Higher Ordination again, and also strong encouragement. This is the situation for Cambodian women seeking the monastic life.

"May other Cambodian women be strong to walk the path with determination. May our Practice grow as fruit in Dhamma."