Description
The Sao Khwan Nun Dharma Practice Center is a small Buddhist convent and monastery on the road that leads to Wat Thep Sawat in the Phanna Nikhom District of Sakon Nakhon. Across the street from the nun's residence is a large metallic pagoda called Phutthakhaya Maha Mongkol Chedi (เจดีย์พุทธคยามหามงคล), the likes of which we've never seen before in Thailand.
In the Thai language, the Sao Khwan Nun Dharma Practice Center is called "Săm-nák Bpà-dtì-bàt Tham Mâe Chee Săo-khwăn" (สำนักปฏิบัติธรรมแม่ชีเสาขวัญ). Buddhist nuns in Thailand are referred to as "mâe chee" (แม่ชี). The term "mâe" means "mother," and "chee" is derived from the Pali word "sikkha," which means training or discipline. Therefore, "mâe chee" can be translated as "mother of training" or "nun."
Mae Chee play a significant role in Thai Buddhist culture. While they do not undergo the same ordination process as fully ordained Buddhist nuns (bhikkhunis), they often lead a monastic lifestyle, following the Eight Precepts, which is a set of ethical guidelines more rigorous than those followed by laypeople.
The Sao Khwan Nun Dharma Practice Center is easily seen from the roadside, as there is a large white statue of the Buddha atop a single floor building adorned with murals that depict the Buddha's life. Next to the main statue of the Buddha is a large white statue of the Thai Fat Buddha Phra Sangkachai, and a tall white sculpture of a Thai Buddha with Walking Stick.
In the corner of the courtyard containing the statues of the Buddha is a Thai bell tower (Ho Rakang), and each corner is protected by beautiful gold Singha Lions. This rural Thai convent and Dharma Practice Center is located about 40 minutes northwest of downtown Sakon Nakhon in the direction of Udon Thani.
