UBC Welcomes Two Buddhist Nuns from Myanmar

On July 1, 2024, we welcomed two Buddhist nuns from Myanmar, Venerable Daw Sucinti and Venerable Daw Kesavati, who have joined the Uganda Buddhist Centre (UBC) for Buddhist missionary activities and to play a crucial role in training and nurturing local nuns. Their arrival is historic in the growth and development of Buddhism in Uganda and across Africa.

Venerable Daw Sucinti was born in 1960 in Rangoon, Yangon. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Rangoon Arts and Science University, Yangon. In 1984, she earned an Associateship of Government Technical Institutes (AGTI) Diploma. Her journey in Buddhist studies took her to Sri Lanka, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies in 2007. Venerable Sucinti has also been a teacher at the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University since 1998. Her extensive knowledge and experience make her a valuable addition to the Uganda Buddhist Centre.

Venerable Daw Kesavati was born in 1982 in Mangyiten village, Nyaung U township, in the Mandalay region. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Makeitila University in 2005. In 2010, she embraced monastic life, becoming a Buddhist nun under the guidance of Venerable Ukkamsa, the Abbot of Mahasi Meditation Centre in Nyaung U town. Her dedication to Buddhist studies continued, and in 2020, she earned another Bachelor’s degree in Buddhism from the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University.

Currently, she is studying Dhammacariya Buddhist literature and is an ardent practitioner of meditation. Before joining the Uganda Buddhist Centre, she was living in North Okkalapa, Yangon, Myanmar.

The arrival of Venerable Daw Sucinti and Venerable Daw Kesavati coincides with the establishment of the Dhammakami Buddhist Nunnery, named in honor of Venerable Dhammakami. This nunnery symbolizes her courage and endurance in pioneering the Buddhist nuns’ order in Uganda. It is to empower women and young girls who wish to pursue the Buddhist monastic path, promoting gender inclusivity within the Buddhist community and society at large.

The two nuns from Myanmar, Venerable Daw Sucinti and Venerable Daw Kesavati, who have joined the Uganda Buddhist Centre, are actively engaged in a range of Buddhist activities. They are focusing on training the local novice nuns in various aspects of monastic life, including teaching Vinaya (the monastic discipline), meditation practices, and the teachings of the Buddha.

In addition to these spiritual teachings, the Burmese nuns are also instructing the local nuns on how to sew nun’s robes. Previously, the Uganda Buddhist Centre faced challenges importing these robes from Myanmar every time there was an ordination for nuns. The difficulties included high shipping costs, long waiting times, and the uncertainty of customs clearance. By teaching the local nuns to make these robes locally, the Centre can avoid these logistical issues. It will ensure a steady supply of robes for ordinations and daily use, reduce costs, and promote self-suciency within the monastic community.

This local production will also fosters skills development among the nuns, contributing to their empowerment and the sustainability of the Centre. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Venerable Daw Sucinti and Venerable Daw Kesavati for their dedication and commitment to our mission. Their presence is a blessing to our community, and we look forward to the positive impact they will undoubtedly cause to our community.

May their stay be filled with peace, wisdom, and meaningful experiences!