Mae chis’ Access to Higher Monastic Education in Thailand

Abstract

This research investigates the relationship between Thai mae chis’ access to higher monastic education, provided by the sangha, and their opportunities to find appropriate accommodation and financial support. While the Mahanikaya Sangha has supported mae chis in their Abhidhamma Studies since 1951, the Dhammayuttika-Nikaya Sangha has provided mae chis with the opportunity to pursue Pali Studies in a similar way to monks since 1963 (even though there still exist some significant differences). As a consequence of the enactment of their University Acts in 1997, both Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and Mahamakut Buddhist University have been able to admit mae chis to their programmes. Our research will show that monastic educational career opportunities for mae chis have improved significantly over the last 10 years or so. A major objective of our research is to provide an analytical investigation of the interviews we conducted with students, administrators and teachers in higher monastic education. Here, we will discuss the views and experiences of our interviewees in order to study the potential and effectiveness of the monastic education that has been made available to Thai mae chis in recent years.