Sansanee Sthirasuta 

Venerable Mae Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta (1953–2021) was a Thai Buddhist nun and spiritual teacher who dramatically changed the course of her life and dedicated herself wholeheartedly to liberation from suffering and uplifting others.

 

Born as Sansanee Panyasiri on October 31, 1953, in Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, she was raised by a single mother. The loss of her mother at age 15 left a profound impact on her. She later became a well-known public figure—working as a model, TV host, and public relations officer. At the age of 27, she left behind her worldly path and ordained as a Buddhist nun on February 22, 1980, devoting her life to the Dhamma and selfless service.

 

In 1987, she founded Sathira-Dhammasathan, a learning community for peace and harmony, transforming a once-barren space in Bangkok into a spiritual sanctuary grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and inner peace. In 2019, she established Bodhisattva Valley in Phetchaburi Province to plant trees, nurture life, and cultivate the heart of a Bodhisattva—leaving behind a living spiritual legacy for future generations to learn and grow with mindfulness and loving-kindness.

 

Her work placed a strong emphasis on women and children, grounded in the belief that when women are deeply healed and empowered, they become channels of love, compassion, and wisdom for their families and society.

 

Mae Chee Sansanee dedicated her life to uplifting vulnerable groups—especially women and children affected by violence or social neglect.

She established shelters, spiritual programs for incarcerated mothers, and life-skills training rooted in compassion.

 

She pioneered programs that supported people across all stages of life—from prenatal care and parenting to youth development, prison outreach, family well-being, and end-of-life care. These included initiatives such as Saisampan House for Unwanted Pregnancy of Single Mothers, the Serene Mind Project for Expecting Parents, Parenting School, Volunteer Youth Camps, and many more.

 

Sathira-Dhammasathan continues to open its grounds every Friday to Sunday, welcoming over 100 visitors each week who come to practice Dhamma, learn mindfulness, and rest their hearts in a peaceful and nurturing environment. The center also consistently supports women in ordaining as Buddhist nuns, encouraging a life of simplicity, mindfulness, and spiritual growth.

 

Over the course of her life, Venerable Mae Chee Sansanee transformed from a public figure into a spiritual pioneer who redefined service, leadership, and compassion.

After ordaining in 1980, she spent her early years in deep meditation and went on to establish transformative programs for mothers, children, incarcerated women, youth, and families. She tirelessly supported women and children in crisis, taught Buddhist principles in prisons, and guided youth toward a life of purpose.

 

Believing that Dhamma should be alive and accessible to every generation, she shared her teachings through various forms of creative spiritual media—music, animated cartoons, Dhamma films, television programs, live social media broadcasts, and painting—bridging tradition with modern lifestyles in ways that touched the hearts of diverse audiences.

 

Her teachings were simple yet profound—inviting people to see suffering mindfully and walk the path of joyful living. She emphasized the principles of “Care, Share, and Respect” as a foundation for peaceful coexistence.

 

Even in her final years, while living with cancer, she continued to serve tirelessly—investing her remaining strength and time in building Bodhisattva Valley to plant trees, nurture life, and cultivate the heart of a Bodhisattva—leaving behind a living spiritual legacy for future generations to learn and grow with mindfulness and loving-kindness.

 

For over 20 years, she traveled to more than 50 countries across five continents as a messenger of peace—participating in interfaith dialogues, global summits, and humanitarian gatherings. She co-founded and co-chaired the Global Peace Initiative of Women (GPIW) and was invited to global forums to uplift spiritual values in diplomacy and conflict resolution.

 

Her lifelong dedication earned her numerous international recognitions, including the Spiritual Leadership Award (USA, 2005), Humanitarian Award (USA, 2008), and the World Buddhist Outstanding Leader Award (Thailand, 2014). She was also honored at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for the acclaimed documentary A Walk of Wisdom, which portrayed her extraordinary life and teachings. Mae Chee Sansanee’s lifelong work radiates far beyond Thailand—leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of countless individuals.

 

She devoted her final years to cultivating Bodhisattva Valley in Phetchaburi Province—a sanctuary where forests could be regenerated, lives nurtured, and the seeds of a compassionate society planted. As she said, it was “to plant forests, plant lives, and cultivate Bodhisattva hearts to bloom—leaving behind a living Dhamma heritage for future generations to learn and grow along the path of mindfulness and loving-kindness.”

 

Though her physical presence has passed, her teachings continue to live on in the hearts of people around the world—an enduring light guiding others to live with mindfulness, peace, and compassion.