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Sasanadipika Ven. Khantikhema

Co-founder of UIBDS - DSMC and Chairwoman , Co-director for Asian region development

April 28,1949 - September 21, 2023

Sasanadipika MataJi Ven. Khantikhema.

Early Life and Inspiration

Venerable Rev. Khanti Khema, often known simply as Ven. Khanti Khema, is a devoted disciple of Bhante Vimalaramsi and an important figure in the spread of Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM) in both the United States and India.

Before becoming a nun, she lived a normal life as a layperson in the USA. She was deeply inspired by the Buddha’s teachings and wanted to find a path that gave real peace and happiness. After meeting Bhante Vimalaramsi and experiencing TWIM practice, she decided to dedicate her life fully to the Dhamma. With strong faith, she took ordination and became a Buddhist nun, receiving the name Khanti Khema, which means “Patience and Security.”

Her decision to renounce worldly life was not easy. Like many who take ordination, she had to let go of comfort, possessions, and social life. But she felt a deep calling to help spread the simple, clear teachings of the Buddha as rediscovered by her teacher, Bhante Vimalaramsi.

The Crossroad of Mundane and Transcendental Dependent Origination by Sister Khema.pdf

Journey as a Nun

As a nun, Ven. Khanti Khema trained closely under Bhante Vimalaramsi. She learned not only the practice of TWIM but also how to guide others, how to organize retreats, and how to live the Dhamma in daily life.

Her life as a nun was marked by humility and service. She worked tirelessly in the background to support Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center (DSMC) in Missouri, USA, where students from around the world came to learn meditation. She helped with the practical running of retreats, offered teachings to newcomers, and supported Bhante’s mission to spread the Dhamma worldwide.

Ven. Khanti Khema became known for her gentle manner, her patience, and her ability to encourage students with kindness. Many people found it easier to approach her with their questions, and she always guided them with care.

Travels to India and the Birth of SVT

One of the most important phases of her journey came when she traveled to India. Inspired by Bhante’s vision to bring TWIM back to the land of the Buddha, she began working with Indian students who were eager to learn the sutta-based practice.

Together with dedicated practitioners in India, Ven. Khanti Khema helped to establish the Samatha-Vipassanā Trust (SVT). This trust was created to support retreats, translation of Dhamma books, and the spread of TWIM across India.

Her travels to India were not always easy. Life there required adjustment to different cultures, languages, and conditions. Yet she accepted everything with patience and compassion. She felt happy to see Indian laypeople and monastics reconnecting with the original teachings of the Buddha, free from heavy ritual or complicated systems.

Through SVT, retreats were organized in different parts of India, including sacred places like Bodh Gaya and Sarnath. Many Indians were introduced to the simple and joyful practice of mettā meditation with the 6R’s, and lives were transformed.

Later Life and Service

In her later years, Ven. Khanti Khema continued to guide students both in the USA and India. She remained a strong support to Bhante Vimalaramsi and the Dhamma Sukha community. Even when Bhante’s health declined, she helped ensure that his teachings and legacy continued.

She was also active in online Dhamma sharing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel was restricted, she supported online teaching efforts, helped organize virtual retreats, and encouraged students from around the world to keep practicing.

Her life was never about seeking fame or recognition. Instead, she lived with quiet determination, always focusing on the Dhamma and on helping others.

Achievements and Legacy

Ven. Khanti Khema’s achievements can be seen in several areas:

Support for DSMC – She played a central role in developing and maintaining Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center in Missouri, making it a place where people from many countries could come for retreats.
Founding of SVT in India – Through her efforts and guidance, Samatha-Vipassanā Trust was born, ensuring the spread of TWIM in India, the land of its origin.
Teaching and Guidance – She guided many students personally, helping them understand TWIM and apply it in their lives with joy and patience.
Preserving Bhante’s Legacy – She worked closely with Bhante Vimalaramsi until his passing in 2023, and after that, continued to ensure his teachings remain available to the world.

Her name, Khanti Khema (Patience and Security), perfectly reflects her character. She was a nun who lived with patience, kindness, and stability, offering inspiration to those around her.

The life of Venerable Rev. Khanti Khema is an example of dedication, service, and humility. From her early days as a layperson searching for truth, to her ordination as a nun, to her journeys in India and the founding of SVT, she lived fully for the Dhamma.

She showed that true achievement is not in personal gain but in supporting others to walk the path of wisdom and compassion. Her life continues to inspire both monastics and laypeople to practice with joy, patience, and confidence.

Ven. Khanti Khema’s legacy is one of loving-kindness, steady service, and unshakable commitment to sharing the Buddha’s smiling path to Nibbāna.

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