Abstract

Khema was a contemporary of the Buddha and was one of his foremost disciples. In this chapter, her life and contributions to Theravada Buddhism are discussed. The Buddha praised this thinker as being exceptionally wise. She attained enlightenment upon contemplating an image created by the Buddha depicting the impermanence of life and listening to one of his sermons. Khema later joined the order of Bhikkuni or female monks and became known, especially through a story in the Samyutta Nikaya, part of the Pali Canon, for her deep insight, great learning, and perspicacity in philosophical discussion. Today, Khema continues to be esteemed as an expert in the Abidhamma which focuses on the Buddha’s teachings on the self, the mind, mental states, corporeality, and nibbana—the ultimate truth in Theravada Buddhism.