Establishing Theravada Buddhism in Cuba

Marajina Bhikkhuni talks about her path to monastic life, her work to help the Theravada tradition take root in Cuba, and the inspiring growth of dharma communities across Latin America.

By Mariana Restrepo

Ayya Marajina Bhikkhuni
Ayya Marajina Bhikkhuni with the sangha in Cuba. Image courtesy of Theravadacuba.org
Buddhadharma

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In this interview, Buddhadharma‘s Mariana Restrepo speaks with Marajina Bhikkhuni, a Cuban-American Theravada monastic devoted to spreading the dharma in Cuba and across Latin America. Marajina Bhikkhuni shares reflections on navigating cultural syncretism, supporting a dedicated yet resource-limited sangha, and fostering monastic aspiration throughout the Spanish-speaking world. This conversation offers a glimpse into the challenges and profound resilience of Buddhist communities emerging in new cultural landscapes. For more information and to support Marajina Bhikkhuni’s activities, visit  https://www.theravadacuba.org.



Mariana Restrepo

Mariana Restrepo is deputy editor of Buddhadharma, Lion’s Roar’s online source for committed Buddhists. Born and raised in Colombia, Mariana has practiced in the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages of Tibetan Buddhism for more than 20 years. Her path has included time as a monastic, long-term retreat, and years of service within retreat centers and dharma organizations. She brings a deep commitment to integrating Buddhist principles into everyday life—especially in the context of parenting and community building. Mariana holds a Master’s degree in Religious Studies, has taught university-level courses on Buddhism and Indian religions, and has organized large-scale Buddhist events and pilgrimages. She is passionate about making Buddhist teachings accessible and relevant across languages and lived experiences. She also works with Middle Way Education, contributing to the development of their curricular framework, which helps to support Buddhist-inspired learning for children and families. She currently lives in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina with her husband and two children.

Ayya Marajina Bhikkhuni

Ayya Marajina Bhikkhuni received pabbajja (2010) and upasampada (2012) at Aranya Bodhi Hermitage, California, with Venerable Tathaloka Maha Theri as pavattini. She has practiced meditation for over 15 years, now seeing the Dhamma as the highest blessing. Dedicated to practicing and teaching the Satipatthana and Brahmaviharas, she shares the transformative power of the Dhamma in Spanish and English. A Cuban-American, Ayya is working to establish the first Theravada temple in Cuba. She leads a Sunday morning meditation and Dhamma talk livestream in Spanish.  Her first book “Pa’ alante es pa’ lla” is currently being edited. Residing at Bhava Nirodha Nilaya in Florida, she also cares for her mother.