Bhikkhuni
A
Bhikṣuṇī (
Sanskrit) or
Bhikkuṇī (
Pāli) is a fully ordained
Buddhist nun. Bhikkunis live by the
vinaya. Bhikkhuni orders enjoy a broad basis in
Mahayana countries like
Japan,
Korea,
Vietnam and
Taiwan.
The lineage of bhikkhunis was originally created by the Buddha, and it spread widely in the Mahayana tradition. In Indo-China
Theravada tradition however, many believe that lineage was broken in the
11th century, causing the official
ordination of women as fully-ordained Theravada nuns to decline. Many members of the current conservative Theravada
Sangha deem fully-ordained bhikkhunis as "untrue" or "impure."
In
Thailand, where any woman wearing the robes of a fully-ordained monk can be arrested for "impersonating a monk",
Voramai Kabilsingh helped begin a movement to allow ordination of women. Voramai Kabilsingh received the eight precepts of the
Thai female renunciant (
mae chi) from
Phra Pronmuni of
Wat Bovoranives. Her example eventually caused a number of young women to also seek ordination, donning yellow robes, and founding the first Thai
monastery for Buddhist women.
In Indo-China Theravada tradition, many women continue to follow the spirit and often the letter of the bhikkhuni order, as dedicated practitioners even though they are not allowed to ordain. They are considered mae chis, laywomen or "semi-ordained," since they are not officially recognized by the Theravada Sangha. These women attempt to lead a life following the teachings of the Buddha. They observe 8-10 precepts, but do not follow exactly the same codes as ordained Buddhist monks. They receive popular recognition for their role but not official endorsement.
The traditional appearance of bhikkhunis is nearly identical to that of male monks, including a shaved head and saffron robes in Theravada tradition. White or pink robes are worn by Theravada women who are not fully ordained. In Thailand Bhikkhunis are referred to as "Ayya," a veneration. It is possible to also call a Bhikkhuni who teaches, "
Ajahn."
