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A Bhikṣuṇī (Sanskrit) , Bhikkuṇī (Pāli) or 比丘尼(Chinese characters) is a fully ordained female Buddhist monastic. Male monastics are called Bhikkhus. Both Bhikkunis and Bhikkhus live by the vinaya. Bhikkhunis hold 311 vows. 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 after being requested to do so by his foster-mother Mahapajapati Gotami, and the bhikkhuni order spread to many countries.
Bhikkhunis in Theravada 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. Ajahn, which means teacher, is another veneration, which a Bhikkhuni (or Bhikkhu or samaneri) teacher of 10 or more rains retreats (vassas) is often called. In the Theravada tradition, many believe that the bhikkhuni lineage became extinct in the 11th century, after which no new bhikkhunis could be ordained since there were no bhikhunis left to give ordination. For this reason, some members of the Theravada bhikkhu Sangha deem fully ordained bhikkhunis as "untrue." Other members support the ordination of woman as bhikkhunis. In Thailand, 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's vows, 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 or (generally) educational support. Bhikkhunis is Mahayana In Japan, fully ordained women are usually called "尼さん(ama-san)." Some younger Japaneses are not familiar with the word "比丘尼(bhikkuṇī)." The most famous bhikkuṇī alive (as of 2006) in Japan is Jakucho Setouchi. But, the legendary bhikkuṇī in medeival Japan, 八百比丘尼(yao-bhikkuṇī), was believed to be a witch and is said to have lived more than 800 years ("yao" means "800"). | ||||||||
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