Bhikkhuni

Category: Sangha

From Buddhist Encyclopedia

• Chinese :  比丘尼
• Japanese :  尼さん ama-san
• Pali :  bhikkuṇī
• Sanskrit :  bhikṣuṇī

A Bhikkhuni 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, 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. As of 2006, most 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.

In Japan, they are usually called "尼さん(ama-san)" and some young Japaneses even don't know the word "比丘尼(bhikkuṇī)." The most famous bhikkuṇī alive in Japan is Jakucho Setouchi, but the legendary bhikkuṇī in medeival Japan is 八百比丘尼(yao-bhikkuṇī). She was believed to be a witch and had lived more than 800 years ("yao" means "800").

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. It is possible, in Thai Buddhist tradition, to call a Bhikkhuni teacher of 10 or more rains retreats (vassas), "Ajahn."