Athilashin (Burmese:သီလရှင်,pronounced[θìla̰ʃɪ̀ɰ̃],(Mon:သဳလ,[sɔəla]listenⓘ), "possessor of morality", fromPalisīla) is a femalerenunciant inBurmese Buddhism; a Burmese Theravada Buddhist nun. They are not fully ordained nuns (bhikkhuni), as the full ordination is not legal for women in Burma, but are closer tosāmaṇerīs, 'novice nuns'. According to 2016 statistics published by theState Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, there were 4,106 nunneries and 60,390thilashin in Myanmar (Burma), over a quarter of whom live inYangon Region.[1]
Like themaechi of neighbouringThailand and thedasa sil mata ofSri Lanka,thilashin occupy a position somewhere between that of an eight-precept lay follower and a fully ordained monastic. However, they are treated more favourably thanmaechi, being able to receive training, practice meditation and sit for the same qualification examinations as the monks.
Thilashins observe theten precepts and can be recognized by their pink robes, shaven head, orange or brown shawl and metal alms bowl.Thilashins would also go out on alms round onuposatha days and receive uncooked rice or money.
Thilashins are addressed with thehonorificssayalay (Burmese:ဆရာလေး,MLCTS:sa.rale:,[sʰəjàlé], 'little teacher') anddaw (Burmese:ဒေါ်,MLCTS:dau:,[dɔ̀]). These are attached to theBuddhist name given.
Thilashins often reside in either separate quarters or in segregatedkyaung (temple-monasteries). They do not have to look after the monks, but may help cook if required. Although ranked lower than the monks, they are not subservient to them, but form their own communities.
| People of thePali Canon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thilashins are not fully ordained members of theSangha.[2] The fullbhikkhuni lineage ofTheravada Buddhism died out, being preserved only in the Mahayana tradition, and for various technical and social reasons was therefore absent, leaving the lay practice of living as athilashin the only option for women who wish to renounce in Burma. As a result, in many respects the lifestyle ofthilashins resembles that of an ordainedbhikkhuni, even to the extent of making a daily alms-round.
There have been efforts by somethilashins to reinstate thebhikkhuni lineage, although there are serious reservations and legal obstacles from the government, monks and general populace. A new Theravadabhikkhuni sangha was first convened in 1996, and since then many more have taken the full vows. However, in Myanmar,thilashins remain the only monastic option for women at this time and ordaining as abhikkhuni is an offence punishable by imprisonment.
.svg)