Bhikkhuni, Bhikkhunī, Bhikkhuṇī: 5 definitions
Introduction:
Bhikkhuni means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper NamesThe third of the seven daughters of Kiki, king of Benares.
She was a previous birth of Patacara. E.g., Ap.ii.546, 561; ThigA.114; but see J.vi.481, where Bhikkhuni is given as a common noun. I am inclined to think that this latter reading is wrong.
Source: Dhamma Dana: Pali English GlossaryF A female bhikkhu (see above).
Following the strong insistence of his aunt (Maha Pajapati Gotami), other women and Venerable Ananda, Buddha consented to found a female sangha, which was interrupted around a thousand years later (Around the 6th century of Common era).
See also: Nuns discipline
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: BuddhismBhikkhuni:—Nun
Source: WikiPedia: BuddhismA Bhikkhuni (Pali: Bhikkhuni) is a fully ordained female Buddhist monastic. Male monastics are called Bhikkhus. Both Bhikkunis and Bhikkhus live by the vinaya. Bhikkhuni lineages enjoy a broad basis in Mahayana countries like Korea, Vietnam, China and Taiwan.
According to Buddhist scriptures, the order of bhikkhunis was first created by the Buddha at the specific request of his foster mother Mahapajapati Gotami, who became the first ordained bhikkuni, relayed via his attendant Ananda. The bhikkhuni order spread to many countries.
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionarybhikkhuṇī : (f.) a Buddhist nun.
Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English DictionaryBhikkhunī, (f.) (fr. bhikkhu, cp. BSk. bhiksuṇī, but classical Sk. bhikṣukī) an almswoman, a female mendicant, a Buddhist nun D. III, 123 sq. , 148, 168 sq. , 264; Vin. IV, 224 sq. , 258 sq. (°saṅgha); S. I, 128; II, 215 sq. , IV. 159 sq. ; A. I, 88, 113, 279; II, 132 (°parisā), 144; III, 109; IV, 75; Miln. 28; VbhA. 498 (dahara°, story of); VvA. 77. (Page 504)
Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Bhikkhuni Khandhaka, Bhikkhuni Samyutta, Bhikkhuni Sutta, Bhikkhuni Vibhanga, Bhikkhunivasaka Sutta.
Full-text (+39): Garudhamma, Upasampada, Kumaribhuta Vagga, Cittagara Vagga, Nagga Vagga, Andhakara Vagga, Arama Vagga, Patimokkha, Bhikshu, Samanera, Bhikshuni-sangha, Jatilagahi, Utuni, Bhikshuni, Dvematika, Ehibhikshunivada, Parinirvana, Bhikkhuni Sutta, Anikaratta, Pubbakicca.
Relevant text
Search found 48 books and stories containing Bhikkhuni, Bhikkhunī, Bhikkhuṇī; (plurals include: Bhikkhunis, Bhikkhunīs, Bhikkhuṇīs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Buddhist Monastic Discipline (by Jotiya Dhirasekera)
Chapter XIV - The Disciplinary Code of the Bhikkhunis
Chapter XIII - Women and the Religious Order of the Buddha
Chapter XII - Spiritual Leadership and Life in the Community
Banner of the Arahants (by Bhikkhu Khantipalo)
Philosophy of language in the Five Nikayas (by K.T.S. Sarao)
2.4. The Vinaya Piṭaka (Introduction) < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
3.4. The Attitude to Abuse and Respect of Other < [Chapter 4 - Philosophy of Language in the Five Nikāyas]
6.5. The Four Planes of Liberation (The Four Noble Persons) < [Chapter 3 - Language and Meaning as Reflected in the Five Nikāyas]
A Fistful of Sand (by Phra Ajaan Suwat Suvaco)
The Buddha and His Teachings (by Narada Thera)
Chapter IX - The Buddha and his Relatives (Continued)
Chapter XVI - Some Salient Characteristics of Buddhism
Guide to Tipitaka (by U Ko Lay)
(c) Admission Of Bhikkhunis Into The Order < [Chapter I - What Is Vinaya Pitaka?]
Book 2 - Pacittiya Pali < [Chapter II - Vinaya Pitaka]