Dasa sil mata

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A dasa sil mata is a Buddhist eight or ten precept-holder laywoman in Sri Lanka, where the newly re-established bhikkhuni lineage is not officially recognized yet. Dasa sil matas' status is between an ordinary lay follower and a fully ordained bhikkhuni. They are usually expected to work in the monasteries, essentially as maids to ordained monks, rather than receiving training and the opportunity to practice. However, some dasa sil matas have struggled and managed to establish monasteries of their own, where women have the opportunity devote themselves to spiritual training and practice. Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Burma have established monasteries for women. A similar order exists in Thailand (where it's illegal for a woman to take bhikkhuni ordination) called "mae jis." Dasa sil matas are recognized by their shaved heads and yellow robes.^[1]

[edit] See also

• Mae ji
• Upasika

[edit] References

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