Thilashin

A Thilashin (Burmese: သီလရှင်, pronounced: [θìla̰ʃɪ̀ɴ], "possessor of morality", from Pali sīla) is a female lay renunciant in Buddhism in Myanmar. They are often mistakenly referred to as "nuns" (bhikkhu), but are closer to sāmaṇerīs "novitiates".

Like the maechi of neighbouring Thailand and the dasa sil mata of Sri Lanka, thilashin occupy a position somewhere between that of an ordinary lay follower and an ordained monastic. However, they are treated more favourably than maechi, being able to receive training, practice meditation and sit for the same qualification examinations as the monks.

Thilashins observe the ten 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 on uposatha days and receive uncooked rice or money.

Thilashins are addressed with the honorifics sayale (Burmese: ဆရာလေး, [sʰəjàlé] "little teacher") and daw (ဒေါ်, [dɔ̀]). These are used as honorifics to the Buddhist name given.

Thilashins often reside in either separate quarters or in segregated kyaung (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.

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Wikipedia