Becoming a Bhikkhunī
The path to becoming a bhikkhunī (fully ordained Buddhist nun) in the Theravāda tradition unfolds gradually through several well-defined stages of training, both in conduct and understanding.
Phase 1: Lay follower (upāsikā)
A woman begins as a lay practitioner who undertakes the Five Precepts (pañca sīla). She continues to live her household life, but consciously aligns it with the teachings of the Buddha, cultivating virtue, generosity, and mindfulness in daily life.
Phase 2: Aspirant living near the monastery
At this stage, she may choose to live in or near a monastery. She typically wears white clothing and undertakes Eight or Ten Precepts, deepening her practice and gradually simplifying her way of life. This period serves as a foundation for renunciation and closer contact with the monastic community.
Phase 5: Full bhikkhunī ordination (upasampadā)
After completing the training period, she may request full ordination (upasampadā). Upon acceptance, she becomes a bhikkhunī, a fully ordained member of the monastic community. She then undertakes to live in accordance with the Vinaya, observing the 311 training rules that support a life of renunciation, ethical purity, and the realization of liberation.
Phase 3: Going forth (pabbajjā) – novice (sāmaṇerī)
This is the first formal step into monastic life. Through the pabbajjā (going forth), she leaves the household life behind and is ordained as a novice (sāmaṇerī). She dons the monastic robes and begins living fully within the training framework of the Dhamma and Vinaya. As a sāmaṇerī, she undertakes a period of training (traditionally at least one year), focusing on discipline, study, and the cultivation of inner renunciation. She follows the Ten Precepts and lives under the guidance of senior nuns.
Phase 4: Trainee (sikkhamānā)
After initial training, she may enter the stage of sikkhamānā—a trainee preparing for full ordination. In the Theravāda tradition, this stage involves a minimum of two years of training, particularly in maintaining celibacy and discipline, under the guidance of the bhikkhunī saṅgha.
"Going forth from the household life into homelessness is for the sake of the complete ending of suffering."
“You did not go forth from the household life into homelessness because you were forced to do so by kings or by robbers, or because you were in debt, or out of fear, or to make a living. Was it not with the thought:
‘I am a victim of birth, aging, and death; of sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair. I am a victim of suffering, prey to suffering. Surely an end to this entire mass of suffering can be found’?”
( MN 68 Naḷakapāna sutta)
Support of the venerable Bhikkhunī Visuddhi and activities of the Association Karuṇā Sevena:
Bank account for donations:
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Account number: 6855679001/5500
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Account holder: Karuṇā Sevena Association
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IBAN: CZ49 5500 0000 0068 5567 9001
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SWIFT: RZBCCZPP
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Address: Slezská 3, 796 01 Prostějov, Czech Republic
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Email: karuna.sevena.en@gmail.com
The funds are used to cover the basic monastic needs of the venerable bhikkhunī Visuddhi
such as robe, food, medicine and abode this also covers transportation, accommodation, air tickets, etc.) distribution of books,
the furnishing of the ārāma Karuṇā Sevena, insurance, utility bills, etc. Tax-deductible in the Czech Republic.
Please state the reason for the donation with the following note "For the Association Karuna Sevena."
Neither of the above is a public collection, and therefore we ask all donors to add their contact information to their gift, so that we can issue a donation agreement contract or a donation receipt. We thank all the donors.
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