Fully ordained Buddhist women monastics were known as:

2024

Fully ordained Buddhist women monastics were known as:

Answer: D. BhikshunisConceptIn Buddhist monastic terminology, the Sanskrit word bhikshu denotes a fully ordained male monastic, while its feminine form bhikshuni denotes a fully…

  1. A.

    Sanghmitras

  2. B.

    Sanginis

  3. C.

    Viharikas

  4. D.

    Bhikshunis

Attempted by 2 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Concept

In Buddhist monastic terminology, the Sanskrit word bhikshu denotes a fully ordained male monastic, while its feminine form bhikshuni denotes a fully ordained female monastic. These titles identify ordained members of the Buddhist sangha.

Application

The stem asks for the established term used for fully ordained Buddhist women monastics. Among the given values, Bhikshunis is the pluralized form of bhikshuni and directly names women belonging to the fully ordained Buddhist monastic order.

Contrast

  • Sanghmitras: Sanghamitra is primarily a Sanskrit personal name formed from sangha and mitra; it is not the formal title for ordained Buddhist women.

  • Sanginis: Sangini means a female companion or associate; it is not a Buddhist ordination title.

  • Viharikas: Viharika is derived from vihara, meaning a monastery or dwelling; it does not name the ordained female monastic rank.

  • Bhikshunis: Bhikshuni is the feminine counterpart of bhikshu and denotes fully ordained Buddhist women monastics.

Cross-check

Standard Buddhist dictionaries define bhikshuni (Pali: bhikkhuni) as a Buddhist nun or fully ordained female monastic, which matches the category requested in the stem.

Result

Therefore, the answer is Bhikshunis.

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