Tolstyh Vladislav

Maechi, thilashin and dasa-sila: the Intermediate Statuses of Buddhist Women in Theravada Countries

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2026, №2(71), 333-350

 
Annotation: Women in Theravada countries who have taken eight or ten precepts represent a special social group that occupies a place between laywomen (upasika) and fully ordained nuns (bhikkhuni). The social and legal status of these women varies considerably in each country belonging to the Theravada tradition (Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia) as well as in Tibet. The key difference is the degree of marginalization, which in turn is determined by the attitude towards them on the part of the society, the male sangha and the state. Recently, this situation has been gradually improving under the influence of external and internal factors: the spread of feminist ideas, the globalization of Buddhist teachings and the conversion of some women from Western countries to Buddhism, and the democratization of relevant societies and political systems. The movement for the revival of the women's sangha is another, new factor: the legitimization of full ordination, on the one hand, gives women who have taken eight or ten vows a new perspective, but, on the other hand, adds additional tension to their relationship with the men's sangha. Many women who have taken eight or ten vows demonstrate a sincere commitment to Buddhist ideals and have achieved considerable success in various fields (education, social work, etc.). The prospects for formalizing their status, however, remain uncertain.

Keywords: Buddhism, Theravada, ten precepts, monasticism, sangha, feminism