A thilashin is a female lay renunciant in Burmese Buddhism. They are often mistakenly referred to as "nuns", but are closer to sāmaṇerīs "novitiates". According to 2016 statistics published by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, there were 60,390 thilashin in Myanmar. Like the maechi of neighbouringThailand 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 honorificssayale and daw. These are used as honorifics to the Buddhist name given. Thilashins often reside in either separate quarters or in segregated kyaung. 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.
Ordination
Thilashins are not fully ordained members of the Sangha. The full bhikkhuni lineage of Theravada Buddhism died out, and for various technical and social reasons was therefore permanently absent, leaving the lay practice of living as a thilashin the only option for women who wish to renounce in Burma. As a result, in many respects the lifestyle of thilashins resembles that of an ordained bhikkhuni, even to the extent of making a daily alms-round. There have been efforts by some thilashins to reinstate the bhikkhuni lineage, although there are reservations from the government and general populace. A new Theravada bhikkhuni sangha was first convened in 1996, and since then many more have taken the full vows. However, in Myanmar, thilashins remain the only monastic option for women at this time.
