Definition

1. Noun:
   • Elderly female Buddhist monastic: A respectful term for an older woman who is a fully ordained Buddhist nun, typically implying seniority in age, religious practice, or both within the monastic community.
   • Senior nun: Refers specifically to a nun who holds a position of reverence, authority, or advanced spiritual standing due to her long-term dedication to monastic life.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sư bà đang tụng kinh trong chánh điện. (The elderly nun is chanting sutras in the main hall.)
  • Các Phật tử rất kính trọng vị sư bà này. (The Buddhists deeply respect this senior nun.)
  • Sư bà trụ trì ngôi chùa này đã hơn ba mươi năm. (The venerable nun has been the abbess of this pagoda for over thirty years.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "sư bà" carries a strong connotation of veneration and is not used for novice nuns or younger nuns. It is a title of respect similar to "venerable" or "reverend mother."
• It is often used in formal address or when referring to a nun in the third person with high esteem.

Variants and Related Words

• Sư cô (n): A term for a younger or novice Buddhist nun. It denotes less seniority than "sư bà."
  • Sư cô mới xuất gia hai năm. (The young nun has only been ordained for two years.)
• Ni sư (n): A general, formal term for a Buddhist nun, which can be used regardless of age or seniority.
  • Vị ni sư ấy thuyết pháp rất hay. (That nun delivers sermons very well.)

Synonyms

• Elder nun: A nun advanced in age and religious practice.
• Senior bhikkhuni: Using the Pali term for a fully ordained Buddhist nun, with an emphasis on seniority.
• Venerable nun: A title of deep respect for a nun of high standing.

Related Cultural Notes

• In Vietnamese Buddhist contexts, the monastic hierarchy and titles are important. "Sư bà" denotes a specific level of respect and seniority within the nunhood ().
• The term is specific to Mahayana Buddhism, which is prevalent in Vietnam. The equivalent in Theravada Buddhism traditions may differ.

1. Elderly female bonze