A bhikkhu (male) or bhikkhuni (female) is a Buddhist monk. (Pāli; Sanskrit: bhiku, bhikunī.)
The term literally means "beggar". A bhikkhu has taken a vow to enter the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community) and is expected obey a rule of conduct known as the Vinaya, although there are considerable local variations in the interpretations of these rules.
Last updated: 08-13-2005 10:57:40
Last updated: 08-17-2005 09:14:51