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Grammatical Analysis
Sikkhāmānā: [f.] Probationary nun; a woman in training. Derived from sikkhati (to train, learn) + present participle suffix māna.
Orthodox Definition
A Sikkhāmānā represents an intermediate legal status unique to the female monastic order, situated between a novice (sāmaṇerī) and a fully ordained nun (bhikkhunī).
Before a female monastic can receive higher ordination, she must undergo a strict, unbroken two-year probationary period as a sikkhāmānā. During these two years, she must flawlessly observe six specific rules (the first six of the Ten Precepts: refraining from killing, stealing, sexual activity, lying, intoxicants, and eating after noon).
If she breaks even one of these six rules during the two years, her probation is entirely voided, and she must begin the two-year training period all over again. Historically, this rigorous period was instituted partly to ensure that a candidate was not unknowingly pregnant prior to receiving higher ordination.
Quote
sikkhamānā nāma dve vassāni chasu dhammesu sikkhitasikkhā.
A sikkhamānā means one who has trained in the six dhammas for two years.— Pācittiyapāḷi p. 160
Textual References
- Vinaya: Pācittiyapāḷi (p. 160) – Defining the sikkhāmānā as one who has trained in the six rules for two years.