七众

(七衆, 七众)

The seven classes of disciples:―

(1)[lang id =1028]比丘 bhikṣu,monk;

(2) bhikṣuṇī a female observer of all commandments;

(3) [lang id =1028]式叉摩那śikṣamāṇa, a novice, or observer of the six commandments;

(4) [lang id =1028]沙彌 śrāmaṇera, and

(5) [lang id =1028]沙彌尼 śrāmaṇerika, male and female observers of the minor commandments;

(6) [lang id =1028]優婆塞 upāsaka, male observers of the five commandments; and

(7) [lang id =1028]優婆夷upāsikā, female ditto. The first five have left home, the last two remain at home. Tiantai makes nine groups by dividing the last two into four, two remaining at home, two leaving home and keeping the eight commandments. Others make four groups, i.e.

(1),

(2),

(6), and

(7) of the above. Tiantai also has a four-group.