Learn About Upāsikā: Female Buddhist Practitioners – Origins, Roles, and Practices

Upāsikā is a term used in Buddhism to refer to a female lay practitioner, who is a devout supporter and follower of the Buddha’s teachings.

In Sanskrit, the term is “Upāsikā,” which means “female practitioner.” Upāsikās were highly respected and played an important role in the growth and spread of Buddhism, both during the Buddha’s lifetime and after his passing.

优婆夷（梵语：Upāsikā），又译优婆私柯、优婆斯、优波赐迦、邬婆斯迦、邬波斯迦、优波赐迦[1]，中译为女居士、居士女、清净女、清信女、近善女、近事女、近宿女、信女等[2]，即亲近三宝、接受三归、施行善法的在家女子，为在家二众、四众，或七众之一。如能受持五戒（不杀生、不偷盗、不邪淫、不妄语、不饮酒），称持戒优婆夷。对应的男性为优婆塞，四众或七众之一，又可称为居士。

《巴利律藏大品》（Mahā-vagga），谓优婆夷始于智度耶舍之母，耶舍的母亲皈依佛陀，成为佛教史上第一位优婆夷。 《华严疏》六十二曰：“亲近比丘尼而承事故。”即在俗之信女。