Anagārika

In Buddhism, an anagārika (Pali, 'homeless one', [əˈnəɡɑːrɪkə]; f. anagārikā [əˈnəɡɑːrɪkɑː]) is a person who has given up most or all of their worldly possessions and responsibilities to commit full-time to Buddhist practice.

Given the lack of full ordination for women in most Theravada-majority countries since the late modern period, women who wish to renounce live as anagārikās under names such as maechi in Thailand, thilashin in Myanmar, and dasa sil mata in Sri Lanka.

Women who are nonetheless intent on total renunciation may be fully ordained under certain nikāyas, even in historically Theravada countries.

The monastic rules restrict monks and nuns from many tasks that might be needed, including the use of money, driving, cooking, digging and cutting plants, so lay attendants help bridge this gap.

In some monasteries a period as an anagārika, often one year, is required in order to take novice ordination.