--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, "depthofinfinity" <eveningfalls@...>
wrote:

> Hi,
>
> In the following chanting passage:
>
> [Yo so supa.tipanno] bhagavato saavaka-sa"ngho,
> The Sangha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced well,
>
> Uju-pa.tipanno bhagavato saavaka-sa"ngho,
> the Sangha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced
> straightforwardly,
>
> >
> I am pointed out that the word "saavaka" in the above passage only
> includes the male disciples of the Buddha. Is this true,
> as "saavikaa" is the more precise term for female disciples? So

here

> in male-dominated Thai Buddhism, women are not even recognized in
> the chantings. I was wondering if the Noble Sangha does include
> bhikkhunis and female lay followers as well?
>
> ===============

Dear June,
The phrase refers to all followers who have reached a stage of
enligtenment and includes even laywomen.
Robert