A "thilashin" (, , "possessor of morality", from Pali "sīla") is a female lay renunciant whose vows are the same as those of "sāmaṇerīs" "novitiate nuns". Like the "maechi" of neighbouring Thailand and the "dasa sil mata" of Sri Lanka, thilashin occupy a position somewhere between that of an ordinary lay follower and an ordained monastic. However, they are treated more favourably than most maechi, being able to receive training, practice meditation and sit for the same qualification examinations as the monks.