Question:
Were there any enlightened bhikkhunis?
Answer:
The Tripitaka mentions 500 and more. There were 13 who were singled out and received praise from the Buddha with their different distinctions:
- Maha Pajapati was praised for her long standing as the first bhikkhuni
- Khema Theri, former queen of King Bimbisara was praised for her wisdom
- Upalavanna Theri was praised for her achievement in performing miracles
- Patacara Theri was praised for her good memory on the Vinaya
- Dhammadinna Theri was praised for being capable in teaching
- Nanda Theri was praised for meditation
- Sona Theri was praised for her patience
- Sakula Theri was praised for having divine sights
- Kundalakesi Theri was praised for achieving sudden enlightenment
- Bhadda Kapilani was praised for remembering past lives
- Bhadda Kaccana (Princess Yasodhara) was praised for her Great Abhinna
- Kisa Gotami was praised for wearing coarse robes
- Sigalamata was praised for holding fast to faith.