shikshamānā ［式叉摩那・正学女・学法女］ (;  shikishamana, shōgakunyo, or gakuhōnyo): A female novice in the Buddhist Order from eighteen to nineteen years of age who is preparing to take a vow to obey the entire set of monastic precepts for women and thereby become a fully ordained nun ( bhikshunī). A shikshamānā observes the six precepts against killing, stealing, having sexual relations, lying, drinking intoxicants, and eating after noon. A female novice under twenty years of age is called shrāmanerī; among shrāmanerī, those ages eighteen and nineteen are called shikshamānā. During these two years, the shikshamānās receive rigorous instruction to determine whether they can live as nuns.