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Women Gaining Enlightenment Through Buddhism
Buddha disagreed. “Women have as much ability as men to reach enlightenment” Sadly, there are some Asian countries in which the belief has been that only men will be able to find enlightenment. For these unfortunate women, their only hope is to practice Buddhism closely then be born in a male body during their next lifetime. Laywomen The following guidelines have been given to laywomen through the Buddhist writings, Anguttara Nikaya: · Be capable at one’s work. · Work with diligence and skill. · Manage domestic help skillfully (if relevant) and treat them fairly. · Perform household chores efficiently. · Be a gracious host to the friends as well as family of one’s husband. · Be faithful to one’s husband; protect and invest family earnings. · Be aware and loving while handling your responsibilities. · Be morally disciplined (observe the five precepts). · Give with a glad heart and be joyful in charity. · Learn to be wise as well as recognize that nothing is forever. The Bhikkuni Sangha An ordained Buddhist nun is referred to as a bhikkuni. The 1st bhikkuni order started with Mahapajapati and her band of five hundred royal women. Two hundred years later, when Emperor Ashoka sent his son to Sri Lanka to be a Buddhist Missionary, he learned of a princess who wanted to join the sangha. To make this happen though, both bhikkus and bhikkunis were necessary. In addition to this, a minimum of 5 bhikkunis, who would be the foundation for the order, were required. At her own insistence, Emperor Ashoka’s daughter, a devout Buddhist nun, was sent to Sri Lanka to start the sangha there. Hundreds of women living in Sri Lanka, enthusiastic about joining Ashoka’s daughter Sanghamitta, met up with her immediately upon her arrival. This new Bhikkuni Sanghi, the first run outside of India, was a huge victory for Buddhist Women everywhere. The Bhikkuni order in Sri Lanka flourished until the country was attacked in 1017. Many additional thriving Bhikkuni orders throughout the world met with their downfall as a result of war or hostile takeover. In Tibet, Thailand, as well as other southeast Asian countries, the Bhikkuni lineage has been broken for over a thousand yrs.. In an attempt to re-establish the Bhikkuni ordination, Buddhist leaders of all traditions held a summit in Germany at the International Congress on Buddhist Women’s Role in the Sangha. It became a great success, with the Dalai Lama’s support of the re-establishment, and all of the delegates unanimously agreeing that the bhikkuni ordination ought to be re-established. Regardless, the triviality of details is holding back progress. The Dalai Lama said that if Buddha had been present, he would likely agree, but because he isn’t, he (the Dalai Lama) can’t act as Buddha. How are Buddhist women treated now? Bhikkunis, in the majority of the world, are still kept in in an inferior position to bhikkus. It is hard to say if the misogynistic quotes or stories actually happened that way or had been merely made up by men in a patriarchal system, but they affect people’s attitudes regardless. Those who seek power will find it where they can, so Buddha’s true intentions might never be known, regarding the subjugation of women. In more patriarchal (read: oppressive) countries, such as Thailand, in which bhkkuni ordination doesn’t exist, nor is even acknowledged, that is especially relevant. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Tricia Stirling has written this course for the Universal Life Church Seminary. This is an excerpt of one lesson (of 30) from the Master of www.ulcseminary.org/store/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=153>Buddhist Studies Course offered through the Universal Life Church Seminary. We have many courses available and each one carries with it an earned degree. |
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