Women Gaining Enlightenment Through Buddhism

Women Gaining Enlightenment Through Buddhism

When Ananda came to the Buddha speaking on Mahapajapati's behalf, he asked why Buddha was reluctant to invite women to be part of the sangha. Ananda asked, "Is it because women do not experience the same ability as men to become enlightened?""No Ananda," Buddha answered. "Women's potential to become enlightened is equal to men."Sadly, for women, many Asian countries fervently believe that only men can attain enlightenment. In these areas, Buddhist women are able to only practice Buddhism diligently then pray that they are reborn as men the next lifetime.Advice For LaywomenWritten in the Anguttara Nikaya, a Buddhist scripture, this advice has been bestowed upon laywomen: Be good at one's work. Work Work skillfully and diligently. Manage domestic help skillfully (if relevant) and treat them reasonably. Perform household jobs with efficiency. Be hospitable to one's in-laws and friends. Show faithfulness to one's husband as well as be frugal with the family's money. Accomplish faith (knowing the possibility of becoming enlightened, and in the enlightenment of the Buddha). Practice the 5 precepts and become morally disciplined. Practice generosity (develop a mind free of stinginess or avarice; delight in charity, giving and sharing). Seek wisdom and recognize that nothing is ever forever.The Bhikkuni SanghaWhenever Buddhist nuns become ordained, they're referred to as bhikkuni.Mahapajapati started the 1st bhikkuni order together with a contingent of 500 royal women.200 years later, when Emperor Ashoka sent his son to Sri Lanka to be a Buddhist Missionary, he learned of a princess who wished to join the sangha. To make that happen though, both bhikkus and bhikkunis were needed. In addition to this, at least 5 bhikkunis, who would make up the foundation for the order, was also necessary. At her personal insistence, Emperor Ashoka's daughter, a devout Buddhist nun, was sent to Sri Lanka to create the sangha there. Upon Sanghamitta's arrival in Sri Lanka, she was welcomed by hundreds of other women who were excited to join as well. That new Bhikkuni Sanghi, the 1st run outside of India, was a tremendous victory for Buddhist Women worldwide.The Bhikkuni order in Sri Lanka thrived until the country was attacked in 1017. Additional Bhikkuni orders worldwide have been established and flourished, only to meet their demise due to war or takeover. For more than a thousand yrs., the Bhikkuni lineage has remained broken throughout countries like Tibet, Thailand and various Asian countries. In an attempt to re-establish the Bhikkuni ordination, Buddhist leaders of all traditions held a summit in Germany during the International Congress on Buddhist Women's Role within the Sangha. The Dalai Lama gave his total support and the delegates all voted to re-establish the Bhikkuni ordination. However, where there are people, you find details' which need to be worked out. The Dalai Lama said that if Buddha were present, he likely would agree, but because he isn't, he (the Dalai Lama) can't act as Buddha.So where does that leave Buddhist women of today? Bhikkunis, in the majority of the world, are still in in an inferior position to bhikkus. Nobody can say if Buddha intended for women to be treated as lesser than' or if the stories had been just woven out of whole cloth by those wishing to stay in power, but they're treated as real, regardless. They're there for any person to read, so whether or not the Buddha intended for men to have a lot more power, they do In much more patriarchal (read: oppressive) countries, like Thailand, in which bhkkuni ordination does not exist, nor is even acknowledged, this is especially relevant.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 Buddhist Studies Course offered through the Universal Life Church Seminary. We have many courses available and each one carries with it an earned degree.

POST COMMENT

How social media can boost business PIPE Investors, 7 selection tips ‘A natural selection' - G-Force Shipping announces natural products division BURBERRY is Just About the Best Selection Get a wide selection of Burberry popular accessories What Is Islamic Racism? Are There Muslim Hate Groups? Hints To Pen Down Selection Criteria Sensible Selections Price Problems in Divorce Mediation vs Litigation Should You Use Social Media? Social Media Contest Ideas - Social Media & SEO Tips powered by Majestic Social Media! Selection, Installation, and Maintenance of a Walk in Cooler Step-By-Step Social Media for Smart Entrepreneurs