The Role of Women in Buddhism :: essays research papers

In examining the Buddhism religion, particur all toldy the bureau of women in Buddhism, it was quite a clear that the religion of Buddhism is put ond real different from country tocountry. Buddhism is a philosophy of life expounded by Gautama Buddha (Buddha means enlightenedone), who lived and taught in northern Inda in the 6th Century B.C. The Buddha was not a graven image and the philosophy of Buddhism does not entail any theistic world-view. The teachings of the Buddha are aimed solely to liberate sentient beings from suffering. Women have been a part of Buddhism since the Buddha first make his enlightenmentknown in Northeast India in the 6th ampere-second BC. Looking back to the earliest roots,several nuns and laywomen were among the Buddhas ablest and wisest Diceples.The everyday role of women in many countries is quite different from that defined inBuddhist scriptures. Pure Buddhist ideology The Buddah originally banned women from monastic practice (nuns) but later reverse dhis decision, allowing them to practice in seperate quarters. The Buddist scriptures sayvery little about women, treating them as equals. In one scripture, the Visuddhi Magga, a monk asked, Reverend Sir, have you seen awoman pass this sort? And the aged said Was it a woman or a man that passed thisway? I cannot tell. But this I know, a set of bones is travelling upon this road.Although this verse attempts to show the equality of women on the spiratual path, therewas, and still is... informal stereotypes present in the culture of Buddhist communities. By contrast to such bigoted practices that hinder spiritual development, Buddhism can be claimedto be the least discriminatory in attitudes towards women. There is no doubt at all that theBuddha was the first religious teacher who gave women equal and unfettered opportunities in the reach of spiritual development. Although He had on several occasions pointed out the ingrainedtendencies and weaknesses of women in general, He exce ssively gave due credit to their abilities andcapabilities. He rightfully paved the way for women to lead a full religious life. This implied that theywere equally able to develop and purify their minds and realize the bliss of Nibbana as sanitary asmen. This fact is amply proven by the testimonies of the Theris (Nuns) during the Buddhas time. The teachings of the Buddha did a corking deal to wipe off numerous superstitious beliefs andmeaningless rites and rituals - which also included sacrifices - from the minds of many people.