The Role of Women in Buddhism :: essays research papers

In examining the Buddhism religion, particurally the role of women in Buddhism, it wasquite clear that the religion of Buddhism is behaved precise various from country tocountry. Buddhism is a philosophy of life expounded by Gautama Buddha (Buddha performer enlightenedone), who lived and taught in northern Inda in the 6th atomic number 6 B.C. The Buddha was not a god and the philosophy of Buddhism does not entail any(prenominal) 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 made his enlightenmentknown in northeast India in the 6th century BC. Looking back to the earliest roots,several(prenominal)(prenominal) 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 in Buddhistic scriptures. Pure Buddhist ideology The Buddah to begin with banned women from monastic pr actice (nuns) but later reversedhis decision, allowing them to practice in seperate quarters. The Buddist scriptures sayvery little about women, treating them as adequates. In one scripture, the Visuddhi Magga, a monk asked, Reverend Sir, have you seen a adult female pass this way? And the elder said Was it a woman or a man that passed thisway? I firenot 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... sexual 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 thefield of spiritual development. Although He had on several occasions pointed out the naturaltendencies and weakne sses of women in general, He also gave repayable credit to their abilities andcapabilities. He truly paved the way for women to lead a full religious life. This implied that theywere equally able to develop and purify their minds and gain ground the bliss of Nibbana as well asmen. This fact is amply be by the testimonies of the Theris (Nuns) during the Buddhas time. The teachings of the Buddha did a great deal to wipe off numerous superstitious beliefs andmeaningless rites and rituals - which also included sacrifices - from the minds of many people.