Women & Leadership
Before Buddha came about, women were looked down upon and considered to be in the lowest caste of people. Buddha was aware of the physical difference, but still viewed women as equal to men. Women occupied the same roles as being caretakers of the home, but Buddha also expected the women to learn about business in order to take over when her husband was out. Along with learning about business and trade, women had religious and educational freedom; education being second guessed at first by Buddha, but once he realized the women’s abilities, he then gave them responsibilities in the Bhikkhuni Sangha.
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/position.htm |
Unmarried women in the time of the Buddha, were able to join the Order of the Buddhist Nuns. The Buddha knew that if married, women had a lot of challenges ahead of them, but suggested that the women be kind and loving towards their new in-laws to make for a peaceful life.
Here are a few practical tips advice given to married women by Buddha.
http://www.buddhistvihara.com/newsletters/2003-winter/status_of_women.htm |
Maha Pajapati Gotami
(Founder of the Order of the Nuns) Pajapati was not only the Buddha's foster mother, but his aunt. The Buddha had denied her three times before allowing her to form the Order of the Nuns. Pajapati had gone on her own travels as a monk male would and gained a large crowd of followers. As the Buddha allowed the Order of the Nuns, he gave 8 conditions:
1. A Bhikkuni even if she was in the Order for 100 years must respect a Bhikkhu even of a day's standing. 2. A Bhikkuni should reside within 6 hours of travelling distance to and from the monastery where Bhikkhus reside for advice. 3. On Observance days a Bhikkhuni should consult the Bhikkhus. 4. A Bhikkhuni should spend the Vassa (rains retreat) under the orders of both Bhikhus and Bhikkhunis. 5. A Bhikkhuni should ply her life by both the orders. 6. A Bhikkhuni should on two years obtain the higher ordination (Upasampatha) by both Orders. 7. A Bhikkhuni cannot scold a Bhikkhu. 8. A Bhikkhuni cannot advise a Bhikkhu rather it should be the other way about. |