Buddhism and Gender

• What was the Buddha's initial stance on female ordination?

  The Buddha initially refused female ordination.
• Why did the Buddha eventually agree to female ordination?

  He was persuaded by his aunt.
• What did the Buddha claim would happen to the survival of his teachings if women were ordained?


  He claimed it would limit the survival of his teachings by half.
• What might be a practical reason for the Buddha's belief that female priests would be less effective?

  Most cultures were sexist and therefore might not listen to women.
• Which other religion allowed the ordination of women before Buddhism?

  Jainism.
• How did Dr. H. Nakamura describe the ordination of women in Buddhism?


  He described it as an astonishing development in world religious history.
• What unique claim did the Venerable Dhammananda make about the Buddha?


  She claimed he was the first feminist because he stated women could achieve enlightenment.
• What concern did the Buddha express regarding women without protection?


  He was protective of women who faced dangers without a father or husband.
• What was the Buddha's stated concern regarding the duration of his teachings?


  He was concerned that the victimization of bhikkunis might shorten the duration of his teachings.
• What argument do some historians make about the story involving Ananda?


  They argue that it was written later since Ananda was a child when the first nuns were ordained.
• What did the Buddha eventually say about achieving final Nirvana in relation to bhikkunis?

  He said he would not achieve final Nirvana until he had accomplished bhikkunis and female disciples.
• What did Ananda ask the Buddha regarding women and enlightenment?

  He asked if there was any reason women could not achieve enlightenment and Nirvana as men could.
• What did the Buddha affirm about women's ability to attain enlightenment?

  He affirmed that women could realize the fruit of stream-attainment, once-returning, non-returning, or arhantship.
• What potential difficulties did the Buddha acknowledge regarding female awakening?


  He acknowledged that there might be difficulties or impediments to female awakening.
• What does the Buddha's recommendation against thinking oneself superior imply about gender equality?


  It suggests that men are not superior to women.
• What are the five obstacles women are said to be unable to become?

  Women are unable to become a Brahma king, sakra, king mara, cakravartin, or Buddha.
• What does the Tibetan term ‘kye men’ mean?

  It means ‘low rebirth’ and refers to women.
• How were women viewed in ancient India in relation to the caste system?

  Women were viewed as inferior, at times on the same level as the Sudras, the lowest caste.
• What belief do some women in Thailand hold regarding their female birth?


  They often believe their being born female was the result of bad karma.
• What does the 14th inscription from Sukhotai reveal about a queen mother’s hope?


  It reveals her hope that founding a monastery will allow her to be reborn as a man.
• What do Theravada and Mahayana texts claim about women's attainment of enlightenment?


  They claim it is more difficult for women to attain enlightenment.
• What are some reasons debated regarding the perceived inferiority of female bodies?


  Reasons include bad karma, social effects, biological traits, and psychological reasons.
• What does the karmic inferiority view suggest about female bodies?


  It suggests that female bodies are the result of bad karma.
• What story does the Dhammapada contain regarding Mahakaccayana and Soreyya?


  It contains a story where Soreyya's impure thought turns him into a woman.
• What does the story of Soreyya ultimately illustrate about Arahatship?


  It illustrates that Arahatship allows one to attain well-being beyond distinctions like motherhood or fatherhood.
• What does the practical social consequences of female birth refer to?


  It refers to the difficulties women face in society due to prejudice and marginalization.
• How can internalized misogyny affect women's pursuit of enlightenment?


  It can lead women to believe they are inferior, making enlightenment more difficult.
• What does the commentary on the sutta-nipata mention about a woman's desire to be reborn as a man?


  It mentions that a woman desires to be reborn as a man due to feeling powerless as a woman.
• How do biological traits contribute to the perception of female inferiority?


  Some argue that the pain of childbirth is compared to a man going to war, leading to a view of lower birth.
• What does the Flower Garden Sutra state about women?


  It states that women are messengers of hell who can destroy the seeds of Buddhahood.
• How do Theravada and Mahayana texts describe women in relation to desires and doubts?


  They describe women as having more desires, wild thoughts, and being more prone to doubt than men.
• How are celibate monks and women portrayed differently in Buddhist texts?

  Celibate monks are described as embodiments of the dhamma, while women are described as lustful embodiments of samsara.
• What does the doctrine of anatman suggest about gender essence in Theravada views?


  It suggests there is no male nor female essence.
• What do some Mahayana texts suggest about women and rebirth?


  They suggest that women must be reborn as men to enter nirvana.
• How does the doctrine of emptiness relate to gender norms?


  It suggests that transformation of gender norms should be possible.
• What does the Vimalakirti Sutra teach about gender?


  It teaches that in all things, there is neither male nor female.
• What vow did Tara make regarding her gender?


  Tara vowed to help beings in a woman’s body due to the disproportionate help those in the body of a man receive.
• What is the Tibetan view on ordinary women and enlightenment?

  Ordinary women can never be enlightened, but some women are dakinis.
• What does the story of the dragon king’s daughter illustrate about enlightenment?


  It illustrates that enlightenment can be attained instantaneously and that women can achieve it.
• How do some interpretations resolve contradictions in Buddhist texts regarding gender and enlightenment?


  They suggest a teaching of non-discrimination, indicating that all beings can attain Buddhahood.