Gender and the Vinaya: Role of Bhikkhuni Sangha in Buddhist Monastic Law

Abstract

The place of women within the monastic institution of Buddhism has always been a matter of debate ever since its inception. This paper attempts to provide an insight into the place of Bhikkhuni Sangha in the context of Vinaya – the code of conduct in monastic Buddhism. By relying solely on the primary sources of Buddhism, especially Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the present paper discusses how Bhikkhuni Sangha emerged in history and what duties and rights it had along with the problems encountered by it. It was founded by none other than Buddha himself after some hesitation, according to the Cullavagga in Vinaya Piṭaka. However, even under these added restrictions, both men and women had equal opportunities to learn and practice the Dhamma and Vinaya, and the Buddha stated that it was possible for women to attain arahantship. There are many instances in the primary sources, like those in the Therigatha of Khuddakanikāya, which demonstrate the contribution of early Bhikkhunis in terms of spiritual attainment. Similar examples include cases like the ordination of Mahapajapati Gotami, marking important instances in Buddhist history in terms of gender and Buddhist law. Thus, this article shows that even under patriarchal structures, the Vinaya provided a way to liberate women in Buddhism. Through the study of primary sources in this regard, it becomes clear how Buddhism responded to gender issues in the Bhikkhuni Sangha.