Essay About Gautama Buddha And Role Of Women

Buddhism
Essay Preview: Buddhism
Report this essay
In examining the Buddhism religion, particurally the role of women in Buddhism, it was
quite clear that the religion of Buddhism is practiced very different from country to
country.
Buddhism is a philosophy of life expounded by Gautama Buddha (“Buddha” means “enlightened
one”), who lived and taught in northern Inda in the 6th Century B.C. The Buddha was not a god
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 made his enlightenment
known in Northeast India in the 6th century 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 in
Buddhist scriptures. Pure Buddhist ideology
The Buddha
originally banned women from monastic practice (nuns) but later reversed
his decision, allowing them to practice in separate
quarters. The Buddist scriptures say
very little about women, treating them as equals.
In one scripture, the Visuddhi Magga, a monk asked, “Reverend Sir, have you seen a
woman pass this way?” And the elder said: Was it a woman or a man that passed this
way? 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, there
was, 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 claimed
to be the least discriminatory in attitudes towards women. There is no doubt at all that the
Buddha was the first religious teacher who gave women equal and unfettered opportunities in the
field of spiritual development. Although He had on several occasions pointed out the natural
tendencies and weaknesses of women in general, He also gave due credit to their abilities and
capabilities. He truly paved the way for women to lead a full religious life. This implied that they
were equally able to develop and purify their minds and realize the bliss of Nibbana as well as
men. This fact is amply proven 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 and
meaningless rites and rituals – which also included sacrifices – from the minds of many people.
When the Buddha revealed the true nature of life and death, and explained the natural phenomena
which govern the universe to these people, they began to understand. This subsequently arrested
and corrected the prevailing social injustices and prejudices. Thus it enabled women to lead their
own way of life.
Although the Buddha had elevated the status off women socially, He also pointed out the social
and psychological differences that exist between men and women. This was shown in the manner
in which He was realistic in His observations. His advice, given from time ~ to time, seen in the
light of His observations was j practical. These many instances were clearly depicted in the
Anguttara Nikaya and Samyatta Nikaya. It was mentioned that a mans duty is his unending quest
for knowledge. He should improve and stabilize his skills and craftsmanship, and be dedicated to
his work. He must also be able to find the means to maintain and sustain | his family. On the other
hand, it was also stated that it was the womans duty to look after her home and her husband.
The Anguttara Nikaya contains valuable advice which the Buddha had given to young girls prior
to their marriage. Foreseeing the difficulties that will arise with the new in-laws, the Buddha
advised the girls to give every respect to their parents-in-law, serving them as lovingly as they
were their own parents. They were also requested to honor and respect their husbands | relatives
and friends so that a congenial and happy atmosphere will be created in their new homes. They
were advised to study and understand their husbands nature, ascertain their husbands activities,
character and temperament, and to be useful and co-operative at all times in their new homes.
They should be polite, kind and watchful in their relationship with the servants. They should also
safeguard their husbands earnings and ascertain that all household expenditure was economically
maintained. Such is the timeless quality of the Buddhas advice.
The Buddha appreciated that peace and harmony in a home is to a great extent ensured by a
woman. Thus, His advice to women on their role in their married life was realistic and practical.
He listed a good number of day-to- day qualities