Dhamma Letter No. 116
Dhamma Letter No. 116
Q&A 29 Discrimination against women in Buddhism
Q: In a total enlightenment of the Buddhist truth, how come there's a discrimination against women and the female community? If discrimination always existed since the lifetime of the Buddha, how do you call your religion total enlightened?
A: The Buddha was the one who revolutionized the acceptance of women as monks in India's four-caste culture at that time. This decision was very influential and even changed the religious values of India at that time.
After he passed away, however, it wasn't long before such a powerful and spiritual action was tainted by the culture and customs of each country that couldn't keep up with spiritual growth. There are problems like that in this era as well.
Reality falls short of that awareness, but we are trying to practice with this realization and continue to with our best effort.
It is understandable that at the mundane level, one may doubt the path to enlightenment because of the reality of human nature. Remember that the Buddha taught us that we must not follow the actions of others, but only of ourselves as realized through the Noble Eightfold Path. Gender is a worldly concept, so it is only through meditation as taught by the Buddha, that we can liberate ourselves from this concept. Keep observing with a sincere heart. You will understand why things are the way they are if you keep meditating.
May everyone be free from body and mind!
May you be free from any suffering!
With Metta,
Ayyā Kosallā Vipassinī
Edited by Euna Bonovich
If you have any questions related to dhamma & meditation, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at Bhikkhuni.Kosalla@gmail.com.
법에 대한 질문이 있으신 분은 위의 이메일 주소로 질문을 남겨주세요.
위빠사나명상의 마음관찰에 대한 논문을 한글 원본으로 읽고 싶으신 분은 클릭해서 다운로드 받을 수 있습니다. (네이버에 PDF 첨부)
The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.
Bhikkuni Kosalla Vipassini resides in Mahabodhi Meditation Vihara in Arizona, USA.
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Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu!
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!
Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!
Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !