i consider myself buddhist and am really interested in the asceticism of monks and i keep thinking to myself if there are any women monks. now i have a limited understanding in the hardcore specifics of it and id like to understand what traditional roles women play in buddhism. i hear women cannot become recognized as buddhas, and im not sure if that is true. so in the end i guess it goes back to the question: what roles do women usually play in buddhism? are there limitations for women in orthodox buddhism and such? and if so what are they?
2006-07-18 00:01:39 · 8 answers · asked by beat_alice@verizon.net 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know anything about your intentions, but I think you should be aware: in Buddhism, you may not become a monk, but you can become a monkey extremely easy.
2006-07-18 00:10:00 · answer #1 · answered by Mile 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes a woman can become a female monk - A Meheniya.
Attending of Buddha hood is a difficult task and there are no hard rules that a woman cannot. But you will have to try real hard and have that craving in every birth herein after.
As per women playing a role in Buddhism, there are plenty of way to do so. First by being a practicing Buddhist and there is no limitations - Men and women are treated equally in Buddhism and there are clear roles defined for each sex to perform to live a better life. You can get more information on http://www.metta.lk/
2006-07-18 07:09:36 · answer #2 · answered by R G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Women cannot become Buddhist monks because monks are male.In Theravadin tradition nuns were allowed,but the monks gave them such a hard time they died out.They have however,been resuscitated and there are some Theravadin nuns nowadays.
In Mahayana Buddhism,nuns have always been around and according to various Mahayana Sutras,enlightenment is possible for male or female.A number of female enlightened masters have been recognised in China and other parts of Asia.
2006-07-18 07:17:16 · answer #3 · answered by mystic_master3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only know about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in detail, so I can tell you that there are Jodo Shinshu nuns. If you want to pursue that as an occupation, it's awful tough to make a living as Buddhist nun as you don't get called upon to do the paying jobs priests do like funerals etc. Obviously though, if you can cover your own expenses you can spend time in a temple, etc.
2006-07-21 04:20:43 · answer #4 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the position of a monk is reserved for men. This actually makes sense. Mingly men and women in an office and chambers can lead to sexual activity and corruption.
2006-07-21 16:54:12 · answer #5 · answered by man_id_unknown 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Man = Monk
Women = Nun
2006-07-18 07:05:19 · answer #6 · answered by mu_sa_kossan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Women can become nuns, but not monks or priests.
2006-07-18 07:06:11 · answer #7 · answered by Kanda 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ah-hmmmm, they used to like ah, like "support" the temple if you get what I'm saying.
I don't know if that is true today.
2006-07-18 07:08:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋