Social Position of Women in Buddhist Discourse

Abstract

The scope of this paper advances and questions the social position of women as Buddhism moved across geographical bounds from the East to the West. In spite of ambivalence regarding the spiritual standing and community role of women even during the Buddha’s own lifetime, Theravada Buddhism, established precepts and institutions that ultimately recognise women as spiritual equals in the Buddhist community. The inclusion of women in Buddhism the religious life, was extraordinary for the times in which Buddha lived. It was an elevation of women from inferior roles accorded them in secular life and an affirmation that women were as worthy as men when it came to spiritual attainment. It is only because the Buddha was questioned concerning women and women’s roles that Buddha has provided detailed discourse on the role of women.