"LAMA KENDEN BHUTIA HEADS THE NORBULING INSTITUTE FOR BODY AND MIND IN SWEDEN. SHE TALKS TO RANJENI A SINGH OF THE EVOLUTION OF NUNS IN BUDDHIST ORDERS"
DOES THE BUDDHIST DOCTRINE DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF GENDER?
The basic doctrine of Buddhism prescribes salvation by one's own effort and there is no gender discrimination. There is spiritual equality of all beings. Shakyamuni Buddha saw spiritual potential in all; he founded the order of nuns. The time and context when Buddha took birth did not accord spiritual parity to women. A primordial principle in Vedic-Upanishadic philosophy during his time was Purusha, the male-principle, and this was interpreted to exclude women from social and spiritual activity.
Gautama Buddha advised his followers to abide by the teachings of Dhamma, the supreme guide that was not gender-biased. The Buddha's path could be practised by anyone, man or woman. The highest achievement of Buddhism, nirvana or supreme enlightenment, is available to all. Contrary to existing stereotypes, the Buddha's teachings to the householder were revolutionary in its historical context.
But don't monks (males) play a dominant role in monasteries?
When Buddhism came into being, society was male-dominated and this naturally influenced those who took up monkhood. I am happy that things are changing. Buddhist schools have began to recognise the fact the women are adept at practising penance. They have introduced the same levels of studies for both men and women. Interestingly, the Dalai Lama, who belongs to the Gelug or Yellow Hat branch of Tibetan Buddhism, has said that the future Dalai Lama could well be a woman.
Some Buddhists say that the only way to attain enlightenment is to be reborn as a male, but in the Nyingmapa school that I belong to, and whose founder was Padmasambhava, women have always played key roles. Padmasambhava, who introduced Buddhism in Tibet, had many consorts. Among these were two who played pivotal roles in his teachings. One was Princess Mandarava of Zahor in India who chose the Dharma over wealth and power that was hers for the asking. Padmasambhava came to Zahor specifically to teach her and ask for her hand. The other principal consort was Yeshe Tsogyal, a highly realised Tibetan yogini. Originally, one of King Trisong Deutsen's queens, she later became Padmasambhava's spiritual consort. Thus, two of the key figures of Tibetan Buddhism were highly accomplished women.
IS IT TRUE THAT IN SOME BUDDHIST SOCIETIES, WOMEN ARE TOLD THAT THEY ARE BORN SO BECAUSE OF THEIR BAD KARMAS?
I don't know what the karmic causes are to be reborn as a woman; I have never come across scriptures that explain the karma of being born a woman. But personally, I think all individuals, irrespective of their gender, have a special karmic connection to their earlier life of spiritual practice. In some religions, there are prayers in which we pray not to be reborn as a woman but as a man. I guess, most of these were written at a time when the life of a woman was hard, and perhaps that is the reason people prayed for rebirth as a man.
IN THIS CONTEXT, IS THERE A GLASS CEILING FOR NUNS IN SEMINARIES?
Buddhism was the first to establish a female monastic order in human history. In the earlier days of Buddhism, they did well, although their contributions to Buddhism were neglected and restricted by male monastics who compiled its history. Many nuns attained liberation and our scriptures mention that the Buddha had occasion to praise at least 13 of them. Some of their enlightenment verses are included in the Pali Canon and some of those can be found in the Therigatha, or collection of short poems supposedly recited by elderly members of the sect in India around 600 BC.
In the Nyingmapa school, we believe that the teacher gives you the same knowledge that he imparts to male students, because the Buddha never made any discrimination. All the restrictions and practices came in later. It was male ego at work. Unfortunately, even as monks, they could not overcome ego. These people were always on the path; they were never enlightened.
DO YOU THINK WOMEN CANNOT REACH HIGHER SPIRITUAL LEVELS BECAUSE OF THEIR MATERNAL INSTINCTS, WHICH IMPLIES ATTACHMENTS?
I don't agree. Women are considered to be superior practitioners as they are said to have a greater capacity for wisdom. The motherly instinct we have is the most beautiful feeling, because it helps a woman be compassionate. It cannot be a weakness. If your motherly feelings are stopping you from evolving, it is because your ego is controlling your mind.
I believe motherly feelings empower your mind. In our lineage, we believe that the woman holds the highest position as she gives birth and imparts knowledge and wisdom. Without her, a child cannot take her first step.
IN YOUR MIND-TRAINING CLASS, DO YOU FIND ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE STUDENTS?Generally speaking, women are more inclined to trust you and they are more inclined to trust themselves. Men are eager to find out whether what they are going to learn is good or not even before they do it. Men want to know what they'll get from it before they begin. For them, there's a sense of it being a challenge, as a confrontation that they have to battle. Women are more gracious. Again, these are all general statements.
Reference: wicca-teachings.blogspot.com
