Buddha’s Decision on Women in the Sangha: A Comprehensive Analysis

The question of why Buddha initially refused to include women in the Buddhist Sangha and later allowed them, often discussed in the context of a religion’s evolution over time, requires a deep historical and cultural understanding. This discussion explores the complexities surrounding Buddha's decision and its implications for the broader spiritual and social context of the time.

Historical Context and Religious Beliefs

During the Vedic/Brahmanic/Hindu tradition, around 2500 years ago, women were not considered spiritual equals or even spiritual beings. The Brahmanic tradition did not grant women the option to pursue a spiritual life, as they were expected to fulfill the societal roles of wife and mother prescribed by their family traditions and social norms. This model of spiritual and social oppression was deeply entrenched and supported by the existing social-religious authorities, often backed by the power of armies.

The Buddha, in contrast, after his awakening, sought to create a new order based on the principles of the Middle Way, which was inclusive of all people. This inclusiveness was not limited to renunciates but extended to all societal classes, including outcasts.

The Buddha’s Approach to Ordination

Buddha’s approach to the inclusion of women in the Sangha was both inclusive and cautious. Despite initial resistance, his teachings and the practice of the Middle Way were made available to all, not just renunciates. This inclusiveness was rooted in the recognition that the path to enlightenment could be followed by anyone with the capacity to practice, regardless of societal norms.

The Buddha’s model of spiritual love, grounded in the natural feelings a mother has towards her child, was central to his teachings. The practice of living courageously and peacefully in the face of adversity was another core skill of his way. These principles were accessible to all, including women, and did not require literacy or an intelligence level of 70.

The Initial Exclusion and Reasons

When the Buddha founded the Sangha, it was initially an all-male institution with strict rules. However, his teachings and practices were accessible to all, including women, who sought to join the Sangha. The Buddha, recognizing the universal potential for spiritual growth, sought to include women from the outset. However, the inclusion of women posed a risk to the continuity of the Sangha, as it could be perceived as a violation of ancient taboos and social norms.

The Buddha foresaw that including women in the Sangha could lead to its downfall. He believed that the order might only last for 500 years if women were allowed to join. This prediction was rooted in the fear of powerful men and society who were resistant to any change that undermined their social and religious authority.

The Decision to Include Women

Despite the initial refusal, the Buddha’s concern for the broader spiritual community led him to form a community of female monks (bhikkunis). This decision was not without conditions. The Buddha imposed additional rules on the female monastics, but he clearly stated that these rules were a response to the fears of powerful men and society. He acknowledged the inherent biases and prejudices that women faced in achieving spiritual goals, just as his own family had suffered losses and changes.

Buddha understood that women had to work twice as hard to achieve the same results as men, a reality that has persisted despite societal progress. However, he believed that the path to enlightenment was open to all, and his decision to ordain women was ultimately worth the cost.

Long-Term Implications and Legacy

Despite the challenges, the ordination of women in the Sangha has had a profound impact. Over the past 2500 years, there have been awakened women in Buddhist cultures across the world, sharing love, compassion, and wisdom. These women have contributed significantly to the evolution and spread of Buddhist teachings.

The Buddha’s sense of history and foresight has proven prescient. About 500 years after his lifetime, Buddhism was largely wiped out in India in a religious and political reaction against the promotion of the Buddha’s way by Empress Ashoka. However, this did not negate the impact of the Buddha's decision.

Today, while the challenges faced by women in the sangha persist, the ordination of women has opened doors for spiritual growth and enlightenment that were previously closed.

Conclusion

The decision of the Buddha to allow women to join the Sangha was a complex one, rooted in historical, cultural, and social factors. While it posed immediate risks, the long-term benefits for spiritual growth and inclusivity were significant. The inclusive nature of the Buddha’s teachings ultimately allowed women to take their place in the sangha, contributing to the rich and diverse tapestry of Buddhist history and practice.

References

For further reading on the topic, you can explore the following resources:

_file/evolution.pdf Gupta, V. (2023). Your comment on the post. Retrieved from [Your Comment URL]