Nuns, Buddhist

The order of the Buddhist nuns, also known as theris, established by the Buddha is a landmark in women's history as the first and the only women's order to strive toward the most noble kind of freedom. It was in the 6th century B.C.E. when Buddhist nuns established an ideal of sisterhood, becoming the first feminist order. Buddha's mother, Mahapajapati Gotami, was the first Buddhist nun ordained into the Dhamma, after much reluctance on Buddha's part. It was at the insistence of Gotami that Buddha gave his consent to the bhikkuni order.

Buddha prescribed eight special rules (gurudhamma) that the bhikkunis had to agree to before they were ordained. Compiled in Bhikkuni Vinaya, these rules establish male superiority over female if examined by modern standards. However, judging by the contemporary standards, these nuns were the champions of the feminist cause for their time, because the bhikkuni order brought Buddhism closer to the ideals that were later to be known as feminist. The order had on the one hand Sumeda and Sela, who were of royal lineage, and on the other the slave girl Punnika. There were former courtesans like Ambapali and Vimala and daughters of noble families like Bhadda, Kundalkesa, and Sujata.

Girls train to become Buddhist nuns in Thailand. Most faiths will not let women under 18 take their vows.

The Brahminical religion of the Buddha's time did not grant any parity to women. In such times, the order of the bhikkunis may be seen as a progressive step against the engendered norms of patriarchy. The nuns’ order received its orientation from the monks initially, but when the monks’ resentment and reluctance was sensed, it was felt that the nuns’ order needed to be redefined. Greater autonomy was granted to the bhikkunis, and they were allowed to teach their own disciples. Ordination of the nuns has [Page 1029]three levels: sramanerika (novice); siksamana (probationary); and bhikkuni (full ordination), and it is received at a slow, steady pace to acclimatize the nuns with the Sangha, or spiritual community.

The actual number of theris is not known, but the Khuddaka Nikaya has 73 poems, organized into 16 chapters written by Dhamma, Ubbiri, Patacara, Kisa Gotami, Mittakkali, Samana, Mutta, and many more. This is known as Therigatha, or “Verses of the Elder Nuns.” Therigatha is a record of the position of nuns in the order and its verses reaffirm the equal position accorded to women in terms of religious attainment. Author Kathryn R. Blackstone looks upon these verses as “liberation manuals.” Through not only their verses but also their lives, the nuns proved that women are equal and also that even without rebellion, women can choose not only their own path but also guide others to a path of discipline that leads to knowledge and freedom from all suffering.

The nuns’ order flourished in India for some time, and in the 3rd century B.C.E. spread to Sri Lanka. After a century, the order expanded to China and Korea as well. After almost 500 years of Buddhism, there was a bifurcation seen in the Mahayana and the Theravada streams. Although the Theravada bhikkuni order has still not been completely revived, in countries like Sri Lanka the Theravada bhikkuni survives to this today.

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