QUESTION
I am very new to Buddhist studies, so please excuse any ineptitude.
I have just read the story of the Buddha’s reluctance to accept women as bhikkhunis. It seems from that story and others that I must accept being inferior to other human beings, since women’s intentions and motivations are suspect, even today.
I wonder what would be different if women’s thoughts and ways of being had been respected and included.
I see that in some countries Buddhist women like you are indeed respected and listened to, even though it seems we cannot achieve Buddhahood.
What is the effect on women and on men of considering women to be inferior beings? We are even seen as similar to alcohol or other mere objects of men’s desires, rather than sentient beings. How odd it is that we are excluded even as objects, since in every other instance we are told it is our internal attachments and cravings that cause the problem, rather than objects or external circumstances.
I feel deep sorrow at the prospect of abandoning my Buddhist studies, since all has seemed brilliant up to now, but I am asked to look at Buddhism with a critical eye before accepting the teachings.
Any help will be appreciated.
ANSWER
Dearest A:
Happy to hear from you!
I understand well the points you make!
First of all, misogyny is nothing new: it’s been in all cultures, more or less, for centuries! We know this.
So of course, that being the culture, Buddha would have initially refused to ordain women. But he didn’t! That’s pretty radical!
As we can see, all the sutras and the commentaries are addressed to heterosexual men, so it’s from that perspective that women are seen as objects — it’s clear.
So we need to take the step of changing the pronouns: if they were addressed to women, the objects would be called “men.”
It’s hard of course: we can’t help but take it personally!
At the time I first heard the Buddhist teachings, I had been through ten intensive years of radical politics, culminating in radical feminism. It was all such a shock!
We have to think it through. The more we think about gender, etc., the more we realize these are just conceptual constructs we’ve all made up over countless lifetimes about what our “self” is.
The common denominator is our mind, our consciousness: that’s who we really are and we can transform it into a compassionate, wise, enlightened mind.
In other words, it’s all cultural, A: there’s nothing intrinsic about being male or female. All minds, just naturally, possess the potential to be enlightened.
And then we can manifest throughout the world – as men and women and who knows what! – for the benefit of others.
Also, as far as the more esoteric teachings of the Vajrayana are concerned, it’s good to be female!
So everything is contextual.
What do you think?
Love to you,
Robina
QUESTION
Dearest Robina,
Thank you for your email: I am overwhelmed by your kindness, and have been able to return to my studies. You have calmed me right down.
The idea that we have all been every gender – at least the flame has passed through every sentient being.
It’s making me feel a bit dizzy — in a good way!
Of course I still have some puzzlement, which I am trying to put into words! When I do, I hope I may email you again.
In the meantime I wish you all happiness
A
ANSWER
Good, A!
Keep moving, one step at a time!
And maybe read some of the amazing stories about yoginis: we need the encouragement!
For sure, stay in touch.
Love to you,
Robina