In examining the Buddhism religion, particurally the role of women in Buddhism, it was quite clear that the religion of Buddhism is practiced very different from country to Buddhism is a philosophy of life expounded by Gautama Buddha ("Buddha" means "enlightenedone"), who lived and taught in northern Inda in the 6th Century B.C. The Buddha was not a godand the philosophy of Buddhism does not entail any theistic world-view. The teachings of theBuddha are aimed solely to liberate sentient beings from suffering. Women have been a part of Buddhism since the Buddha first made his enlightenmentknown in Northeast India in the 6th century BC. Looking back to the earliest roots,several nuns and laywomen were among the Buddhas ablest and wisest Diceples.The everyday role of women in many countries is quite different from that defined inBuddhist scriptures. Pure Buddhist ideology The Buddah originally banned women from monastic practice (nuns) but later reversedhis decision, allowing them to practice in seperate quarters. The Buddist scriptures sayvery little about women, treating them as equals. In one scripture, the Visuddhi Magga, a monk asked, Reverend Sir, have you seen awoman pass this way? And the elder said: Was it a woman or a man that passed thisway? I cannot tell. But this I know, a set of bones is travelling upon this road.Although this verse attempts to show the equality of women on the spiratual path, therewas, and still is... sexual stereotypes present in the culture of Buddhist communities. By contrast to such bigoted practices that hinder spiritual development, Buddhism can be claimedto be the least discriminatory in attitudes towards women. There is no doubt at all that theBuddha was the first religious teacher who gave women equal and unfettered opportunities in thefield of spiritual development. Although He had on several occasions pointed out the naturaltendencies and weaknesses of women in general, He also gave du...
