Buddhist Nuns in Taiwan and Sri Lanka (RoutledgeCurzon Critical Studies in Buddhism)

Taking a comparative approach, this fieldwork-based study explores the lives and thoughts of Buddhist nuns in present-day Taiwan and Sri Lanka. The author examines the postcolonial background and its influence on the modern situation, as well as surveying the main historical, economic, and social factors which influence the position of nuns in society. Based on original research, including interviews with nuns in both countries, the book examines their perspectives on controversial issues and in particular those concerning the status of women in Buddhism. Concerns discussed include allegedly misogynist teachings relating to women’s inferior karma, that they cannot become Buddhas, and that nuns have to follow additional rules that monks do not. Bridging the gap between feminist theory and the reality of women in religion, the book makes a distinct contribution to the study of women in Buddhism by focusing on nuns from both of the main wings of Buddhism (Theravada and Mahayana) as well as furthering feminist studies of Buddhism and religion in general. This Book Is A Comparative Study Of Buddhist Nuns In Contemporary Taiwan And Sri Lanka. The Author Explores The Postcolonial Background And Its Influence On The Contemporary Situation, As Well As Surveying The Main Historical, Economic, Social And Other Factors Bearing Upon The Position Of Nuns In Society. Based On Original Research, In Which Nuns Were Questioned About Their Perspective, Various Controversial Issues Concerning The Status Of Women In Buddhism Are Exposed. These Include Allegedly Misogynist Teachings Relating To Women's Inferior Karma, That They Cannot Become Buddhas, And That Nuns Have To Follow Additional Rules Which Monks Do Not. This Book Makes An Important Contribution To The Study Of Women In Buddhism By Focusing Both On Nuns From Both Of The Main Wings Of Buddhism (theravada And Mahayana) And From Different Asian Countries.--provided By Publisher. 2 Buddhist Women In Sri Lanka And Taiwan 11 -- Buddhist Women In Sri Lanka 11 -- Buddhist Women In Taiwan 34 -- 3 Scripture Analysis 52 -- Scriptural Influence 54 -- Women's Karma 57 -- Ultimate Goal 68 -- The Eight Special Rules 83 -- 4 Religious Experience 101 -- Renunciation 101 -- Education 115 -- The Mixed-sex Sangha 149 -- The Bhikkhuni Ordination 166. Wei-yi Cheng. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 209-221) And Index.