Societal Interpretations of Buddhism and Gender...

Societal Interpretations of Buddhism and Gender Inequality The doctrine and basic values of Buddhism are based centrally in equality and provide equal opportunity for both genders, and indeed all sentient beings, to attain enlightenment and the realization of the true Buddha within. However, an interesting discrepancy within the Buddhist traditions occurs in the societal interpretations of Buddhism and the resulting rules and regulations that can show less than equal treatment and valuation of female members. As a religion that gives strong support of logically and empirically constructed morals, it is worthwhile to note that many of the societal views of women show a portrayal of the female that has not caught up with†¦show more content†¦The Buddha himself said that women were totally, indisputably capable of enlightenment.† (325) The inherent meaninglessness of gender has been stated by the Buddha himself, and this should serve as a warning about the danger of falling into a trap of the ego. Discovering the inner harmony an d equality between all beings is a goal that can easily be waylaid when too much importance is placed on the separate qualifications or strengths of the different genders. â€Å"Ego, as we have seen, is any stage of habitual patterns and responses that clouds over the clarity and openness of basic human nature.† (Gross 162, Buddhism after Patriarchy) Separating practitioners by gender status can lead to this same type of ego duality. The separation of male and female is a pattern repeated by society and if it enters the realm of the spiritual, as in this case, it is yet another disillusion. The loss of the ego is intricately tied up in the renunciation of gender roles within Buddhism. Every Buddhist practitioner, regardless of sex, should be on an initially even playing field, according to the tenants of the Buddha. Some central Buddhist beliefs, such as karma, have been used to justify the inequality of women’s status. Unfortunately this patriarchal view brings very bad karma for those who use this form of â€Å"justice†, as they are simply supporting anShow MoreRelatedAnnotated Bibliography on the Role of Feminism and Women in Buddhism5082 Words   |  21 Pagesfeel particularly uncharitable towards, however my research has shown that this happens in almost all religions around the world. Buddhism is complicated with regard to women, as some countries’ version of it holds women in higher esteem than others. 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