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Question
What is Buddhism's view of women?
Thank you!
Hi Laura,
Thank you for asking me.
Buddhism gives equal importance to women. It acknowledges the biological and physical differences between man and woman. Women are given equal freedom to pursue spiritual development.
In terms of secular issues, even during the Buddha's time, the Buddha gave very practical advices on the status of women, especially, duties as wives. We must realize that during the Buddha's time 2500 years ago, women were not given much freedom in any field. We would consider that Buddhism can claim itself to be most liberal and fair towards women.
Whatever discrimination of women in the name of Buddhism would most probably stem from cultural and racial causes, and not from the teachings of the Buddha.
May I refer you to an article by my late spiritual teacher, Ven. Dhammananda regarding this topic @
http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/Books6/Dhammananda_Status_of_Women_in_Buddhism...
There are a number of articles in the internet concerning this topic. Just Google "position of women in Buddhism" and you can read the articles.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Justin Choo
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Answers by Expert:
Justin Choo
Expertise
When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.
Experience
I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple.
My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @
http://www.ksridhammananda.com
Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.
Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/
Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)
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