The Bhikkhuni Sangha is the congregation of Buddhist nuns, including practicing nuns: novice nuns and learned women (sāmaṇerī, sikkhāmānā).
These are women who have become monks, abandoned their families and lived without families, and accepted a life of celibacy.
A new woman joining the nun community must undergo two years of female ordination before becoming a novice nun, receive novice nun ordination for two years and reach the age of twenty before receiving full bhikkhunī ordination.
They practice stricter precepts than men. Bhikkhunis must follow The Eight Garudhammas and practice strict precepts.
In the history of Buddhism, allowing women to become monks encountered many controversies and concerns, but in the end, Buddha Gautama accepted the establishment of nuns for women.
Bhikkhunis keep 311 precepts
About 500 years after the Buddha passed away in Nirvana, in some Theravada traditions, the Bhikkhuni community no longer existed, because there were no female attendants to inherit the Bhikkhuni tradition. Therefore, Bhikkhunis, novice nuns and female students no longer exist, now only female nuns keep the 10 precepts.
The Bhikkhuni Sangha: A Pillar of Buddhist Monasticism
The Bhikkhuni Sangha, a cornerstone of Buddhist tradition, comprises fully ordained female monastics. These women have renounced worldly attachments, embraced a life of celibacy, and dedicated themselves to the path of spiritual enlightenment. Central to their practice is the observance of a stringent code of conduct, the Vinaya, which is even more rigorous for Bhikkhunis than for their male counterparts, the Bhikkhus.
The journey to full Bhikkhuni ordination is arduous and multifaceted. Aspiring nuns must initially undergo a two-year probationary period as a novice nun, or sāmaṇerī. This period is dedicated to rigorous training in monastic discipline and Buddhist teachings. Only upon reaching the age of twenty and successfully completing this novice phase can a woman undergo the demanding process of full Bhikkhuni ordination.
The establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha was a pivotal moment in Buddhist history, yet it was not without its challenges. The Buddha himself initially expressed reservations about ordaining women, citing potential obstacles to their spiritual progress. However, upon realizing the sincerity and determination of his disciple Ananda, who pleaded on behalf of women seeking ordination, the Buddha relented and established the Bhikkhuni Sangha.
The Bhikkhunis, in addition to adhering to the general monastic rules, must also observe the Eight Garudhammas, specific precepts that underscore their subordinate position to the Bhikkhu Sangha. These rules, while often seen as discriminatory, reflect the socio-cultural context of their time and serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Bhikkhunis.
Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies throughout history, the Bhikkhuni Sangha has persisted as a vital component of Buddhist monasticism. Their contributions to the Dharma have been immeasurable, and their unwavering commitment to the path has inspired countless generations of Buddhist practitioners.
Unfortunately, the lineage of Bhikkhuni ordination faced a significant setback approximately 500 years after the Buddha's Parinirvana. Due to a lack of female attendants to carry on the tradition, the Bhikkhuni Sangha in some Theravada traditions ceased to exist. This resulted in the discontinuation of full Bhikkhuni ordination and the subsequent decline of the Bhikkhuni lineage in these regions.
While the absence of fully ordained Bhikkhunis in certain traditions is deeply regrettable, it is essential to acknowledge the ongoing efforts to revive the Bhikkhuni lineage. Many contemporary Buddhist communities are actively working to re-establish the Bhikkhuni Sangha, recognizing the importance of gender equality and inclusivity within the monastic order.
In conclusion, the Bhikkhuni Sangha represents a rich and complex tapestry of Buddhist history, practice, and challenges. Their story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Dharma. As Buddhism continues to evolve and adapt to the modern world, the Bhikkhuni Sangha remains an essential and inspiring force, embodying the spirit of compassion, wisdom, and equality that lies at the heart of the Buddha's teachings.
Additional Considerations for Further Exploration
- The role of Bhikkhunis in early Buddhism: Delve deeper into the historical context of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, exploring their contributions to the early development of Buddhism.
- Comparative analysis of Bhikkhuni precepts: Compare the Vinaya rules for Bhikkhunis and Bhikkhus to understand the specific challenges faced by female monastics.
- The impact of the decline of the Bhikkhuni Sangha: Discuss the consequences of the loss of the Bhikkhuni lineage in Theravada traditions, both for women and for the Buddhist community as a whole.
- Contemporary Bhikkhuni movements: Explore the efforts to revive the Bhikkhuni Sangha in different parts of the world and the challenges and opportunities they face.
- The role of Bhikkhunis in modern Buddhism: Examine the contributions of contemporary Bhikkhunis to Buddhist thought, practice, and society.
By expanding on these areas, you can create a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Bhikkhuni Sangha and its enduring significance in Buddhism.
