The article discusses the patriarchal aspects of Buddhism, contrasting it with other religions typically associated with misogyny. While Buddhism is often perceived as liberal and rational regarding gender and sexuality, its scriptures, particularly the Vinaya Pitaka, reveal a systematic rejection of female sexuality. Key points include: - Nuns (bhikkunis) face more rules (331) than monks (bhikkus) (227), emphasizing the additional burden on women to not "arouse the desires of men." - Monks are advised to avoid situations that may lead to temptation from women, and those who succumb are seen as defeated. - The Buddha's teachings include strong warnings against the dangers of female allure, stating that no other scent, taste, voice, or caress is more enslaving than that of a woman. - Monks are instructed to maintain a demeanor that minimizes attraction, including not walking with women or showing excessive bodily movement. Overall, the article highlights the rigorous restrictions placed on monks and nuns, illustrating that Buddhism has its own forms of misogyny that challenge the modern perception of the religion as inherently egalitarian.

by Devdutt Pattanaik in English Mythological Stories

Writen by Devdutt Pattanaik

Category Mythological Stories