I have been inspired by the teachings of the Buddha for 40 years. Early in that time I heard the reasons why women could not receive full ordination from a Western Ajahn in Thailand. It seemed to me then, as now, a ridiculous state of affairs and one that can only arise when the spirit of a teaching is subordinate to the letter of religious law. The Buddha apparently only ordained women after being repeatedly requested and against his better judgement. Does this make sense? Is it possible that an enlightened one, especially a Buddha with supreme wisdom, could be persuaded against what he knew to be wise? There are no other examples of this occuring. However, it does seem to me to be consistent with the meddling of unwise minds with what should be taught of the Buddha's wisdom, likewise the attitude that appears to be at the root of the issue of women's ordination, which is nothing more than male prejudice. I have been a supporter of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery and the Sangha there for over twenty years. In that time I have received great warmth and care and teaching from both male and female Sangha. it has always jarred with me that there is such inequality between men and women renunciates but have had to accept that this is how it is. However, I am relieved that at last this issue is being brought into the open and will hopefully be wisely resolved. All those years ago in Thailand I decided not to ordain, partly because of this issue. I am in no position to judge those who have ordained, and do not do so, however, I was talking in recent years to a monk, since disrobed, who was himself disturbed by the inequality in the Sangha. It would seem that this has been festering for a very long time in the hearts of many. What is wrong with open dialogue? Why can we not have these matters discussed on an open forum? It is only recently I have managed to find information on the website for Amaravati about the issue. This is good to see, but I wonder whether open dialogue with present attitudes is possible? There is, or should be according to the Buddha, a fourfold Sangha: male and female renunciates and male and female laity. Surely the lack of one of these is only down to outdated (were they ever in date?) attitudes. The Sangha depends on the laity and it is of course true that many, perhaps more traditional lay people will support the status quo. However, there is a considerable and growing laity who do not. Once again open discussion on a sensitive matter such as gender politics, as this most regrettably is, must surely be the way forward. Without openness there is the possibility, even probability, of misunderstanding and a rise in tensions. Certainly it is considerably more difficult to attain peace and understanding without it. The conservative attitude of discussing matters such as this which affect the whole community behind closed doors may only serve to distance the male and female sangha from each other and the Western Sangha from the vital and fast-growing Western laity. The Buddha's teaching is concerned with enlightenment, the end of suffering. All His words are towards this end. What place does an exclusion policy have in his teaching? Finally, Ajahn Sumedho has worked so hard in the last thirty years to bring about an environment in which as many as possible can partake of the Buddha's wisdom and bring an end to suffering. I understand he took some chances with tradition in the ordination of the Siladharas, and went as far as he could at the time. Some have written in criticism of him over the way recent events have been handled, but I feel it may be unfair and previous to do so. I am certain he has acted as best he can - if there have been errors then he would, I am sure, admit to them, but it may be the secrecy that surrounds the whole matter that has given rise to a situation where misunderstanding may be happening. May wisdom and compassion prevail - and in the process of the resolution of this issue, may we all remember we are responsible for our own attitudes and feelings and enable the wisest course to emerge. Oxford, UK - 1 Dec 2009 |