The Role of Women in Tibetan Buddhism

The Role of Women in Tibetan Buddhism

“In Tantric Buddhism, we are dealing with a misogynist, destructive, masculine philosophy and religion which is hostile to life – i.e. the precise opposite of that for which it is trustingly and magnanimously welcomed in the figure of the Dalai Lama.”[1] Within Tibetan Buddhism, there is an inherent contradiction regarding the status of women. Although in many aspects women are seen and treated as inferior to men, several of the ancient and fundamental values of Tibetan Buddhism, and more specifically Tantric Buddhism, emphasize equality of the sexes, universal compassion, and most importantly the significant and essential role of the woman. Tibetan Buddhist nuns have been trying to correct this contradiction for years to remove the inferior and degrading stereotype that defines them and to be seen as equal to men. Beginning with the emergence of Tibetan Buddhism from India until today, the status of women, both physically and symbolically has declined due to the patriarchal system adopted by Tibet. “The mystery of Tantric Buddhism consists in the sacrifice of the feminine principle and the manipulation of erotic love in order to attain universal androcentric power.”[2] In their patriarchal society, the symbol of the woman is used by men now as an instrument; manipulated by men in order to acquire control and power.

Many of the influences of Tibetan Buddhism came from India thousands of years ago. There were four phases leading up to the Tantric practice that is known today. 560 B.C.E. to 480 B.C.E. marked the first stage, the life of Siddharta Gautama, who Tibetans believe to be the original Buddha. The legend of the Buddha is that he was conceived in ...

... middle of paper ...

...part I, section 2.

[10] Trimondi, Victor and Victoria, The Shadow of the Dalai Lama, part I, section 2.

[11] Trimondi, Victor and Victoria, The Shadow of the Dalai Lama, part I, section 2.

[12] Campbell, June, Traveller in Space, p.47.

[13] Allione, Tsultrim, Women of Wisdom, p.41.

[14] Campbell, June, Traveller in Space, p.128.

[15] Campbell, June, Traveller in Space, p.157.

[16] Campbell, June, Traveller in Space, p.149.

[17] Havnevik, Hanna, Tibetan Buddhist Nuns, p.48.

[18] Havnevik, Hanna, Tibetan Buddhist Nuns, p.131.

[19] Aham, Arya, Encounter With a Bodhisattva, p.3.

[20] Havnevik, Hanna, Tibetan Buddhist Nuns, p.142.

[21] Havnevik, Hanna, Tibetan Buddhist Nuns, p.184.

[22] Havnevik, Hanna, Tibetan Buddhist Nuns, p.135.

[23] Havnevik, Hanna, Tibetan Buddhist Nuns, p.185.

[24] Allione, Tsultrim, Women of Wisdom, p.2.