Buddhist Nuns in Taiwan and Sri Lanka
Abstract
Taking a comparative approach, this fieldwork-based study explores the lives and thoughts of Buddhist nuns in present-day Taiwan and Sri Lanka. The author examines the postcolonial background and its influence on the modern situation, as well as surveying the main historical, economic, and social factors which influence the position of nuns in society. Based on original research, including interviews with nuns in both countries, the book examines their perspectives on controversial issues and in particular those concerning the status of women in Buddhism. Concerns discussed include allegedly misogynist teachings relating to women’s inferior karma, that they cannot become Buddhas, and that nuns have to follow additional rules that monks do not. Bridging the gap between feminist theory and the reality of women in religion, the book makes a distinct contribution to the study of women in Buddhism by focusing on nuns from both of the main wings of Buddhism (Theravada and Mahayana) as well as furthering feminist studies of Buddhism and religion in general.
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As Buddhist nuns greatly outnumber monks in Taiwan, it is naturally easier for TSEA to find nuns who are willing to give assistance.
“As Buddhist nuns greatly outnumber monks in Taiwan (Cheng 2007, 39), it is naturally easier for TSEA to find nuns who are willing to give assistance.”
From Theravādizing Ghost Festival in Taiwan (2012) · cites this paper as Cheng 2007
Cited by
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Buddhist Nuns: Between Past and Present
Heirman, A. (2011) · Numen · doi:10.1163/156852711x593278 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Theravādizing Ghost Festival in Taiwan
Cheng, W.-Y. (2012) · Contemporary Buddhism · doi:10.1080/14639947.2012.716704 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Self-citation
- Authors
- Cheng, W.-Y.
- Affiliations
- Hsuan Chuang University (TW)
- Corresponding author
- Cheng, Wei-Yi
- ORCID
- Cheng, Wei-Yi
- Venue
- Routledge eBooks
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Published
- 2007-01-24
- OpenAlex
- W4213330377
- Cited by
- 47
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 25
- FWCI
- 10.34
- Type
- book
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Routledge eBooks (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Indian and Buddhist Studies
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Religion, Gender, and Enlightenment
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Study and Philosophy of Religion
- Keywords
- Buddhist nuns, women in Buddhism, women's status, postcolonialism, feminist theory, Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, ordination of women, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, comparative religion
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