Similarities Between Ancient Buddhism And Hinduism

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Recommended: Status of women in Buddhism

All around the world, cultures and religions have different viewpoints of women. Many places consider women inferior to men. Hindu women are viewed as unequal to men, and do not have as many opportunities as them to become involved with spiritual aspects. Similarly, Buddhist women are allowed to be involved with spiritual aspects but are still not viewed as equal in society. Although Buddhism and Hinduism share many similarities between the way they treat women, there are many instances where they differ. Comparing the two gives insight to how equality changes over time and educates people on the causes for their differences. It is essential for people to be educated on the differences between different beliefs in order to live more peaceful. …show more content…

For example, only men were allowed to be monks. The bhikkunis, or Buddhist nuns, wanted to be a part of the Shangha, which is the Buddhist community. The Buddha rejected them, so fifty women shaved their heads and marched to protest. The Buddha eventually agreed, and rules were later created that explained their rights. The rules were created to prevent monks from losing their status and the nuns becoming more respected than them. It was controversial at the time for women to leave their traditional roles in their homes to become nuns, showing that there was a significant social inequality between gender expectations. (Fisher 140). Furthermore, nuns were shunned from the monasteries and encouraged to live in their own (Fisher 151). They were allowed to have the same practices as the monks but were not allowed to live with them. The monks believed the women prevented them from developing spiritually. Women in ancient Buddhism were also not allowed to obtain any leadership or teaching positions. (Fisher

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