Bhikkhus’ Virtuous Approach towards Women

Abstract

This academic article aims to re-examine the Bhikkhus’ approach towards women found in Buddha’s disciplines. The Buddha established teaching’s words used in Pali with special meaning linked to the Absolute realizing as objective (Paramatha) and practical way (Samati) such as word ‘Bhikkhu’ referring to beggar, those who always see the dangers of life and unwholesomeness, ‘deeds’ or ‘Paṭipadā’ which means living, right conducts, direct, proper practice, suitable, leading to purify the mind, the word ‘Satri or lady’ in Pali ‘Itthī’ referring to desirable objects involved with women such as mother, sisters, daughter, Bhikkhuni, and Upāsikā etc.  Bhikkhus who are facing the women, must be aware and mindful. Continued mindfulness will prevent unwholesome acts and leading to the line of disciplines, then wisdom or awareness can analyze ‘gratitude’, in case of mother, to perform his deeds as seen in 4 principles dealing with mother. For approaching to relative ladies, Bhikkhus should persuade them to follow Dhamma. For any housewife, Bhikkhus should encourage housewife’s duties, as a person behind the family success. In the case of Upāsikā, Bhikkhus continually teach the Noble Eightfold Path. For Bhikkhuni, Bhikkhus would be generous and virtuous in Patimokkha, being aware and moral deeds, which is the four foundations of mindfulness, with the ability to see danger in little mistakes, study all disciplines in accordance with Dhamma and discipline. A Bhikkhu should not bow down, not get up to accept women, not pay homage, nor do worship women in any position.