The role of women in the history of Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu, called Shin Buddhism, is vital. The upcoming EVERYDAY BUDDHIST course Living | Women in Buddhism invites you to investigate this interesting subject by examining various sutras and writings, taking a historiographical approach. There was a big debate in the history of Buddhism about a woman’s capability to attain Buddhahood while still maintaining the female form. We might think this to be a nonsensical idea; However, when we examine the rationale behind it, it may present a deeper meaning of gender equality.

Lotus Sutra, one of the early Mahayana Buddhist sutras, depicts a Naga King’s daughter who attains Buddhahood. The daughter talks to Bodhisattva Maňjuśrī and Bodhisattva Prajnakuta, and praises Śākaymuni Buddha by saying:

Having profoundly perceived the forms of transgression and merit,

He shines universally upon the four quarters.

There is no one in this world

Who does not worship his wondrous and pure image?

I have heard that only buddhas know who hears and attains enlightenment. 

I hear the superb Dharma and save those who are in suffering.

Then, Sariputra, one of the Buddha’s most famous disciples asks the daughter of the Naga King, “You believe that you will attain supreme enlightenment within a brief span of time. That is difficult to credit. The reason is that a woman’s body is befouled and is not a vessel for the Dharma. How can you attain supreme enlightenment?” The daughter of the Naga king said to the Bodhisattva Prajnakuta and to Sariputra, “Quicker than the time that took the World-Honored One to accept the jewel that I offered, I shall become a buddha.”

Then everyone assembled there saw the daughter of the Naga king instantly transform herself into a man, perfected the practice of a bodhisattva, and traveled southward to the Vimala world. Seated on a jeweled lotus, he attained enlightenment, and expounded the Dharma to myriad people. The sentient beings witnessed this and rejoiced, and each realized the mind that seeks the path.

Wow, what a fantastic transformation this daughter of the Naga King performed! The Lotus Sutra emphasizes the potential of all beings to become buddhas. Anyone who hears the Dharma, none will fail to achieve Buddhahood. Anyone includes monks, nuns, laypeople, numerous non-human beings, even the villain Devadatta who planned to plunder the Śākyamuni’s sangha and abetted Ajātaśatru in a crime.

Women’s Buddhahood becomes even more possible as the Pure Land teachings were spread by Honen and Shinran. We will overview these masters’ interpretations on the spiritual liberation of women. What about Shinran’s wife Eshinni’s understanding and their daughter Kakushinni, who laid the foundation for the current Hongwanji (the HQ temple of Shin Buddhism), Kyoto, Japan? The religious experiences of contemporary Shin Buddhist women like Takeko Kujo, Hisako Nakamura, Akiko Suzuki, and Chiyono Sasaki will also be presented. Each one experiencing the light of wisdom within their daily lives. We invite all to celebrate these women and together we can share in their joy of appreciating the Buddha-Dharma.

This topic will be explored in more detail along the EVERYDAY BUDDHIST Course Pathway with our latest course offering titled Living | Women in Buddhism. For this and our entire course offering you can subscribe for $10/month or save $25 with an annual subscription of just $95/year for unlimited access to all new courses and content.