The Bhikkhunī Order in Theravada Tradition: A Historical Journey from Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī to Revival

Statues of Bhikkhuni

The Bhikkhunī Order in Theravada

The Bhikkhunī Order in the Theravada tradition holds a significant place in the history of Buddhism. The origin of the order can be traced back to the time of the Buddha himself. According to historical accounts, the first bhikkhunī in the Theravada tradition was Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī, who was the aunt and foster mother of the Buddha. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of the order.

Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī

In the year 543 BCE, shortly after the Buddha's enlightenment, Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī approached him with a request to be admitted into the monastic order. Initially, the Buddha hesitated, but after persistent pleas from Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī and the intervention of the deity Brahmā Sahampati, the Buddha finally agreed to ordain women as bhikkhunīs. This historic event took place in Vesālī, an ancient city in present-day Bihar, India.

With the formal ordination of Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī and several other women, the Bhikkhunī Order was established. The order grew steadily, and women from different backgrounds joined the monastic community, dedicating themselves to the practice of the Dhamma and the pursuit of enlightenment. This flourishing of the Bhikkhunī Order continued for many centuries.

Bhikkhunīs Arrive in Sri Lanka

During the time of Emperor Aśoka, in the 3rd century BCE, the teachings of the Buddha spread to Sri Lanka. It was during this period that the Bhikkhunī Order was introduced to the island. According to historical records, Arahant Saṅghamittā, the daughter of Emperor Aśoka, arrived in Sri Lanka accompanied by several bhikkhunīs. This marked the establishment of the Bhikkhunī Order in Sri Lanka.

The Bhikkhunī Order in Sri Lanka flourished for many centuries and played a crucial role in preserving the Buddha's teachings and promoting the spiritual well-being of women. However, over time, the order faced various challenges and experienced a gradual decline. One significant factor that contributed to the decline was the decline of Buddhism itself in Sri Lanka during the medieval period.

Decline

Another critical factor was the decline of royal patronage and support for the Bhikkhunī Order. With the waning influence of the monarchy, the support for the order diminished, leading to a decrease in the number of ordained bhikkhunīs. Furthermore, societal changes and cultural shifts also played a role in the diminishing numbers of bhikkhunīs in the Theravada tradition.

The decline of the Bhikkhunī Order reached a critical point in the 11th century CE when the order faced various challenges, including a lack of ordained bhikkhunīs and controversies surrounding the authenticity of the ordination lineage. These factors led to a gradual discontinuation of the ordination of bhikkhunīs within the Theravada tradition.

Revival

However, in recent times, there has been a revival of interest in reinstating the Bhikkhunī Order. Efforts are being made by both lay supporters and monastic communities to revive the order and reestablish the lineage of ordained bhikkhunīs. This revival is seen as a significant step towards gender equality and the full participation of women in the monastic Sangha.

Conclusion

The Bhikkhunī Order in the Theravada tradition has a rich and complex history. It originated with the first ordained bhikkhunī, Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī, and continued to flourish for many centuries. However, various factors, including societal changes and declining support, led to the gradual decline of the order. Nevertheless, recent efforts are being made to revive the Bhikkhunī Order and reinstate the lineage of ordained bhikkhunīs, marking a significant development in the modern Theravada tradition.

Bhikkhunis arrive in Sri Lanka

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