The book fathoms the life and position of Buddhist women in ancient India. In order to get a true picture the book is primarily based on Pali Tipitaka, commentaries, Ceylon-chronicles and Mahayan Sanskrit treatise. A large span of ten centuries have been covered and will prove a stimulating study for those who already know and for those who would like discover something of ancient Indian life, customs and women in particular.
An analysis of reluctance and later acceptance of women in the Samgha by the Buddha-along with Atthagaru Dhammas have been incorporated. The Patimokkha-Vinaya laws of nuns, major and minor have been briefly but critically translated and compared with the rules of the monks. Their reflections in the Sutta-Pitaka have been studied, for the first time.
The life of a nun in the Samgha and society has been vividly narrated. The contribution of women in making Bodhisattas and Goatam Buddha have been examined. The various domestic phases in a life of women and social environments, that causes ups and down in her life are scrupulously studied.
The approach of the book is not only to take a survey or of describe the life of women but also to discern the gain and loss, she had borne with for historically a long period (6th cent. B.C. to 6th cent. A.D.). It is hoped that the book will prove as an asset to scholars and students of Ancient Indian Culture, History, Sociology, Pali and Buddhistic studies. |
