Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī and BhikkhuṆῙ SaṄgha

Abstract

Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī was the stepmother and aunt of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. She played a crucial role in the Buddha’s life, especially after his enlightenment. After the Buddha’s mother, Queen Māyā, passed away, Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī took on the responsibility of raising Siddhartha. She later joined the Saṅgha, becoming one of the first Buddhist nuns (bhikkhunis). Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī is best known for her determination to seek ordination for women in the monastic community. She approached the Buddha three times before he finally agreed to establish the Bhikkhuni Saṅgha, the order of Buddhist nuns.

The Bhikkhuni Saṅgha refers to the community of Buddhist nuns who follow the monastic discipline established by the Buddha. The establishment of the Bhikkhuni Saṅgha marked a significant step toward gender equality in the early Buddhist community. Before this, the monastic order consisted only of male monks (bhikkhus). The acceptance of Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī and other women into the Bhikkhuni Saṅgha highlighted the Buddha’s teachings of equality and the possibility of spiritual attainment for both men and women. The Bhikkhuni Saṅgha played a crucial role in preserving and propagating the teachings of Buddhism. Bhikkhunis are engaged in study, meditation, and teaching, contributing to the spread of the Dharma.