Abstract
Introduction to Anthropology of Global Buddhism – Final Term Paper
Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, because a supreme being would not be able to relieve humans from suffering by giving up the attitudes that produce that specific suffering. « Its central teachings explains to its adherents the cause of and cure for human suffering, locating both within human attitudes towards life ».3 And the highest goal of Buddhism is the enlightenment and avoiding to reborn in the circle of rebirth : Samsara. Monks (bhikkhu) and nuns (bhikkhuni), try to do good actions in order to store merit. For men, becoming a monk is openly marked by communal celebrations and is praised. It implies honor and prestige for both the renuciant and his parents, adding social and moral values to them. But
what about women ? Being a Nun in Myanmar is not a normative custom and doesn't imply socially uplifting rewards. For a woman it is always a private affair, disparaged, seen as a disgression from traditional notion of feminity. But as history shows it, 250 C.E. Bhikkhunis at this time were very much present and as abundant as monks. In what way is it different today and why ? This leads us to question the extent to which becoming a Buddhist nun in Myanmar is a form of emancipation nowadays ?
