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Gender and Sexual Discrimination in Thai Buddhism

Gender and Sexual Discrimination in Thai Buddhism. Kulavir P.Pipat. 4 Groups of Buddhist. Bhikkhu / Male Monk Bhikkhuni / Female Monk Upasaka / Layman Upasika / Laywoman Clear principle of gender equality in spiritual potential. Sex and gender in Buddhist Text .

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Gender and Sexual Discrimination in Thai Buddhism

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  1. Gender and Sexual Discrimination in Thai Buddhism Kulavir P.Pipat

  2. 4 Groups of Buddhist • Bhikkhu / Male Monk • Bhikkhuni / Female Monk • Upasaka / Layman • Upasika / Laywoman • Clear principle of gender equality in spiritual potential.

  3. Sex and gender in Buddhist Text • Physiological sex has no effect on enlightenment. • Mind can accumulate some sexual characteristics • Gender in Buddhist text is very based on context of Indian society.

  4. Sexuality in Buddhist Text • No particular condemnation and punishment for being a homosexual. • Since Buddhism considers life as suffering, reproductive sex is not encouraged. Therefore, homosexuality is does not matter much. • Heterosexual and homosexual as a duality should be also transcended.

  5. Cause & Effect of Gender Bias in Thai Buddhism • Gender-bias beliefs in Thai Buddhism: • Women are born because of bad karma. • Women cannot attain enlightenment. • Woman’s body is polluted and unclean.

  6. Women not Allowed • Belief of sacred objects/khued • Women’s fluids are impure • Tradition of the Northern Thais • Respect to local practice

  7. Ambiguity of Mae Chii • Ministry of Transport • Not Nun, so no benefits for Mae Chii i.e. discount or priority seat • Ministry of Interior • Nun so don’t have right to vote

  8. Results: • Women believe they are inferior beings. (This belief often found in Thai nuns.) • Women have been barred from ordination and excluded from religious leading role. • Women are not allowed in certain areas in temples, particularly in northern Thailand. • Women have been physically and sexually abused by male members.

  9. Ordination VS Prostitution • Dr. Tavivat Puntarigvivat from Mahidol University

  10. Buddhist standpoint towards Homosexuality • Since Buddhism doesn’t support reproduction, there is no condemnation on homosexuality

  11. Beings not allowed for Ordination • Non-human i.e. Naga or legendary serpent • People with major disability by birth • Hermaphrodite

  12. Sexual discrimination in Thai Buddhism • Homosexual is born of bad karma. • Homosexual issue has never been openly and officially addressed. • No recognition from Thai state of homosexual existence.

  13. Derogative of Homosexual • Rak-ruam-phet means loves to have sexual intercourse • Entertainer in Movies • Phrang-chom-phu, 2006 • It gets better, 2012 Ban of a gay student to study in primary school teaching

  14. Conclusion • Gender equality in spiritual potential for both sexes • Essence and principle of Buddhism: • Middle Path should transcend dualities: man/woman, straight-gay, etc. • Tiilakkhana: Three characteristics: impermanence, changeability, not self • Buddha Nature: All sentient being has nature of enlightenment

  15. Circle of Oppression • Either oppressor or being oppressed, one can not be free from this vicious circle.

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