Question

Who amongst the following persuaded the Buddha to admit women in the Sangha ?

• A. Mahapajapati Gotami
• B. Rahul
• C. Ananda
• D. Punna

Hint:

Women who joined the Sangha and attained liberation were called 'Theris'. The 'Therigatha' is a unique collection of Buddhist scriptures composed by these women.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:

• The Buddhist Sangha was initially restricted to men, but shifted towards a more inclusive structure early in its history.
• The role of close disciples was crucial in shaping the rules of the monastic order.

Step 1: Identifying the role of Ananda
Ananda was the Buddha's favorite disciple and personal attendant who often mediated between the Buddha and others.
When Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha's foster mother, sought to join the order, the Buddha initially refused.
Ananda argued that women were spiritually capable of reaching enlightenment, eventually convincing the Buddha to admit them.

Step 2: Establishing the first female order
Following this persuasion, Mahapajapati Gotami became the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni.
This decision led to the creation of a separate monastic order for women.