Exploring Gender Equity Issues Facing Australian Theravadin Bhikkhunīs: A Preliminary Analysis of Early Respondent Data

Abstract

In 2009, four Australian Buddhist nuns undertook the upasampada ceremony at Bodhinyana Monastery in Western Australia, becoming fully ordained Theravadin bhikkhunīs. This was considered highly controversial in global Buddhist circles, yet there is a gap in the academic research on Australian bhikkhunīs, who continue to ordain and have a growing community. This article is a preliminary analysis of interviews with Australian based Theravadin nuns, monks, and laity for their perspectives on the gender issues raised in the international literature, to gain an understanding of the status of Australian nuns and the barriers that they may experience.