2. Forms of Buddhism Theravada (Hinayana) – Has a more conservative outlook on the participation of women in Buddhism. This form of Buddhism denies the possibility of a female Buddha as well as Buddhist nuns. Mahayana (Zen) – Views Buddhism as more than male or female, but as a source of supreme enlightenment. Tantric – A female centered form of Buddhism.
3. Buddhism Contrary to other religions the language of Buddhism does not reflect gendered or masculine God-language. There are scriptures in Buddhism that suppress women and describe women in a variety of ways; filled with evil desires, harmful obstacles, impure, have more sinful karma than men, and the need to be reborn as a man in order to achieve Buddhahood. It is believed that this language and these scriptures do not reflect the words of Buddha but of society.
4. Buddhism There are certain countries that are more conservative towards the inclusion of women in Buddhism; Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Tibet, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. These countries usually practice Theravada Buddhism. There are women who are nuns and live as Buddhist devotees in these countries who receive no public or government support and are not fully ordained. In Taiwan and Japan women can enjoy their own monasteries as well as being ordained. These countries practice Mahayana (Zen).
5. Buddhism Sakyadhita – This is an association dedicated to Buddhist women that is a form of communication, education, and research for Buddhist women around the world. Many feminist Buddha women work to discredit the Theravada view of women by recovering scriptures about the enlightenment of women. Therigatha is a volume of writings by female disciples of Buddha that feminist Buddha women work to show its importance.
