上座部佛教的兩性論述 -- 從原始佛典的解讀到當代「平等」議題=On Gender Discourse of The Theravāda Buddhism: From the Interpretation of Original Buddhist Texts to the Discussion of the Contemporary Meaning of Equality
This thesis deals with the Buddhist outlook on gender issues. Contemporary feminists have extrapolated modern ideas of gender equality to make conclusions about the gender values of early Buddhism. The centre of the heated gender equality debate for scholars and laypeople has been the validity of the eight garudhamma – with a movement started on April, 1 2001 for their abolition, under the premise that they are not believed to be the authentic teachings of the Buddha. This thesis reflects the contemporary stance on gender equality, on the basis of the descriptions of gender relationships and the equality found in the original Pāli texts and Chinese translation of the Agama sutras, with particular reference to the eight garudhamma. The thesis concludes that according to the texts, the eight garudhamma were laid down as norms for the sacred conduct of Buddhist nuns rather than merely customs, and therefore are rules that deserve to transcend feminist standards (which would be more appropriately applied to social customs). Discussion is also made of the likely reasons for the growth of the contemporary movement for Buddhist gender equality despite lack of scriptural support – with citation of the Buddha’s Ovādapatimokkha teaching to put gender issues in the broader perspective of the true goals of Buddhist practice.
