1. Author Affiliation: Seoul National University, Korea.
2. Religions 2023, 14(2), 242.
關鍵詞
gender; Korean Buddhism; monastic order; constitution; bhikṣuṇī; lay women
摘要
Scholars have observed that Korean Buddhist nuns have a relatively high social status compared to nuns of other Asian countries, much like their sisters in Taiwan. It is a source of great pride for many Korean bhikṣuṇīs that their community operates with a high degree of autonomy, bringing them to an almost equal standing with their male counterparts. However, this claim of equal status is challenged once the nuns step outside their own communities and into the hierarchical system of the Order, an institution dominated by male monastics. This paper aims to report on the gender disparity between male monastics and Buddhist women, both nuns and laywomen alike. I will first explore Korean Buddhist nuns’ experiences of gender discrimination imposed by the current institutional and cultural practices of the Buddhist Order, and their battles to challenge the legitimacy of this power structure. Next, I will introduce various episodes, including the Buddhist administration’s conflict with progressive women’s groups, to showcase the gender dynamics and current status of women in Korean Buddhism. Ultimately, my argument is that the conservatism and misogynism of traditional religion continue to influence Korean Buddhism today, despite societal efforts to heighten gender awareness and sensitivity.
目次
Abstract 1 Keywords 1 1. Introduction 1 2. Social and Internal Changes in the Modern Period 2 3. First Administrative Position Given to a Nun in 2003 3 4. The Formation of an Anti-Group against the Jogye Order and Its Subsequent Retaliation 3 5. Conflict between Monks and Laywomen Surrounding the Appointment of the President of the Buddhist Women’s Development Institute in 2019 6 6. Conclusions 7 Notes 8 References 9
