This study explores the contemporary social reality of Buddhist precept nuns in Myanmar and Thailand through the lens of the monastic regulations and communal rules they adhere to, and how/if such rules inform their monastic discipline and communal cohesion. The concept of cohesion, in turn, may have much to tell us about nuns' ritual practices and religious activities in relation to those of monks, as well as about their engagement with the outside world. The article also discusses nuns' legal status in relation to the state, the traditional norms for Buddhist women in various socio-religious contexts, and the workings of hierarchy, authority and punishment in nunneries. In recent decades, some Buddhist nuns in both countries have expanded the size of their communities and enhanced their levels of education in part by upholding discipline and following Buddhist rules and norms. However, the dynamics differ between Myan-mar and Thailand. While thilashin in Myanmar have worked closely with monks by offering ritual services (and are now fully integrated into the wider Buddhist community there), mae chi in Thailand have enhanced their education and spiritual development by making the most of their independent status outside the control of the sangha.
目次
Introduction 40 Part 1. Buddhist Nuns in Myanmar 42 1.1 Legal status in relation to the state 44 1.2 Communal rules for precept nuns in Myanmar 45 1.3 Traditional feminine values and religious norms 47 1.4 Authority, seniority and collective responsibility 48 1.5 Maintaining order and punishment 50 Part 2. Buddhist Nuns in Thailand 52 2.1 Legal status in relation to the state 54 2.2 Nunneries 56 2.3 Communal rules and precepts for Thai nuns 58 2.4 Precepts, guidelines and punishment for mae chi 59 2.5 Ordained identity without a legal position 61 Conclusion 64 Bibliography 65
