The aims of this research were: 1) to study the background of Bhikkhunī (female monks) in Buddhism; 2) to study their roles in Buddhism; 3) to study the analysis of their roles in Buddhism. This study employed the method in Documentary Research in collecting the primary data from the Thai Tipiṭaka and secondary data from documents, academic papers, books, texts and relevant research. The data then were analyzed emphasizing on the research objectives by the deductive method.
The research results were as follows:
1) Ancient Indian societies have deprived women of their religion and denied their religious affiliation because of the values of society and customs. However, the Buddha admits women to be ordained in Buddhism from every caste without restrictions. The first nun was born Maha Pajāpati Gotamī, who was raised in Buddhism by requesting the permission of Ananda after five years enlightenment of the Buddha. Then there was a number of Buddhist female Bhikkhu ordination.
2) There are five aspects of the female roles: 1) propagation of Buddhist teachings, those who played an important role included Rupanundatherī, Dhammadinnātherī, Bhaddākuccānātherī; 2) education contribution: Bhaddākuṇḍalakesātherī, Siṅgalamātātherī; 3) governance: Maha Pajāpati Gotamī, Paṭācārātherī, Sakulātherī; 4) culture preservation: Khemātherī, Ubonvannātherī, Soṅātherī, Bhaddakāpilānītherī; 5) public assistance: Kīsāgotamītherī and Siṅālamātātherī.
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