For Women
Women and the Spiritual Life
In order to establish a new Buddhist movement in the West Sangharakshita has deeply considered many aspects of the modern world including how women can most effectively follow the spiritual path. He has radical and encouraging views on issues surrounding women’s Dharma practice, particularly in establishing an ordination for women into the Western Buddhist Order that is equivalent to that of men. Being neither monastic nor ‘lay’, the Order embodies Sangharakshita’s belief that it is commitment - Going for Refuge - to the Three Jewels that must lie at the heart of the spiritual life, rather than any specific detail of lifestyle.
This interview offers a rare glimpse of Sangharakshita’s revolutionary approach on issues including the ordination of women, the place of motherhood in the spiritual life, the value of single-sex activities and spiritual friendship.
Buddhist Women speak on Motherhood
The women in this ground-breaking documentary are all ordained members of the Western Buddhist Order and many of them are mothers. They are not nuns in the traditional sense, but are part of a new Buddhist Movement that is adapting principles from the ancient East and applying them to the modern world.
Nine of the women talk about their experiences of bringing up children and how this forms an integral part of their spiritual path. Two others describe how they chose not to have children, resolving significant conflict in the process, deciding instead to devote themselves to exploring other ways of deepening their Buddhist practice in the modern world.
The issue of family life and spiritual life is a vital and complex area for many women. The video explores this topic in depth, covering a wide range of experience and different perspectives. Structured in sections it goes into such areas as: lifestyle, conditions, meditation, challenges and joys, attachment, choice and leaving home.
(43 mins)
Buddhist Women speak on Ordination
This documentary explores the unique approach to the ordination of women of the Western Buddhist Order. Because the Order is neither lay nor monastic it enables women from diverse circumstances to commit themselves to the Buddhist path. In many Buddhist traditions men must be involved in women’s ordinations but here women have the whole responsibility.
Through history and personal stories, women of this Order communicate the nature of commitment to the Buddhist path, the experience of ordination, and the impact that commitment has on the world.
(43 mins)