Renunciation and empowerment of Buddhist nuns in Myanmar-Burma : building a community of female faithful / / by Hiroko Kawanami.

• Author: Kawanami, Hiroko.
• Year of Publication: 2013
• Language: English
• Series: Social sciences in Asia, v. 33; Social Sciences in Asia 33.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (270 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

Myanmar-Burma has one of the largest concentrations of Buddhist nuns and monks in the world today. In Renunciation and Empowerment of Buddhist Nuns in Myanmar-Burma , Kawanami traces the nun's scholarly lineage in modern Myanmar history and examines their contemporary religious position in Myanmar’s social and political contexts. Although their religious status may appear ambiguous from a textual viewpoint, it is argued that their large presence is a clear indication as to the important functions Buddhist nuns perform in the monastic community. Sagaing Hill where the main research was conducted, occupies an important educational centre for Myanmar nuns in consolidating their scholarly lineage and spreading the network of dhamma teachers. The book examines transactions that take place in their everyday lives and reveals the essence of their religious lives that make Buddhist nuns an essential bridge between sangha and society.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material -- Introduction -- 1 The Spectrum of Female Renunciation -- 2 Motivations for Renunciation -- 3 Becoming a Buddhist Nun -- 4 Political and Legal Provisions -- 5 Religious Transactions with Society -- 6 Scholastic Lineage and Nuns’ Education -- 7 Nunneries and Nunnery Schools -- 8 Passing on the Legacy -- Conclusion -- Glossary -- Bibliography -- Index.