This article attempts a preliminary ethical reflection based on the historical records of Ananda requesting ordination for women, distinguishing between institutional rules and Dharma teachings. It advocates that if there is tension between the institutional system and the Dharma teachings, then basic teachings, such as dependent origination, should be taken in priority for making an evaluation and review. Firstly, it argues that the Buddha’s ordination of women was not necessarily due to Ananda’s request, as the universality and inevitability of the Buddha’s truth are independent of any individual’s stance. Secondly, it points out that equality is a fundamental value in Buddhism, and the core teaching of dependent origination itself embodies the profound meaning of equality. Thirdly, it uses the “Law of Eight Respects” (aṭṭha garudhamma) as an example to illustrate Taiwanese Buddhist leaders’ response and actions towards gender equality in Buddhism. Fourthly, due to the deepening awareness of gender equality in Taiwanese Buddhism and the emancipation from the “Law of Eight Respects,” a remarkable experience of bhikkhuni ordination that has attracted worldwide attention has been created. Finally, the implementation of gender equality in Buddhism is prospected. In returning to the true meaning of Buddhism and responding to the trends of the times, we should reexamine the implications and inspiration of the “Two Truths” and follow the right understanding, right view, and fearless spirit of Buddhism to continue Ananda’s first battle in seeking to support women, achieving truly harmony and equality between genders.
Keywords:
dependent origination, equality, Law of Eight Respects, Taiwanese Bhikkhunis, Worldly-Truth