Thailändska nunnor och kvinnliga munkar. Förändring och utmaning av den buddhistiska ordningen

Abstract

This artide addressesThai Buddhist nuns' agency in creating religious space and authority, and raises questions about how the position of Thai Buddhist nuns outside the formål institution of Buddhist monks and novices affects their religious legitimacy. It gives a background to the troublesome situation for Buddhist nuns in Thailand and includes a summary of the rise, fall and recent restoration of theTheravada female monks' order. Religion has traditionally played a central role in Thai society and Buddhism is still intertwined in the daily life of Thai people. Religion also plays an important role in establishing gender boundaries. Men's ordination is highly respected and uplifts their social position. Women's choice to leave the lay world and seek ordination is commonly not appreciated and not in line with the Thai gender order. The Buddhist nuns' long history in Thailand has not granted them formål religious legitimacy and their secondary standing in the Buddhist temples is further confirmed by their lack of support from the Thai government. The recent decades' growth of nunneries governed by the nuns themselves and the Thai women's increasing interest in Buddhist monastic life are notable changes in women's performance in the religious field. Some nuns have through their own agency and capacity started to enhance their position and create better circumstances for themselves, which also have been beneficial for the lay community. At nunneries, the role of the Thai nuns has been broadened and become more analogous to that of the monks. Moral conduct, religious performances, education and Buddhist knowledge have proved to be requirements for achieving religious legitimacy.