Identify the correct statements about the ‘Buddhist sangha’:
A. Initially, only men were allowed into the ‘sangha’.
B. Once within the ‘sangha’, all were regarded as equal.
C. Ananda, one of the Buddha’s disciples persuaded him to allow women into the ‘sangha’.
D. Women were never allowed into the ‘sangha’.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A, B and C only
A. Initially, only men were allowed into the ‘sangha’. Correct. The sangha was at first an order of men; women were admitted later.
B. Once within the ‘sangha’, all were regarded as equal. Correct. Members shed their earlier social identities on becoming bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, and decisions were reached by discussion and, if needed, by a vote.
C. Ananda, one of the Buddha’s disciples persuaded him to allow women into the ‘sangha’. Correct. According to Buddhist texts, Ananda, one of the Buddha’s dearest disciples, persuaded him. The Buddha’s foster mother, Mahapajapati Gotami, was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni.
D. Women were never allowed into the ‘sangha’. Incorrect. Women were admitted, and many became teachers of the dhamma and theris, respected women who had attained liberation.
NCERT (2025-26): “6. Followers of the Buddha … Initially, only men were allowed into the sangha, but later women also came to be admitted. According to Buddhist texts, this was made possible through the mediation of Ananda, one of the Buddha’s dearest disciples, who persuaded him to allow women into the sangha. The Buddha’s foster mother, Mahapajapati Gotami was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni. Many women who entered the sangha became teachers of dhamma and went on to become theris, or respected women who had attained liberation. The Buddha’s followers came from many social groups. They included kings, wealthy men and gahapatis, and also humbler folk: workers, slaves and craftspeople. Once within the sangha, all were regarded as equal, having shed their earlier social identities on becoming bhikkhus and bhikkhunis. The internal functioning of the sangha was based on the traditions of ganas and sanghas, where consensus was arrived at through discussions. If that failed, decisions were taken by a vote on the subject.” |