Initially, who were the only individuals allowed to be part of the Buddhist sangha?
1) Men
2) Women
3) Children
4) Elders

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

1

Initially, the sangha comprised only men, but eventually, the admission of women followed. According to Buddhist scriptures, Ananda, a close disciple of the Buddha, played a crucial role in facilitating this change, persuading the Buddha to admit women into the sangha. Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha's foster mother, held the distinction of being the first woman to receive ordination as a bhikkhuni. Many women who joined the sangha not only became teachers of dhamma but also progressed to become theris, esteemed women who achieved liberation.