භික්ෂුණී ශාසනයෙ ප්‍රභවය සහ නව ප්‍රවනතා - Origin of the Bhikkhuni Order and Its New Trends

This research article is examined to find whether or not the Bhikkhuni Order can be re-established based on the dhamma and vinaya with reference to modern social context as well. Since this is a literature-based research primary and secondary sources including ‘Bhikkhunī khandhaka’ in the Cullavaggapāḷi are utilized. Present discussion on the subject was raised in 1990s with the Bhikkhuni ordination, completed at Saranath in India under the leadership of Korean Bhikkhunis and Sri Lankan monks. At present, it seems that two groups who are agreeable and disagreeable attempt to prove their own view regarding re-establishment of Bhikkhuni Order by way of emotional rather than rational. Though the ideologists fundamentally agreed for the re-establishment of Bhikkhuni Order a variety of causes can be identified among them. Their consent is based on dhamma and vinaya or women rights. Some of them oppose focusing on dhamma and vinaya while some of them oppose focusing on male dominance. One who consents plays more attention on women rights but does not discuss about religious traditions which are connected to other religions. One who dis-consents tries his best to neglect only considering eight special rules (garudhamma). Thus, this research paper discusses the potential of re-establishment of Bhikkhuni Order and the necessity of spiritual progress. It reveals how spirituality supports for the development of Buddhasāsana through spiritual progress of the new organization.