Firstly, I will begin with some advice for writing the answer. As this answer will be an essay you short start with a short and snappy introduction in which you should state whether you agree or disagree with the statement, followed by 1 or 2 sentences outlining you main argument. Don't be afraid to use 'I' in your introduction and the rest of your essay, it highlights to the examiner when you are expressing your own ideas which is what you need to do to access the top marks! Now you can begin you argument, usually 2-3 arguments in support of your answer and 2 counterexamples against. Finally, finish with a bold and concise conclusion that reiterates the main points of your essay, and if you can, add a quote at the end to really make your answer stand out to the examiner.
"Buddhism does not support feminism"
For
Argument 1: In the Lankavatara (The Lotus Sutra chapter 12) the Dragon kings daughter achieves enlightenment but when she becomes awakened she instantly turns into a man, this implies that women cannot achieve Nirvana in Buddhism so are inferior to men as they must take the form of a man for awakening.
Argument 2: In the Patimokka the Suttavibhange section of the Vinaya Pitaka contains the rules that all Budddhist Bhikkus and Bhikkunis must follow, this scripture promotes inequality for women because it has 227 rules for monks and 311 rules for women which exert more control and dominance over Bhikkunis.
Against
Argument 1: The purpose of Buddhism is to eliminate Dukka, (suffering), one of the three lakshanas and part of the 4 noble truths. The inequality of women is a form of suffering, therefore Buddhism cannot be against feminism as it must be in support of feminism to oppose the suffering of all sentient beings.
Argument 2: The Buddha supported feminism as he operated beyond the discrimination of his time because he allowed women to be ordained into the Buddhist Sangha, like Mahapajapati, despite opposition from the Bhikkus. This shows that the Buddha must have considered women as beings capable of enlightenment.
Argument 3: The story of Kisa Gotami, a mother who's child dies of disease, shows that the Buddha saw women as intelligent beings as he recognised the Kisa's potential to see the truth of Dukka, that everyone experiences suffering and loss, which led Kisa to go onto become an awakened being.
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