Fourteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

The higher ordination of female ascetics is the most controversial and problematic issue in contemporary Buddhism. It overlaps the spheres of feminism, social justice and modernism which further add to the complexities. Approaching the issue from the periphery, this study focuses upon the quasi-religious Buddhist women in Sri Lankan tradition. Sri Lankan Buddhism has been open to external creative influences as well as induced by the internal spirit of reformation. Buddhist modernism lays great emphasis upon social orientation of the adherents and their commitment towards service. The Das Sila Mātas embrace this ideal, their growing numbers over the years and their social engagement at different levels indicates that it has immense potential to popularize Buddhism through its effective community service. . The most positive aspect of this movement of Sri Lankan Buddhist women is that they are not just Nuns-in-waiting, alongside, they are channelizing their energies into constructive direction. This study enquires into the position, contribution and prospects of Das Sila Māta tradition within the conceptual framework of gender role in Buddhism. It discusses and presents a detailed account of scheme for harnessing the potential of Das Sila Māta. This is a partially empirical study based on interviews and observations of quasi-religious women in Sri lanka.