How one woman changed Buddhism

Sanghamitta Day Celebrations

Sanghamitta and the Bodhi Tree

Saṅghamittā (Sanskrit Saṅghamitrā, "Friend of the Sangha") with the nun's name Ven. Ayapali Theri [1], who lived from 282 BC–203 BC [1].

 

She was a fully enlightened (arhat, arahant) Indian Buddhist nun and the eldest daughter (as recounted in Sri Lankan tradition as recorded in the Dīpavaṃsa) of Indian Buddhist Emperor Ashoka (304 BC–232 BC) with his first wife Queen Devi (302 BCE–242 BCE).

Together with her monastic brother, Ven. Mahinda Thero, she entered the order of Buddhist monastics. The two siblings later went as Buddhist missionaries to the island of Sri Lanka to spread the Dhamma, the teachings of the Buddha, at the request of Sri Lankan King Devanampiya Tissa (250 BC–210 BC), who was a contemporary of King Ashoka.

• (Theravada) Buddhism in Sri Lanka
• Buddhism was first missionary faith

Emperor Asoka at Nava Jetavana Temple, Shravasti, for the Third Buddhist Council

 

From Emperor Ashoka's India to Sri Lanka

Ashoka was initially reluctant to send his daughter (according to the Sri Lankan tradition) on an overseas mission, even one of only 35 miles, the distance between the subcontinent (India) and the island (dipa or dvipa).

However, because of the insistence of Ven. Sangamitta herself, he finally agreed. She was sent to Sri Lanka together with several other nuns to start the Buddhist nun's lineage of (Bhikkhuni Sangha or order of fully ordained female Buddhist monastics) at the request of King Tissa.

• 

  Sangha incomplete without women

  THERE ARE MANY GREAT WOMEN IN BUDDHISM: Many come to mind like the Buddha's enlightened wife (Bimba Devi, Yasodhara, Rāhulamātā, Bhadda Kaccana, Subhaddakā, and called by many other names to dilute her magnificence and prominence in the Bhikkhuni Sangha, as if she were the "Mary" so often mentioned in Christianity); Ven. Mahā Pajāpatī Gotami, the Buddha's mother and history's first Buddhist nun; Western German Jewish Buddhist nun Ayya Khema, who restarted full ordination in Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka; Khema Theri, foremost in wisdom; Uppalavanna, foremost in psychic powers; Ven. Sundarī Nanda, the Buddha's fully enlightened sister (possibly the same as the "Belle of the Land," the most beautiful Janapada Kalyani); Kwan Yin Bodhisattva, Goddess of Compassion; Prajnaparamita, Goddess of Wisdom (Buddhism's Sophia); the various colored Taras; Ambapali the Wise Courtesan; Ven. Kisa Gotami; Dipa Ma; modern American greats like Tara Brach, Ven. Tathālokā Bhikkhunī, Sharon Salzberg, Sylvia Boorstein, Shaila Catherine, Tina Rasmussen; and the many advanced ones like Beth Upton, Sayalay Susila, Sayalay Dipankara, and so on.

There she ordained Queen Anulā and other women in King Tissa's court at Anuradhapura who desired to be ordained as nuns after Mahinda converted them to Buddhism [2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

After Sanghamittā’s contribution to the propagation of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and her establishing the Bhikkhunī Sangha or Meheini Sasna ("Order of Buddhist Nuns") there, her name became synonymous with "Buddhist Female Monastic Order of Theravāda Buddhism" that was established Sri Lanka, Burma, China, and Thailand, in particular.

The day she brought the most revered Bodhi tree as a sapling to Sri Lanka and planted it in Anuradhapura, where it still survives, is still celebrated annually on the Full Moon Day of December as Uduvapa Poya or Uposatha Poya and "Sanghamittā Day" by Sri Lankan Theravāda Buddhists [3, 5, 7]. More

• Venerable Gotami (video), Dec. 22, 2025; Amber Larson and Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit

"Daughters of the Buddha" (video review)

Daughters of the Buddha: Stories of Ancient Buddhist Women

What's a nun ever done? Plenty!

(Doug's Dharma) April 1, 2024: Western Theravada scholar-monk Bhikkhu Anālayo's book on ancient Buddhist women in proto-India was released a few months ago: Daughters of the Buddha: Teachings by Ancient Indian Women. Doug reviews it then turns to five important and illustrative stories that Ven. Anālayo tells, including one that is of particular relevance today.

Daughters of the Buddha: Teachings by Ancient Indian Women

This book by Ven. Analayo (with a foreword by Ven. Nun Dhammananda) has received 4.8 out of 5 stars with 8 ratings.

It is a testimony to the invaluable contributions made by the women who were direct disciples of the historical Buddha — and a source of inspiration to Buddhist women today.

It’s a common misconception that the earliest textual records do not contain many, if any, teachings by the Buddha’s female disciples. This is not the case.

The fact is the earliest discourses (sutras) record a range of teachings from Buddhist women, lay and monastic. Unfortunately, their important contributions have so far not received the attention they deserve.

Fully ordained Buddhist bhikkhunis ("nuns") in the ancient orthodox Theravada tradition

Vajrayana vegetarian resurgence in haunted Himalayas of Tibet, northern India, and Nepal

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In Daughters of the Buddha, esteemed scholar-monk Bhikkhu Analayo examines the accounts of the first female disciples in the canonical scripture, taking the reader back to the earliest period in the history of Buddhism that can still be accessed today.

Sangha is only complete with females.

He dedicates each of the 21 chapters in the volume to an individual and remarkable woman, sharing her particular insights and teachings with the reader.

Both Buddhist nuns and laywomen are featured in these pages, and their diversity of voices and richness of thought will serve as instruction and encouragement for modern scholars and practitioners alike.

To donate to Western Buddhist nuns, please check out the Alliance for Bhikkhunis (bhikkhuni.net)  

First Buddhist Women (Murcott)

🧡 If this material is useful, check out Patreon page and get fun benefits like exclusive videos, audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: patreon.com/dougssecular.... 🧡 Also make donations through: https://paypal.me/dougsdharma 📙 Check out Doug's book, A Handbook of Early Buddhist Wisdom, with a foreword by Bhikkhu Bodhi ☸️ Free mini-course at the Online Dharma Institute: onlinedharma.org. 🎙 Check out podcast with Jon Aaron, Diggin' the Dharma: digginthedharma.com ✅ Book mentioned: Bhikkhu Anālayo's Daughters of the Buddha: Teachings by Ancient Indian Women ✅ Video mentioned: Don't Buy This Book! (clickbait title of Oxford Handbook of Buddhist Ethics 🙂).

✅ Paper mentioned: academia.edu/35070174/Eth...

✅Sutras mentioned:

• suttacentral.net/sn5.9/en/sujato (Selā)
• suttacentral.net/sn5.10/en/su... (Vajirā)
• suttacentral.net/mn44/en/sujato
• suttacentral.net/sn10.9/en/su...
• suttacentral.net/sn10.10/en/s...
• suttacentral.net/sn10.11/en/s...

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• Ven. Analayo (book); Doug's Dharma, April 1, 2024 (video); Amber Larson, Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Verses of Enlightened Nuns (Therigatha)

SuttaFriends.org; Amber Larson (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

Verses of Arahant Nuns: Therīgāthā

The Buddha blesses the enlightened nun Subha ("Beautiful") Jivakavandavanika

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Therigatha (store.pariyatti.org)

The Therīgātha (the gathas or verses" of the theris or "female elders," i.e., nuns with ten or more rainy seasons standing in the Sangha, in this case enlightened nuns) is a collection of verses spoken by, to, or about fully enlightened nuns who lived in the time of the Buddha. It is uplifting to take time to get to know the lives of these great female "saints" or arahants. If one enjoys sutras about how women and others became enlightened, reached the stages of awakening, one is bound to enjoy the ancient collection of verses by male enlightened elders known as the Theragātha.

• Get the printed book | Download a reading checklist

Int'l Women's Day: Inspire Inclusion (3/8)

InternationalWomensDay.com; Ashley Wells, Crystal Q., CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Search International Women's Day 2024 events (internationalwomensday.com)

IWD 2024 campaign theme: Inspire Inclusion

International Women's Day is March 8. Imagine a gender equal world -- a world free of bias, prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination.

Imagine a world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive, a world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.

Do men matter? Caring allies? "Inclusion"?

Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid. Int'l Women's Day 2024 internationalwomensday.com

The goddess' vimana (Sirima devi's spaceship)

John D. Ireland (trans.), Sirima: "Sirima's Vimana" (Vv 1.16 PTS: Vv 136-148) edited and further explained by Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

The devas are beautiful humanoids.

Ven. Vangisa: Those yoked and finely caparisoned horses of yours, strong and swift, are heading downward through the sky. And these 500 chariots [vimanas = spacecraft, aircraft, limitless-vehicles, flying ships], magically created, are following, their horses [horsepower] urged on by charioteers.

You stand in this excellent chariot [flying craft], adorned, radiant, and shining, like a blazing star. I ask you of lovely slender form and exquisite beauty, from which company of devas (lit. "shining ones") have you come to visit the Peerless One (the Buddha)?

• See also Vangīsa Sutta for a story of this thera

I do as I please, assuming whatever form suits me.

Sirima [12]: From those who have reached the heights of sensual pleasure said to be unsurpassed, the devas who delight in magical creation and transformation. A nymph from that company able to assume any desired appearance [a shapeshifter able to wield the power of transformation] has come here to honor the Peerless One.

Vangisa Thera spoke up.

Vangisa: What meritorious karma (good conduct) did you practice (perform) here in former times? How is it that you live in immeasurable glory, having gained such sensuous pleasures? Due to what have you acquired the unrivalled power to travel through the sky? Why does your beauty radiate in the ten directions?

You are surrounded and honored by the devas. From where did you pass away before you came to a heavenly rebirth, goddess? Or of what teaching (dharma, doctrine-and-discipline) were you able to follow the word of instruction? Tell me if you were a disciple of the Awakened One (the Buddha).

Sirima: In a fine and well-built city situated between hills, an attendant of a noble king endowed with good fortune, I was highly accomplished in dancing and singing. As Sirima I was known in Rajagaha [modern Rajgir, India, where the Buddha dwelled on Vulture's Peak].

But then the Awakened One, the leader among seers, the guide, taught me

1. of the origination of suffering
2. and impermanence [how disappointment comes to be],
3. of the unconditioned (asankhata), of the cessation of all suffering (nirvana) that is timeless (ānantariya); and
4. of this path (magga), not crooked, straight, auspicious.

The war in heaven: vimana against vimana

When I had learned of the deathless state (amata = nirvana), the unconditioned, through the instruction of the Tathagata, the Peerless One, I was highly and well restrained in the precepts and established in the Dhamma taught by the most excellent of humans, the Awakened One.

When I knew the undefiled place, the unconditioned, taught by the Tathagata, the Peerless One, I then and there experienced the calm concentration (of the noble path). That supreme certainty of release was mine.

When I gained the distinctive undying, assured, eminent in penetrative insight, not doubting, I was revered by many people and experienced much pleasure and enjoyment.

Thus I am a goddess (devi), knowing the undying, a disciple of the Tathagata, the Peerless One, a knower of Dhamma established in the first fruit, a stream-winner. Henceforth, there is no more bad rebirth for me.

I came to revere the Peerless One and the virtuous monastics [monks, nuns, novices] who delight in what is skillful, to honor the auspicious assembly of wandering ascetics and those worthy of respect [the ariya, the noble ones], the Fortunate One, the Dhamma-king.

I am joyful and gladdened on seeing the sage, the Tathagata, the outstanding trainer of humans capable of being trained, who has uprooted craving, who delights in what is skillful, the guide. I honor the supremely merciful Compassionate One.

Back story: Who is the devi (goddess) Sirima?

G. P. Malalasekera, Dictionary of Pali Proper Names (palikanon.com) edited by Wisdom Quarterly

Deva emerges from gold vimana chariot-mansion

Ven. Buddhaghosa says (SNA.i.244f, 253f) that Sirimā was Sālavati's daughter, who succeeded to her mother's position as courtesan. After passing away from here, Sirimā was reborn in a high celestial plane of existence known as the Yāma World as the wife of Suyāma. When the Buddha was speaking to the monastics at her cremation, she visited the spot with 500 chariots (vimanas).

Janapada-kalyānī Nandā [the most beautiful Scythian "belle of the land," who was the fiancé of the Buddha's half-brother, Nanda, before the Buddha ordained him after showing him his future due to his mixed karma in a famous sutra that reads like a kind of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who turns his life around after seeing what is to come], who at that time had become a Buddhist nun, was present.

When the Buddha taught the Kāyavicchandanika Sutta, she became an arahant (fully enlightened), while Sirimā became an anāgāmī (non-returner).

The Vimānavatthu ("Vimana Stories," pp.78f., 86) gives the same story, adding that Vangīsa was also present at the teaching of the sutra and, having obtained the Buddha's permission, questioned the shapeshifting devi Sirimā and made her reveal her former identity.

Here, however, Sirimā is said to have been reborn in the Nimmānarati World, and no mention is made of her becoming an anāgāmī (but rather a sotapanna or "stream-winner"), whereas the lustful Buddhist monk is said to have become an arahant.

Sirimā is mentioned in a list of eminent upāsikās (A.iv.347; AA.ii.791). Eighty-four thousand persons realized the noble truth after listening to the Buddha's teaching at the cremation of Sirimā (Mil.350) [most of whom must have been devas]/

The Sirimā-vimānavatthu is the story of Sirimā's passing away and subsequent events (Vv.i.16; VvA.67ff.) More

Lust is in the eye of the holder (Therigatha)

Ven. Sujato, Subhā-jīvaka-amba-vanikā, Therīgāthā: "Verses of the Elder Nuns," The Book of the Thirties (Thig. vv.14.1); Amber Larson and Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

"Lust is in the eye of the holder"? Isn't that beholder? - No, that's beauty. This is lust.

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Subhā of Jīvaka’s Mango Grove

Going to Jīvaka lovely

mango grove, the nun Subhā

was blocked by a rascal.

So Subhā said to him:

“What harm have I done you

that you stand in my way?

Sir, it’s improper that a man

should touch a woman who has gone forth.

This training was taught by the Awakened One;

It is a serious offense in my Teacher’s Doctrine and Discipline.

I am pure and rid of blemishes,

So why stand you in my way?

• Backstory: Subha the Goldsmith's daughter
• Buddhist Women at the Time of the Buddha

One whose mind is defiled toward one undefiled,

One who is lustful toward one free of lust,

Unblemished, my heart is freed in every respect,

So why stand you in my way?”

“You’re young. you’re flawless,

What has going forth done for you?

Toss off those saffron robes;

Come instead, play in the blossom grove!

Everywhere, the scent of flowers wafts sweetly

Born of the flowering woods.

The start of spring is a happy time;

Come and play in the blossom grove!

Trees crested with flowers

Cry out in the breeze.

What kind of fun will you have

If you plunge into those woods all alone?

Frequented by packs of predators

And cows [elephants] aroused by rutting bulls,

You wish to go without companion

Into the deserted, awe-inspiring forest.

Like a shining doll of gold,

Like a nymph wandering in a park of colorful vines,

Your matchless beauty will shine

In graceful clothes of exquisite muslin.

I’ll be under your sway,

If we stay in the forest.

I love no creature more than you,

O pixie, with such bashful eyes.

Were you to take up my invitation —

'Come, be happy, and live in a house' —

You’ll stay in a longhouse sheltered from wind;

Let the maids look to your needs.

Dressed in exquisite muslin,

Put on garlands and cosmetics.

I’ll make all sorts of adornments for you,

of gold and gems and pearls.

Climb onto a rich bed,

Its coverlet clean and nice,

With a new woolen mattress,

Fragrant, besprinkled with sandalwood.

As a blue lily risen from the water

Remains untouched by men,

So, too, O chaste and wholesome lady,

Your limbs grow old unshared.”

“This carcass, full of putrefaction, swells

The charnel ground, for its nature is to fall apart.

What do you think is so essential in it

That you stare at me so crazily?”

“Your eyes are like those of a doe,

Or a pixie in the mountains.

Seeing them,

My sense desire grows all the more.

Set in your flawless face of golden sheen,

Your eyes compare to a blue lily’s bud.

Seeing them,

My sensual excitement grows all the more.

Though you may wander far, I shall still think of you,

With your lashes long and your vision clear.

I love no eyes more than yours,

O pixie, with such bashful eyes.”

“You’re setting out down the wrong road!

You’re looking to take the moon for a plaything!

You’re trying to leap over Mount Sumeru!

You are hunting a child of the Buddha!

For in this world with all its devas [and humans]

There will be no more lust anywhere in me.

I do not even know what kind it could be,

It’s been uprooted stem and all by the Path.

Cast out like sparks from fiery coals,

It’s worth no more than a bowl of poison.

I do not even see what kind it could be;

It’s been uprooted stem and all by the Path.

Well may you try to seduce the type of woman

Who has not reflected on these things,

Or who has never attended to the Teacher:

But this is a woman who knows: now you’re in trouble!

No matter if I am reviled or praised,

Or feel pleasure or pain: I stay mindful.

Knowing that conditions are ugly,

My mind does not cling to anything.

I am a disciple of the Awakened One,

Riding in the carriage of the Eightfold Path.

The dart pulled out, free of defilements,

I am happy to have reached an empty place.

I’ve seen brightly painted

Dolls and wooden puppets

Tied to sticks and strings

And made to dance in many ways.

But when the sticks and strings are taken off —

Loosed, disassembled, broken,

Irrecoverable, stripped to parts —

On what could the mind be transfixed?

That’s what my body is really like;

Without those things it can’t go on.

This being so,

On what could the mind be transfixed?

It’s like when one sees a mural on a wall,

Painted with orpiment,

And one’s vision becomes confused,

Falsely perceiving that it is a person.

Though it’s as worthless as a magic trick,

Or a golden tree beheld in a dream,

One blindly chases what is hollow,

Like a puppet show among the people.

An eye is just a ball in a socket,

With a pupil in the middle, and tears.

Mucus comes from there as well,

And so different eye-parts are lumped all together.”

The pretty lady ripped out her eye.

With no attachment in her mind at all, she said:

“Come now, take this eye,”

And gave it to the man right then.

At that very moment he lost his lust

And asked for her forgiveness:

“May you be well, O chaste and wholesome lady;

Such a thing will not happen again.

Attacking a person such as this

Is like holding on to a blazing fire

Or seizing a deadly viper [by the tail]!

May you be well; please forgive me!”

When that nun was released

She went to the presence of the Buddha.

Seeing the one with excellent marks of merit,

Her eye [magically] became just as it was before.

• Therigatha 14.1: Subhā-jīvaka-amba-vanikā-therīgāthā—Bhikkhu Sujato (trans.) suttacentral.net

Nominating remarkable local women (KTLA)

KTLA 5, Los Angeles; Ashley Wells and Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

This Squaw for surviving US genocide

KTLA 5 News recognizes the great contributions women have made to this nation and local communities, particularly (but not exclusively) Los Angeles.

Remarkable Women is part of a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress, and the quality of life.

• KTLA 5 (ktla.com) is a local L.A., California, news channel

Remember, speaking for Brando?

KTLA 5 celebrates local women who inspire, lead, and forge the way for other women. It is not just about one day or one month — but about what they do day-in and day-out.

In order to celebrate these women, help is needed finding them, to learn about their background, and to hear their stories.

Please use this form to nominate a Remarkable Woman in your life. Entries accepted through November 30, 2023.

First Buddhist Women: Stories of Awakening (Susan Murcott)

Remarkable woman Zabie Yamasaki '21 | KTLA

During the month of March 2024, KTLA 5 will highlight four local women who will be considered for Nexstar’s nationwide 2024 Woman of the Year Award, with KTLA 5’s local winner announced the day after April Fool's Day 2024.

The nationwide finalists and winner will be announced on a “Remarkable Women” special in May 2024.

• More + NOMINATION FORM

Black Buddhist nun Faith Adiele

WHO TO NOMINATE? Whom shall we nominate? My mom! (No, MY mom!) She's wonderful and made our lives possible not by giving birth but by raising us. Or maybe those women who founded Black Lives Matter, or a Western Buddhist nun doing remarkable things (like former nun in good standing and world traveler Beth Upton or current California bhikkhuni Ayya Tataaloka or Pema Chodron), or that girl, you know that girl, she's like a sister but the real thing?

First Buddhist Women

Our nominee: awakened Beth Upton

This is a readable, contemporary translation of -- and commentary on -- the "enlightenment verses" of the first female disciples of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni.

It explores Buddhism’s relatively liberal attitude towards women since its founding 2,600 years ago, through the study of the Therigatha.

• [Theri = "elder nun," an "elder" being any female monastic of at least 10 rainy retreats standing, which means she would be no less than 17-years-old, which is more than long enough to be fully enlightened, and gatha = "poetic verse or song"]

The Buddha elevated females to parity.

It is the earliest known collection of women’s religious poetry. Through commentary and storytelling, author Susan Murcott traces the journey of the wives, mothers, teachers, courtesans, prostitutes, and wanderers who became leaders in the ancient Buddhist community.

These are roles that even today are rarely filled by women in other patriarchal religions. Their spiritual poetry (recounting how they became awakened) beautifully expresses their search for spiritual attainment and their struggles in society. More

Tathālokā Bhikkhunī at InsightLA.org, founded by the awakened wife of the awakened American teacher Jack Kornfield (Spirit Rock), Trudy Goodman's Insight Los Angeles

Remarkable Women 2023 nomination form (ktla.com/remarkable-women-contest)

First Buddhist Women: Stories of Awakening

Susan Murcott (Parallax Press, MIT), 2022; Dhr. Seven, Jen Bradford (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Why would anyone leave the world? Nuns have no fun! Women can be as free as men.

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First Buddhist Women: Poems and Stories of Awakening (2nd ed.)

(Susan Murcott, MIT D-Lab) This book has 4.7 stars out of 5 with 40 ratings.

First Buddhist Women is a readable, contemporary translation of and commentary on the "enlightenment verses" of the first female disciples of the historical Buddha.

It explores Buddhism’s relatively liberal attitude towards women since its founding nearly 2,600 years ago, through the study of the Therigatham, the earliest known collection of women’s spiritual poetry.

Through commentary and storytelling, author Susan Murcott traces the journey of the

• wanderers,
• wives,
• mothers,
• teachers,
• courtesans, and
• prostitutes

who became leaders in the Buddhist community, roles that even today are rarely filled by women in other often patriarchal religions.

Their poetic verses beautifully express their search for enlightenment, wisdom, spiritual attainments, peace, and their struggles in society. More