G.A.D. Sirimal’s letter on "Tragic discrimination against women" in these columns of The Island ( of 7th. November ) prompted me to write this reply to correct his wrong interpretation of Buddhahood and womanhood. These are his words: "What about Buddhism ? Can any woman become a Buddha ? From what I have heard in Bana preaching by Buddhist monks, a woman could become a Buddha, if during her journey through Sansara, she accrues sufficient merit, to be born as a man and then attain Buddhahood."

A Buddha aspirant has to be born as a male in his last birth, not because man is superior to woman . A Bodhisatva’s journey to Buddhahood or Enlightenment in his last birth, is a trying experience, a woman is not equal to. For instance, the six year period of austerity Prince Siddhartha practiced, prior to attaining Buddhahood or Enlightenment, is not something that a woman ,tender and physically weaker than a man, could withstand. According to the Buddha’s teachings, gender is not considered a taboo to attain Nibbana (Eternal Bliss) . The Buddha’s retinue (Parivara) consists of four divisions - Bhikkhu, Bhikkhuni ,Upasaka, Upasika. Anyone who belongs to one of these divisions can attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana in this very life, if one follows His teachings (the Four Noble Truths and the Ariya Atthangika Magga) diligently. There is no discrimination whatsoever against a female.

All beings are equal. One is not superior to another by birth. race ,caste, creed or gender. That is the Buddha’s teaching. Of the three Compendiums (Thripitaka) , Vinaya pitaka (Book of the Discipline) was recited by Arahat Upali Maha Thera, a great Disciple of the Buddha who was born to a so-called low caste (scavenger) family. There was no discrimination in His Order (Sasana). Limited space here does not permit me to further elucidate my point that there is no discrimination against women in the teachings of Gauthama Buddha. Patachara and Kisagothami are two famous ladies who entered the Order of Bhikkhunis at the feet of Buddha before attaining the blissful state . Sujatha and Visakha are great names associated with Gauthama Buddha’s life time. One should not rush to hasty conclusions, and pass judgment on anything, without knowing the facts .