Reader Neil Perera( NP) expressing his idependent views on this subject has inadvertently misinterpreted what I have said regarding Buddhahood and austerity. He sums up his letter thus:

"My own interpretation is that it is now not necessary to go through the austerity and strictures undergone by Gauthama Buddha to achieve Nibbana when he has shown us the Noble Eightfold Path. So a woman need not go through the austerities undergone by the Buddha any more, at least until Buddhism lasts in this world."

Nowhere in my letter have I stated that undergoing austerity is a prerequisite for attaining Nibbana. This is what I said:

"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) deligently."

Neil Perera further states thus: "In the final analysis, my view is that a woman could still become a Buddha, although this is not necessary for the ultimate goal of achieving Nibbana."

NP’s view that a woman could still become a Buddha is only an assumption that cannot be substantiated by Gauthama Buddha’s pronouncement on Buddhahood..

Anyway, the interest shown by NP in this matter, is praiseworthy.