Women in Pāli Buddhism

Exploring women's roles within the Pali tradition, this book analyzes their depiction in the Pali canon and commentaries, revealing a complex and sometimes contradictory narrative. It situates these representations within broader socio-religious contexts, incorporating insights from early brahmanical literature and epigraphical evidence. The examination highlights the contrast between societal perceptions and the doctrinal views on women's spiritual capabilities, offering a nuanced perspective on gender in early Buddhist texts.