The Iron Ceiling

Well, against improbable odds, they let me back into America again. Even the ones I had in tow. Now ensconced at a sister’s, getting sleep cycles sorted, bracing for more Mongol invasion once I get to my mama’s. Plans are evolving, self-destructing, re-evolving.

Speaking of evolution, The Buddhist Channel just highlighted Russia Today’s snapshot of the current state of Buddhist resurgence in Buryatia (a Siberian province of Russia near Lake Baikal, just over the northeastern Mongolian border and ethnically Mongol). Based on the following, I might suggest that Russia’s head lama consider joining the 20th century. We’ll work up to the 21st as things develop:

“Buddhism, being so tolerant, is drawing more and more young people to datsans. The first Buddhist monastery for women opened some nine years ago opened here, in Buryatia.

“The women from the monastery conduct almost all traditional Buddhist rituals, but in fact they lead a normal life. All of them are married. They have children, but they say that doesn’t stop them from profoundly believing in Buddha’s teaching.

“ ‘You know it’s very difficult to keep the balance between normal life and faith. I think it’s even a more difficult spiritual task than just segregating oneself,’ says Zorima Budaeva, one of the female Buddhist monks.

“Even though Russian Buddhists’ spiritual leader is glad more people are studying Buddha’s teaching, he doesn’t seem to endorse women’s zest for it.

“ ‘Women can sincerely believe in something, but they can rarely understand it. Buddhism needs understanding much more than blind faith,’ Khambo Lama Azyusheev, the Head of Buddhist Sangkha (sic) of Russia notes.

“And to that Buryatia’s women Lamas gave a simple response: Buddhist philosophy is so deep that these days even men have difficulties perceiving it…”

 

Comments

[Lama Kunzang]

"Perceiving" it may not be so difficult; comprehending it more so; actualizing it supremely difficult, though entirely natural if one can just relax into the natural state!

[Sarah]

Dang, tried to grasp all that but was distracted by the voice in my head screaming "Captain Caaaaaavemaaaaaan!"

[Christian]

Having female clerics who are married is very much 21th century!

Let us keep in mind the reluctancy of the Buddha himself to allow and teach a __celibate__ female community.

Insisting that Buddhism requires more understanding than blind faith is a very modern European point of view as well. That's interesting.

For what I see in Korea, women have indeed a strong faith in the Dharma and are the vast majority attending the temple services and praying.

Then, I don't know the context, but, perhaps women are less educated than men in Buryatia and this can explain the sexist comment, which may not be entirely ontological.

Sexism is pervasive in Buddhism (as in any community ruled by men) and I, for sure, would welcome an inventory to help clean the slate. The monastic codes, Vinaya, would be a good place to start indeed.

Again, interesting stuff. Great post!

(Konchog, I didn't know you were going to the USA, otherwise I would have invited to drop by. Let me know if you are interested on your way back. Good luck and enjoy your stay!)

[Tim]

Brother KOnchog,

Good to hear your back safely and despite the heavy news and related issues you are admirably blogging about I just had to say you have not lost your touch with the captain caveman cartoonLMAO! I know it dates us in these post spongebob anime airbender era but I think the pathos of those hanah barbara cartoons were unequalled in some 70's ish way
Mongolia proves ever fascinating and tragic comic through your compassionate lenses and I hope that the slanderer is no one I know. Long Live Holiness the Lotus Jewel of precious enlightenment!
Peace out
So back to the cave in the snow if not the cave in the man I say.