Men and Women

Buddhism emphasises the equality of all beings; hence, it does not support gender discrimination.
Buddhism acknowledges the differences in the roles of men and women but champions equality by advocating individual’s capacity to attain enlightenment regardless of their gender.
Buddhism views gender as a mere construct and does not accord it a prime role in an individual’s spiritual journey.

The teachings of Buddhism are applicable to both men and women. The Five Precepts - to refrain from taking life, taking what is not given, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants - apply equally to everyone.
Men and women in Buddhism are expected to practice virtues like wisdom, morality, patience, honesty, generosity and maintain their mindfulness.

Buddha championed the spiritual equality of men and women. He allowed women to be ordained into the monastic order, despite the prevailing societal norms of the time.
Buddhism encourages men and women to work towards their enlightenment and achieve Nibbana, the ultimate liberation.
Discrimination or violence based on gender is fundamentally against the teachings of Buddhism.

Buddhism was one of the first religions to establish full monastic orders for women. However, the progress and institutional acceptance of female monastics varies significantly across different Buddhist cultures and societies.
More progressive Buddhist communities today allow women to take on leadership roles and become spiritual teachers.

In Buddhist marriage, the most important quality in a partner, regardless of gender, should be their commitment to leading a moral life.
Mutual respect, understanding, and love form the foundation of a successful married life in Buddhism.
Buddhism discourages any form of domestic violence or gender-based oppression within marriage, as it goes against the principle of non-harm.
Divorce is not prohibited in Buddhism, if it occurs through mutual consent and understanding.

Buddhism teaches that both men and women possess the inherent capability to achieve enlightenment.
Gender is not viewed as a determinant or an obstacle in the pursuit of attaining Nirvana.
Buddhism encourages all to practice the virtues of loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity, irrespective of their gender.