
Monastic Life & Bhikkhunī order
This section brings together texts on monastic life, discipline, and the development of the bhikkhunī order. It presents both historical foundations and contemporary perspectives on the full ordination of women in the Buddhist tradition. The collection includes academic studies as well as reflective writings that help illuminate the role of the monastic path as a living expression of the Dhamma.
🪷 Venerable Bhikkhunī Dhammadinnā - articles
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The upasampadā of Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī - This article explains the historical and textual background of the full ordination of Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī as the first Buddhist nun.
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The Parinirvāna of Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī and her Followers in the Mūlasarvāstivāda Vinaya - It describes the circumstances of the passing (parinirvāna) of Mahāprajāpatī and her followers according to Vinaya texts.
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The Funeral of Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī and Her Followers in the Mūlasarvāstivāda Vinaya - It examines the funeral rituals and their meaning in relation to Mahāprajāpatī and her community.
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The ordination of Bhaddā Kuṇḍalakesā - It tells the story and spiritual significance of Bhaddā Kuṇḍalakesā’s ordination.
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The Story of Sudinna in the Tibetan Translation of the Mūlasarvāstivāda Vinaya - It analyzes the story of Sudinna in the Tibetan Vinaya and its role in the formation of monastic rules.
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Predictions of Women to Buddhahood in Middle Period Literature - It explores how middle-period Buddhist literature portrays women’s potential for Buddhahood.
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Bhikṣuṇī Śailā’s rebuttal of Māra ’s substantialist view - It discusses how the nun Śailā refutes Māra’s philosophical view of a substantial self.
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Vinaya in Buddhist Monasticism - It presents the role of Vinaya as the foundation of Buddhist monastic discipline.
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When Womanhood matters - It explores when and how gender becomes relevant in Buddhist texts and practice.
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Women's Aspirations and Soteriological Agency in Sarvāstivāda and Mūlasarvāstivāda Vinaya narratives - It shows how women actively pursue liberation within these Vinaya traditions.
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The nun of Milan - It presents a case study of a contemporary Buddhist nun living in Milan.
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Soreyyā’s double sex change / On gender relevance and Buddhist values - It examines the story of Soreyyā’s gender transformations and their relevance to Buddhist values.

Venerable Bhikkhunī Dhammadinnā - Interviews
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Buddhist Canons: In Search of a Theoretical Foundation for a Wisdom-oriented Education - Buddhist insight: beyond identity toward liberating knowledge
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Conversations Beyond Sectarianism - A discussion on moving beyond sectarian divisions in Buddhism.
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The Core of Buddhist Monastic Identity between Sanctity and History - It explores the tension between ideals of sanctity and the historical reality of monastic identity.
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On “hope” in Buddhism - An interview discussing the meaning and role of hope in Buddhism.

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Buddhist Nuns: Between Past and Present / Ann Heirman - The article examines the historical development and contemporary status of Buddhist nuns between tradition and modernity.
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Considerations on the Story of the Nun Bhaddā Kuṇḍalakesā / Alberto Todeschini - The study analyzes the story of the nun Bhaddā Kuṇḍalakesā and its significance in Buddhist tradition.
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On Incompetent Monks and Able Urbane Nuns in a Buddhist Monastic Code / Gregory Schopen - The text explores the paradoxical depiction of monks and capable, worldly nuns in the Buddhist monastic code, the Vinaya.
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Stretching the Vinaya / Petra Kieffer-Pülz - The article discusses the interpretation and adaptation of the Buddhist monastic discipline, the Vinaya, in different contexts.
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Women and the Bodhisatta Path in Theravāda Buddhism / Naomi Appleton - The article explores women’s possibilities on the bodhisatta path in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.
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Buddhist Discrimination Against Women in Modern Burma, / The story of bhikkhunī Saccavadī - The article describes discrimination against women in modern Burma through the story of the nun Saccavādī.
Venerable Bhikkhu Anālayo - books & articles
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The Legality of Bhikkhunī Ordination - An analysis of the legal validity of bhikkhunī ordination.
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The Revival of Bhikkhunī Ordination - A study on the revival of bhikkhunī ordination in modern times.
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The validity of bhikkhunī ordination - The text examines the validity and legitimacy of female monastic ordination.
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The Case for Reviving the Bhikkhunī Order by Single Ordination - An argument for reviving the bhikkhunī order through single ordination.
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Attitudes towards nuns - A study of historical and cultural attitudes toward Buddhist nuns.
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Bhikkhunī ordination - An overview of the process, rules, and significance of bhikkhunī ordination.
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Mahāpajāpatī’s Going Forth - A text on Mahāpajāpatī’s going forth as the first Buddhist nun.
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Karma and Female Birth - The study explores the relationship between kamma and being born female in Buddhist doctrine.
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The Bahudhātuka-sutta and its Parallels On Women’s Inabilities - An analysis of texts on alleged female inabilities in Buddhist suttas and their parallel versions.
Support of the venerable Bhikkhunī Visuddhi and activities of the Association Karuṇā Sevena:
Bank account for donations:
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Account number: 6855679001/5500
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Account holder: Karuṇā Sevena Association
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IBAN: CZ49 5500 0000 0068 5567 9001
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SWIFT: RZBCCZPP
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Address: Slezská 3, 796 01 Prostějov, Czech Republic
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Email: karuna.sevena.en@gmail.com
The funds are used to cover the basic monastic needs of the venerable bhikkhunī Visuddhi
such as robe, food, medicine and abode this also covers transportation, accommodation, air tickets, etc.) distribution of books,
the furnishing of the ārāma Karuṇā Sevena, insurance, utility bills, etc. Tax-deductible in the Czech Republic.
Please state the reason for the donation with the following note "For the Association Karuna Sevena."
Neither of the above is a public collection, and therefore we ask all donors to add their contact information to their gift, so that we can issue a donation agreement contract or a donation receipt. We thank all the donors.
Links for donation:

