leadership positions in Buddhist organizations. Nev-
ertheless, nuns in Taiwan are widely respected for the
exemplary work they do to propagate Buddhism and
benefit society.
The unequal status of nuns in Buddhism has be-
come a topic of concern in recent years, especially as
Buddhist teachings gain popularity in Western coun-
tries and encounter modern ideals of GENDERequal-
ity. Although only a few hundred Western women
have become Buddhist nuns so far, the subordinate
status of women in Buddhist societies has stimulated
efforts to improve conditions for women within the
various Buddhist traditions by providing more equi-
table opportunities for religious education, ordina-
tion, and meditation training. With improved
facilities, nuns will undoubtedly assume more posi-
tions of spiritual and institutional leadership in the
years to come. As nuns gain greater representation
within the various Buddhist traditions, a reevaluation
and restructuring of hierarchically ordered institu-
tions is inevitable.
See also:Ascetic Practices; Monasticism; Women
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