The Issue of Legitimacy for American Buddhism and its Nuns

Bhikkhuni Pannavati

The Buddha taught by both precept and example. For one, he did not put a rule into place in his community of recluses until there was a need to. When a rule was in place and circumstances dictated that another course of action would have better results, he modified or did away with the rule. This is an important example. It can be understood through wisdom.

As the abbot of a culturally American Theravada hermitage, as a nun leading a community that includes samaneras and bhikkhus, and as an African-American with in a Caucasian sangha, I represent diverse constituencies. I have received ordination in both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions and have preceptors who refuse to respect the validity of each other’s lineage. The topic of religious legitimacy therefore very much defines my existence. I have already broken with tradition in many ways. My monastic life  brings up issues of legitimacy both within the Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni Sanghas, among the laity, and even between the Theravada and Mahayana schools. It is important to me to explore the issue of legitimacy both personally and because, as a Westerner, I am not unique.

In this paper, I propose to speak briefly on a series of related topics. First, I consider monastic legalism with regard to ordination and the protocol of keeping to one’s tradition of ordination – factors that I believe may overshadow the purpose of going forth and compromise the effectiveness of both individual practice and group dynamics. Second, I question the tendency to adhere strictly to the letter of the law, rather than understand the intent behind it, in discerning the appropriate application. Third, I explore the relevance of maintaining tradition for tradition’s sake versus cultivating wisdom, compassion, and skillful means on the path to liberation. Finally, I raise the question of who and what is falling through the cracks in the transmission of Buddhadhamma to the United States. It is my hope that this presentation will lead to fruitful dialogue and some guidelines for the future.