Question

Who amongst the following persuaded the Buddha to admit women in the Sangha?

• A. Mahapajapati Gotami
• B. Rahul
• C. Anda
• D. Pun

Hint:

While Anda was the one who persuaded the Buddha to admit women, Mahapajapati Gotami was the first woman to actually enter the Sangha as a Bhikkhuni.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Background of the Sangha:
Initially, the Buddhist mostic order (Sangha) was open only to men. The Buddha did not initially favor admitting women because of concerns about the longevity and discipline of the order.

Step 2: Persuasion by Anda:
Anda, the Buddha's favorite disciple and close companion, intervened on behalf of women. He asked the Buddha if women were capable of attaining spiritual enlightenment (Arhatship) and liberation (Nirva). When the Buddha acknowledged that women were indeed spiritually capable, Anda pleaded that Mahapajapati Gotami (the Buddha's foster mother) be allowed to enter the Sangha.

Step 3: The Result:
Persuaded by Anda's persistent and logical appeals, the Buddha relented and agreed to admit women, subject to specific rules of discipline. Mahapajapati Gotami became the first woman to be ordained as a Bhikkhuni (nun). Hence, option (C) is the correct choice.