Burmese Nuns, Post-Coup

“I have heard stories of nunneries in Burma that have hardly any support and food. And this is not just recent, this is an ongoing issue! I have the feeling that it's very difficult for women in Myanmar to take that path [of renunciation].”

Bhikkhuni Vimala (they/them), a Buddhist nun, only learned about the military coup in Myanmar three full months after it occurred, as she had been in a meditation retreat. Moved by the famous image of young monks in Mandalay with their mouths covered, symbolizing the loss of free speech, Vimala sought a way to express solidarity. They encouraged monastic friends abroad to overturn their alms bowls, a gesture signifying disagreement with donors' actions. Although physically distant, the photos served as a symbol of condemnation. The campaign gained momentum as prominent monks from various traditions joined in. Reflecting on their experiences in Myanmar, Vimala emphasizes the unequal treatment of nuns and the complexities of navigating political situations while advocating engaged Buddhism and compassionate action in supporting the people of Myanmar.

Vimala's quote highlights the pervasive gender discrimination that sadly exists in Myanmar, not only within lay society but also within the monastic community. The struggles faced by nuns in Myanmar, such as the lack of support and inadequate access to food, have been ongoing issues that have persisted even before the coup. This discrimination creates significant barriers for women who aspire to follow the path of renunciation and become ordained as nuns. The gender disparities within the monastic system further compound the challenges faced by women in Myanmar, limiting their opportunities for spiritual growth and engagement. It is crucial to address and challenge these systemic inequalities to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women within the monastic tradition in Myanmar.