Buddhism
Compare and contrast Siddhartha Gautama's (Buddha's) "going forth" into the monastic life with that of Maechi Wabi, based on the reading of "Journey of One Buddhist Nun."
In his account of the story of Buddha, Jonathan Landaw writes "As Siddhartha stood alone in the forest, ready to begin his great adventure, he thought, "From today onwards I am no longer a prince. Therefore, it is not right that I continue to look and dress like one." (Story, p 14). So began Siddhartha's journey of knowledge and enlightenment which would lead him to learning "the way to end all suffering" and becoming a Buddha.
Like, Siddhartha, the Buddhist nun, Maechi Wabi, also began her journey into Buddhism from a background that otherwise would not shun, and not expect her to change her way of life so drastically. As a woman, Wabi's decision to become a nun was not initially acceptable in Thailand. Socially, women were scorned from taking on a religious way of life. In a way, Siddhartha's royal background also was an initial obstacle on his path.
Wabi's path was riddled with difficulties right from the start. In order to become a nun, she required money, while Siddhartha had to do the opposite: in order to begin his journey into enlightenment, he had to rid himself of all the symbols of his status and wealth.
HH the Dalai Lama explains that Gautama Buddha's life was "marked by twelve main events: his descent from heaven (Tu*****a), his conception, birth, schooling, marriage, renunciation, penance, meditation under the Bodhi tree, defeat of Mara, attainment of Buddhahood, preaching and departing from Samsara" (My Land, p 201).
Like her Lord Buddha, Wabi also had main events in her life. Along her journey towards the Institute of Thai Maechr, Maechi Wabi had to go against the grain by leaving her small rural village and facing emotional and physical obstacles. She was frowned upon by many,...
Her choice to become a religious woman would prove itself to be not as 'honorable' in the eyes of society than if she had been a religious man. Maechi Wabi makes decisions based on choice rather than necessity as she enters the Samnak.
Even in understanding what work nuns must do -often times looking after the needs of monks and living a low-class life, it seems like it would be a life Wabi would prefer not to endure, but she feels compelled to become a nun - she has a calling.
Much like Siddhartha did when "He began to think, " every living thing is searching for happiness. Yet most are so blinded by their ignorance and desires that they find nothing but misery. Fear, disappointment, hunger, old age, sickness, and death are rewarding for their trouble! " "Now that I have seen this, I have no more interest in the small and changeable pleasures of this world. I must find something that will bring me lasting peace and happiness. But how can I content to be free from others suffering? I must find out a way to help all other living as well. Because they have been so kind to me, and they are so suffering. And then I will share this experience with them"
Story, p 11).
Wabi too, finds herself compelled to be free of suffering as she meditates, events from her life and thoughts enter her mind that cause her great mental stress and pain. This however, seems to be what she is supposed to be doing.
These are the steps towards attaining freedom from pain and suffering - by understanding and 'un-empowering' pain and those that have caused her pain, suffering and harm. In this way, she is able to truly experience her calling and cast aside doubts thrusted upon her by others and social traditions in Thailand.
Siddartha had to be taught through his meditations, the knowledge of enlightenment he would impart to his…
