The 14th Sakyadhita International Conference on Buddhist Women is currently under way in Yogyakarta on the Indonesian island of Java. The theme of the week-long event, which concludes on 30 June, is “Compassion and Social Justice.”
Discussion prior to the conference with Her Royal Majesty Ratu (Queen) Hemas and representatives from the local bhikkhu and bhikkhuni sanghas. From Facebook
Since its formation and first conference in 1987, the Sakyadhita organization has been an avid promoter of awareness, social activism and engagement, and gender equality. Sakyadhita International operates on a global scale, with branches in North America, France, Germany, Korea, Nepal, Spain, Taiwan, and the UK.
Every two years, Sakyadhita, meaning “daughter of the Buddha,” brings together monastics and laywomen for the Sakyadhita International conferences to “share their experience and encourage projects to improve conditions for Buddhist women, especially in developing countries” (sakyadhita.org). The conferences include in-depth presentations and panel discussions on culture, Buddhist women, social issues, and the next step for bhikkhunis. The 13th Sakyadhita International Conference, with the theme “Buddhism at the Grassroots,” was held from 5–12 January 2013 in Vaishali, a Buddhist pilgrimage site in Bihar State, India.
The first conference in Dharamsala, India, in 1987. From Facebook
The focus of this year’s conference is Buddhism in Indonesia, Dharma for women, and social justice. Panel topics include: diversity, bhikkhuni ordination, lay/monastic relations, feminism, and more, while workshops cover topics from Zen practice and Dharma for future mothers to leadership for Buddhist women and gender diversity.
Among the papers being presented, Indonesian nun and one of the first few ordained bhikkhunis, Ayya Santini, talks about the establishment of the sangha and resulting opportunities, advantages, and obstacles. In her abstract, she says she is “very fortunate to live in an era when the revival of bhikkhuni ordination in the Theravada school is not just a dream.”
14th Sakyadhita International Conference, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Photo by Olivier Adam. From Facebook
Another unique paper is on two HIV-positive Buddhists from Taiwan. Wei-yi Cheng explores the issue of religious legitimacy for same-sex marriage for Buddhist individuals. Cheng also addresses traditional beliefs in East Asia, in that men are expected to pass on the family name via a son. Through the story of the Taiwanese couple, Cheng illustrates the effect of Buddhism on coping with adverse situations and living with HIV. Cheng adds, “I wish to add the voices of people who are personally involved in the current debate over the legalization of same-sex marriage.” Two additional papers cover the topics of gender justice and marriage in Taiwan and homosexuality among Buddhists.
Health and wellness coach Claralynn Rose Nunamaker, who is also a trainer in “kindful communication,” discusses creating a compassionate economy while blending Buddhism and social enterprise. Her paper highlights that social enterprise and Buddhism share the common ideas of dedication to social and environmental goals. The paper also urges Buddhist and social enterprise groups to join together to mutual advantage.
14th Sakyadhita International Conference, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Photo by Olivier Adam. From Facebook
The conference’s Facebook page has photos and status updates on the event. Recent posts depict Venerable Ajahn Brahm at the conference, as well as images of traditional chanting during the opening ceremony.
Cultural tours will be held following the conference on 1–2 July.