International Congress on Buddhist Women's Role in the Sangha

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The International Congress on Buddhist Women's Role in the Sangha: Bhikshuni Vinaya and Ordination Lineages, took place on July 18-20, 2007, was an historic event. It was a meeting of internationally recognized Buddhist scholars specializing in monastic discipline and history, as well as practioners. It was expected to be the final discussion of a decades-long dialogue about re-establishing full bhikshuni ordination in Buddhist traditions. Papers and research based on Buddhist texts and contemporary practice traditions in China, Korea, Taiwan, Tibet, and South Asia were presented. H. H. XIVth Dalai Lama attended the final day of the conference and conclusions. His letter of support is available to the public (see references below). ^[1]

Discussions, amongst both scholars and practitioners, at the first Congress were planned primarily about the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Other Bhikkshuni lineages which could be restored were also expected to be on the agenda. The Congress was be held at University of Hamburg, Germany, July 18-20, 2007, hosted by the University of Hamberg's Asia-Africa Institute.

After statements from the many bhikkus and bhikkshunis present HH Dalai Lama announced that, while he supported the case, he needed to discuss the matter with senior lamas representing the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism to gain a consensus view. His Holiness further added that from 2008 (or if possible 2007) nuns were to practise three monastic ceremonies, Posadha, Vassa and Pavarana, as preparation for the establishment of a Bhikkhuni Sangha in the near future. These, His Holiness declared, should be held in Tibetan and follow the dharmaguptaka vinaya. A full statement was issued by HH Dalai Lama detailing this.