Question

Who persuaded Buddha to allow women into the sangha?

• A. Ajatasattu
• B. Makkhali Gosala
• C. Mahapajapati Gotami
• D. Ananda

Hint:

Distinguish between the person who made the initial request (Mahapajapati Gotami) and the person who acted as the successful intermediary (Ananda). In this story, Ananda's role as the advocate was crucial.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the person who successfully convinced the Buddha to establish an order of nuns (\textit{bhikkhunis}) and admit women into the monastic community (\textit{sangha}).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
According to Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha was initially hesitant to ordain women. His foster mother, Mahapajapati Gotami, was the first to request ordination for herself and a group of followers, but she was refused multiple times.
It was Ananda, the Buddha's devoted cousin and personal attendant, who intervened on their behalf. Ananda approached the Buddha and presented a logical argument, asking if women were capable of attaining enlightenment just like men. When the Buddha affirmed that they were, Ananda urged him to allow their ordination. Persuaded by Ananda's reasoning and persistence, the Buddha finally agreed to establish the Bhikkhuni Sangha, albeit with eight additional rules (the \textit{Garudhammas}) for the nuns.
Therefore, while Mahapajapati Gotami was the primary seeker, Ananda was the successful persuader.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Ananda persuaded the Buddha to allow women into the sangha.