Why was the order of nuns neglected in Mahavira's sangha despite his championing of equality?
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"True equality cannot thrive in a system that values only the masculine virtues of initiative and self-reliance while neglecting the richness of the feminine spirit."
According to Osho, although Mahavira affirmed radical equality, he structured the sangha around “masculine” qualities—initiative, effort, and total self-reliance. He opposed the “feminine” tendency toward passivity and seeking support. Because his path was rigorously supportless and activist, the nuns’ order—associated with devotional dependency—was sidelined, unless women adopted the active, nondependent stance (as Mallibai did).
He wasn’t against women; he rejected passivity, so a do-it-yourself path naturally sidelined those who waited for support.
Why this matters practically
- Choose inner activity over passivity—take initiative in practice and life.
- Rely less on gurus, props, or external support; cultivate self-reliance.
- See equality as equal potential, not identical methods or roles.
- Rely less on gurus, props, or external support; cultivate self-reliance.
- See equality as equal potential, not identical methods or roles.
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