The Foundation History of the Nuns’ Order

The book comprises six chapters followed by translations of the principal source texts. Chapter 1 studies Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī and the nuns in the Nandakovāda and its parallels, examining narrative differences, their spiritual attainments, and strategies that distance nuns from the Buddha and the monks. Chapter 2 analyses Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī’s petition, the main versions of the foundation account, the initial request, the Buddha’s refusal, and her response. Chapter 3 discusses Ānanda’s intervention, his relationship with Mahāprajāpatī, the arguments he raises, women’s potential for awakening, and his role in the narrative. Chapter 4 examines the Buddha’s permission and the eight gurudharmas, particularly those concerning communal procedures, homage, and criticism. Chapter 5 considers Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī’s acceptance of these regulations, her ordination, the repercussions of female renunciation, and further expressions of apprehension or negativity. Chapter 6 evaluates the prediction of decline, accounts of outstanding nuns, the four assemblies, and the first saṅgīti. The final section translates seven versions preserved in the Dharmaguptaka, Vinayamātṛkā, Mahāsāṃghika-Lokottaravāda, Mahīśāsaka, Mūlasarvāstivāda, Madhyama-āgama, and Theravāda traditions.