Status of Woman

Gender Equalty in
Major World Religions

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1 Contents
1 Contents ...................................................................................................................... 2
2 Introduction................................................................................................................. 5
3 Hinduism..................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Hinduism – Basic Facts ...................................................................................... 6
3.2 Teachings of Hinduism which support equality ................................................. 6
3.2.1 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 1................................................................... 6
3.2.8 Women Sages and God as Female.............................................................. 9
3.2.9 Women priests ............................................................................................ 9
3.2.10 Examples of Famous Hindu Women in History ......................................... 9
3.2.11 Examples of Modern Hindu Women ........................................................ 10
3.3 Teachings of Hinduism which do not support equality .................................... 10
3.3.1 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 1................................................................. 10
3.3.10 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 10............................................................... 14
3.4 Hinduism - Summary........................................................................................ 16
4 Jainism ...................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 Jainism - Basic Facts......................................................................................... 17
4.2 Teachings of Jainism which support equality................................................... 17
4.2.1 Jainism – Scripture Quotes 1 .................................................................... 17
4.3 Teachings of Jainism which do not support equality........................................ 18
4.4 Jainism - Summary ........................................................................................... 21
5 Buddhism .................................................................................................................. 22
5.1 Buddhism – Basic Facts:................................................................................... 22
5.2 Teachings of Buddhism which support equality............................................... 22
5.2.1 Buddhism – Scripture Quotes 1 ................................................................ 22
5.2.4 Buddhism – Recent Developments........................................................... 23
5.3 Teachings of Buddhism which do not support equality.................................... 24
5.4 Buddhism - Summary ....................................................................................... 26
6 Taoism....................................................................................................................... 28
6.1 Taoism – Basic Facts: ....................................................................................... 28
6.2 Teachings of Taoism which support equality ................................................... 28
6.2.1 Taoism – Scripture Quotes 1..................................................................... 28
6.2.4 Taoism – Basic Philosophy....................................................................... 29
6.3 Teachings of Taoism which do not support equality ........................................ 29
6.4 Taoism – Summary ........................................................................................... 31
7 Islam.......................................................................................................................... 32
7.1 Islam – Basic Facts ........................................................................................... 32
7.2 Teachings of Islam which support equality ...................................................... 32
7.2.1 Islam – Scripture Quote 1 ......................................................................... 32
7.2.7 Examples of Famous Muslim Women through History ........................... 34
7.3 Teachings of Islam which do not support equality ........................................... 35
7.3.10 Islam – Scripture Quote 10 ....................................................................... 37
7.4 Islam - Summary............................................................................................... 40
8 Christianity................................................................................................................ 41
8.1 Christianity – Basic Facts ................................................................................. 41
8.2 Teachings of Christianity which support equality ............................................ 41
8.2.1 Christianity – Scripture Quote 1 ............................................................... 41
8.2.3 Examples of Christian Women ................................................................. 42
8.3 Teachings of Christianity which do not support equality ................................. 42
8.4 Christianity – Summary .................................................................................... 45
9 Sikhism ..................................................................................................................... 46
9.1 Sikhism Basic Facts: ......................................................................................... 46
2 Introduction
This essay will focus solely on the status of women in world religions from the following
4 sources:
• Scriptural quotations
• The sayings and actions of the Prophets / Messiahs / Avtaars / Gurus as recorded by
accepted records
• Famous women through history
• Current examples of famous women and current position / rights of women
The essay has divided the points made regarding women using the following categories
• Against Equality
• Neutral
• For Equality
Each faith group will also have a summary with regards to its position on equality
between men and women.
There study into gender equality will be limited to the following religions
Indian / Chinese Religion Focus

Hinduism
Jainism
Buddhism
Taoism
Abrahamic Religion Focus

Islam
Christianity
3 Hinduism
3.1 Hinduism – Basic Facts
Age of Religion: 5000+ years

Number of followers: 850 million
Hindu scriptures are divided into 2 categories which include Sruti which is divine
revelation and includes only:
• 108 Upanishads
• Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva)
and Smriti which are written to explain the Sruti writings. The smriti works include:
• 18 Main Puranas
• Bhagwad Gita, The Mahabharata, The Ramayana
• Yogasutras of Sage Patanjali
• Manu Smriti
3.2 Teachings of Hinduism which support equality

3.2.1 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 1
God is described as both Male and Female which implies both are equal
Scripture: Ekakshara Upanishad

Translated by Dr. A. G. Krishna Warrier
http://www.astrojyoti.com/EkaksharaUpanishad.htm
“Thou alone art the woman, the man; again. Thou art the boy and the girl. Thou art the
ordainer, the King Varuna, the Year, Aryama, the all."

Ability for both men and women to attain salvation
Scripture: Bhasma-Jabala Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/bhasmajabalaupanishad.htm
“By performing My Abhisheka, he attains My Sayujya state. Nothing exists other than
Myself. I initiate all with the Taraka Mantra. Those who want Mukti should live at
Banares. I will take care of them. I am the Lord of Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. The most
corrupt man or woman will attain Moksha, if he or she dies at Banares. Other sinners
will be fried in burning pits of live coals after death. Therefore, everybody should try to
live at Banares which is My Pranalinga Itself.”

God is again described as having 2 different facets, both of which are worthy of
veneration and praise.
Scripture: Rudra-Hridaya Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/RudraHridayaUpanishad.htm
“Rudra is man. Uma is woman. Prostrations to Him and Her. Rudra is Brahma. Uma is
Sarasvati. Prostrations to Him and Her. Rudra is Vishnu. Uma is Lakshmi. Prostrations
to Him and Her. Rudra is Sun. Uma is shadow. Prostrations to Him and Her. Rudra is
moon. Uma is star. Prostrations to Him and Her. Rudra is day. Uma is night.
Prostrations to Him and Her. Rudra is Yajna. Uma is Vedi. Prostrations to Him and Her.
Rudra is Agni, Uma is Svaha. Prostrations to Him and Her. Rudra is Veda. Uma is
Sastra.”

Nature as described as pairs. One needs to exist for the other to exist.
Scripture: Savitri Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/SavitriUpanishad.htm
“The moon is Savitar and stars are Savitri. Where there is the moon, there are the stars
(and vice versa) – these two are twin sources. Man is Savitar, woman is Savitri. Where
there is a man there is a woman and vice versa. They form one pair of sources.”

Women are not to be despised
Scripture: The Chandogya Upanishad

Translated by Swami Swahananda
http://www.astrojyoti.com/chandogyaupanishad.htm
“The Vamadevya Saman is woven in a couple. He who thus knows this Vamadevya
Saman as woven in a couple becomes one of the couple and procreates. He reaches the
full length of life, lives gloriously, becomes great with offspring and cattle, and great also
with fame. His holy vow is that he should not despise any woman.”
Women must be honoured to ensure the gods are happy, to maintain a family unit and for
happiness
Scripture: Manu Smriti, Chapter 3

http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/manu/manu03.htm
“55. Women must be honoured and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands, and
brothers-in-law, who desire (their own) welfare.”
“56. Where women are honoured, there the gods are pleased; but where they are not
honoured, no sacred rite yields rewards.”
“57. Where the female relations live in grief, the family soon wholly perishes; but that
family where they are not unhappy ever prospers.”
“58. The houses on which female relations, not being duly honoured, pronounce a curse,
perish completely, as if destroyed by magic.”
“59. Hence men who seek (their own) welfare, should always honour women on holidays
and festivals with (gifts of) ornaments, clothes, and (dainty) food.”
“60. In that family, where the husband is pleased with his wife and the wife with her
husband, happiness will assuredly be lasting.”
“61. For if the wife is not radiant with beauty, she will not attract her husband; but if she
has no attractions for him, no children will be born.”
“62. If the wife is radiant with beauty, the whole house is bright; but if she is destitute of
beauty, all will appear dismal.”

Mother to be treated as God
Scripture: Taittiriya Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/taittiriyaupanishad.htm
“There should be no error in the duties towards the gods and manes. Let your mother be
a goddess unto you. Let your father be a god unto you. Let your teacher be a god unto
you. Let your guest be a god unto you. The works that are not blameworthy are to be
resorted to, but not the others.”
3.2.8 Women Sages and God as Female
There were 407 Sages associated with the revelation of Rig Veda, of which 17 were
women
In Hinduism, all power, Shakti, is female and is the divine feminine power found in
everything.
The Vedic pantheon of Gods includes a substantial number of female goddesses. There
are beautiful hymns to Usha, the dawn, imagined as an alluring young woman:
Beautous daughter of the sky!

Hold they ruddy light on high,
Grant us wealth and grant us day,
Bring us food and morning's ray.
White-robed goddess of the morning sky,
Bring us light, let night's deep shadows fly.
3.2.9 Women priests

Women can become priests in Hindu Dharma
3.2.10 Examples of Famous Hindu Women in History

Gargi, the wise and learned daughter of Rishi (sage) Vachaknu, was known as
Brahmavadini Akka Mahadevi also known as Akka (elder sister) Mahadevi was a 12th
century religious poet, much like Meera. She devoted her life to the worship of Lord
Shiva.
Mira Bai was a female saint and poetd drenched in the colour of love to Sri Krishna, Mira
was a well known devotee of God n the 16th century
Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar ruled the Holkar kingdom from 1694-1766. Her rule became
proverbial for justice and wisdom.
Queen of Jhansi - Lakshmi Bai led an uprising against a takeover of her homeland by the
British. She became a heroine and a symbol of resistance to the British rule.
Rani Avantibai raised an army of four thousand men and led it herself against the British
in 1857
Sarojini Naidu was a freedom fighter and the first Indian woman as Governor of West
Bengal after the partition.
Sri Sarada Devi was born in Bengal in 1853 to devout Brahmin parents. In Calcutta she
became known as the Holy Mother and gave spiritual instruction and initiation to many
people.
Bhagini Nivedita inspired people in all walks of life through her lectures and writings
Mother Mirra developed Integral Yoga
3.2.11 Examples of Modern Hindu Women

Today there are plenty of Hindu women role models is all spheres of
life including:
Political
Indra Ghandi – Prime Minister of India
Spiritual
Sharda Devi, The Mother, Anandamayi, Amritanandmayi Devi, Shree Maa, Gurumayi
Chidvilasananda, Ma Yoga Shakti
Academic
Shakuntala Devi - holds an undisputed place in the Guinness Book of Records for
multiplying in 1980 two randomly chosen 13-digit numbers and giving the correct answer
in 28 seconds.
3.3 Teachings of Hinduism which do not support equality

Women are described as evil agents of cupid designed to destroy men
Scripture: Yajnavalkya Upanishad

Translated by Prof. A. A. Ramanathan
http://www.astrojyoti.com/YajnavalkyaUpanishad.htm
“Having (attractive) tresses and putting on collyrium, women, difficult to touch but
pleasing to the eyes are (verily) the flames of the fire of sin and they burn men as though
they were straw. Women pleasing and cruel, are the fuel for the hell-fires, that inflame
even at a distance and though juicy (loveable) are devoid of moisture (flavour). Silly
women are the nets spread by the hunter called Cupid to entangle the bodies of men in
the form of birds. Woman is the bait stuck in the fish-hook at the string of evil propensity
to catch men in the form of fish that are in the pond of worldly life and that are active in
the mud of the mind. Enough of women to me, forever, who are the strong caskets (to
preserve) all gems of evil and are the chains of misery. He who has a woman with him
has desire for enjoyment; where is the scope for enjoyment to one who is without woman
? Discarding woman is discarding worldly life; one shall be happy after abandoning
worldly life.”
Having sex with a low caste women is considered a sin
Scripture: Kali-Santarana Upanishad

Translated by K. Narayanasvami Aiyar
http://www.astrojyoti.com/KaliSantaranaUpanishad.htm
“Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna
Krishna Hare Hare. These sixteen names (words) are destructive of the evil effects of
Kali. No better means than this is to be seen in all the Vedas. These (sixteen names)
destroy the Avarana (or the centripetal force which produces the sense of individuality)
of Jiva surrounded by the sixteen Kalas (rays). Then like the sphere of the sun which
shines fully after the clouds (screening it) disperse, Parabrahman (alone) shines."
Narada asked: ‘O Lord, what are the rules to be observed with reference to it ?" To
which Brahma replied that there were no rules for it. Whoever in a pure or an impure
state, utters these always, attains the same world of, or proximity with, or the same form
of, or absorption into Brahma. Whoever utters three and a half Crores (or thirty-five
millions) times this Mantra composed of sixteen names (or words) crosses the sin of the
murder of a Brahmana. He becomes purified from the sin of the theft of gold. He becomes
purified from the sin of cohabitation with a woman of low caste. He is purified from the
sins of wrong done to Pitris, Devas and men. Having given up all Dharmas, he becomes
freed at once from all sins. He is at once released from all bondage. That he is at once
released from all bondage is the Upanishad.”

This Upanishad encourages the practice of looking at women as dead beings to avoid
attraction
Scripture: Varaha Upanishad

Translated by K. Narayanasvami Aiyar
http://www.astrojyoti.com/VarahaUpanishad.htm
“That Paramahamsa (ascetic) who, though living in the world, keeps aloof from human
congregation as from serpent, who regards a beautiful woman as a (living) corpse and
the endless sensual objects as poison and who has abandoned all passion and
is indifferent towards all objects is no other than Vasudeva, (viz.,) myself.”

Women are regarded as sin traps who will bring misery to men
Scripture: Maha Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/MahaUpanishad.htm
“What is auspicious about woman – a puppet of flesh – moved by a machine in the cage
of the body – having nerves, bones and knots ? Why are you deluded; separate the skin,
flesh, blood and tears and then look at the body. Is it attractive ? The pearl necklace on
the breast is like the current of Ganga on Meru (fleeting and ephemeral) – the same
breast is eaten by dogs at the due time like a lump of food, in the cemetery and corners of
the directions. Women are the flame of sin, have the soot of hair, pleasing to the eye but
not to be touched; they burn man like grass. Women are the fuel lovely, yet harmful, of
the fires of all blazing at a distance whether they have taste (attachment) or not. Women
are the traps to catch the birds – men, spread by the hunter, Manmatha, the lump of bait,
the string of wickedness to men who are the fish in the pond of birth (life) and moving in
the mud of mind. I will have none of this woman who is the basket of all defects – gems –
the chain of misery. Only he with a woman has desire for enjoyment; where is enjoyment
for one who has no woman ? Giving up women means giving up the world; by this one
shall be happy.”

Speaking with a low caste woman is regarded as a hindrance to Heaven
Scripture: Sannyasa Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/SannyasaUpanishad.htm
“If one sorely afflicted recovers, renunciation in the prescribed order should be
embraced. (An ascetic) shall not converse with a low caste woman, one fallen from
virtue, and a woman in he courses. The ascetic has no worship of gods, nor witnessing
(temple) festivals. The goal of asceticism is not one (and the same) heaven. The sorely
afflicted and the Kutichaka ascetics gain the worlds Bhur and the Bhuvas respectively.
The Bahudaka ascetic (gains) heaven (Svarga). The Hamsa ascetic, the world of
truth (Satya-loka). The Turiyatita and the Avadhuta ascetics attain supreme bliss in
themselves by deeply meditating on the true nature of the Self according to the maxim of
the wasp.”

Women are to be regarded as poison
Scripture: Narada-Parivrajaka Upanishad

http://www.astrojyoti.com/NaradaParivrajakaUpanishad.htm
“On seeing a young handsome woman (he) becomes inflamed with passion, and drinking
liquor he becomes intoxicated. Therefore he shall avoid from afar a woman who is
poison to the eye.”
Women are regarded as undisciplined with little intellect
Scripture: Rig Veda

http://www.comparative- religion.com/hinduism/vedas/rig_veda_mandala8.php
“15 O thou Most Lofty One, accept our laud as nearest to thine heart. May our libations
be most sweet to make thee glad, O Soma-drinker, Heavenly Lord.
16 Neither in thy decree nor mine, but in another's he delights,-
The man who brought us unto this.
17 Indra himself hath said, The mind of woman brooks not discipline,
Her intellect hath little weight.
18 His pair of horses, rushing on in their wild transport, draw his car:
High-lifted is the stallion's yoke.
19 Cast down thine eyes and look not up. More closely set thy feet. Let none see what thy
garment veils, for thou, a Brahman, hast become a dame.”

A menstruating women is considered bad
Scripture: Yajur Veda, Kanda 2, Prapathaka V

http://www.comparative-religion.com/hinduism/vedas/yajur_veda_kanda2.php
“He replied, 'From pruning shall more (shoots) spring up for you.' Therefore from the
pruning of trees more (shoots) spring up, for that was what they chose as a boon. They
took a third part of his guilt, it became sap; therefore one should not partake of sap, for it
is the colour of guilt. Or rather of the sap which is red or which comes from the pruning
one should not partake [4], but of other sap at will. He appealed to a concourse of
women, 'Take the third of my guilt.' They said, 'Let us choose a boon; let us obtain
offspring from after the menses; let us enjoy intercourse at will up to birth.' Therefore
women obtain offspring from after the menses, and enjoy intercourse at will up to birth,
for that was what they chose as a boon. They took a third of his guilt, it became (a
woman) with stained garments; therefore one should not converse with (a woman) with
stained garments [5], one should not sit with her, nor eat her food, for she keeps emitting
the colour of guilt. Or rather they say, 'Woman's food is unguent, and there fore one
should not accept (from her) unguent, but anything else (can be accepted) at will.' The
son born of intercourse with (a woman) with stained garments is accursed; (the son born)
of intercourse in the forest is a thief; (the son born) of intercourse with a (woman) who
turns away is shamefaced and retiring; (the son born) of intercourse with a woman
bathing is fated to drown; (the son born) of one who [6] anoints herself has a skin
disease; (the son born) of one who combs her hair is bald and feeble; (the son born) of
one who anoints (her eyes) is blind; (the son born) of one who cleans her teeth has dirty
teeth; (the son born) of one who cuts her nails has bad nails; (the son born) of one who
spins is a eunuch; (the son born) of one who weaves ropes is unrestrained; (the son born)
of one who drinks from a leaf is drunken; (the son born) of one who drinks from a
mutilated (vessel) is mutilated. For three nights he should keep a vow and should drink
from his hand or from a perfect vessel, to guard his offspring. “

Marriage to a low caste woman is a sin, associates of a remarried woman are bad and a
menstruating women should be avoided.

“16. According to Atri and to (Gautama) the son of Utathya, he who weds a Sudra
woman becomes an outcast, according to Saunaka on the birth of a son, and according to
Bhrigu he who has (male) offspring from a (Sudra female, alone).”
“166. A shepherd, a keeper of buffaloes, the husband of a remarried woman, and a
carrier of dead bodies, (all these) must be carefully avoided.”
“191. But he who, being invited to a Sraddha, dallies with a Sudra woman, takes upon
himself all the sins which the giver (of the feast) committed.”
“239. A Kandala, a village pig, a cock, a dog, a menstruating woman, and a eunuch must
not look at the Brahmanas while they eat.”

Menstruating women considered bad, sex with a women is considered impure and
women should not be allowed independence.

“41. For the wisdom, the energy, the strength, the sight, and the vitality of a man who
approaches a woman covered with menstrual excretions, utterly perish.”
“205. A Brahmana must never eat (a dinner given) at a sacrifice that is offered by one
who is not a Srotriya, by one who sacrifices for a multitude of men, by a woman, or by a
eunuch.”
“144. He who has vomited or purged shall bathe, and afterwards eat clarified butter; but
if (the attack comes on) after he has eaten, let him only sip water; bathing is prescribed
for him who has had intercourse with a woman.”
“147. By a girl, by a young woman, or even by an aged one, nothing must be done
independently, even in her own house.”
Unequal laws for men and women including the death penalty, body mutilation and no
property allowed

“368. A man (of) equal (caste) who defiles a willing maiden shall not suffer the
amputation of his fingers, but shall pay a fine of two hundred (panas) in order to deter
him from a repetition (of the offence).”
“369. A damsel who pollutes (another) damsel must be fined two hundred (panas), pay
the double of her (nuptial) fee, and receive ten (lashes with a) rod.”
“370. But a woman who pollutes a damsel shall instantly have (her head) shaved or two
fingers cut off, and be made to ride (through the town) on a donkey.”
371. If a wife, proud of the greatness of her relatives or (her own) excellence, violates the
duty which she owes to her lord, the king shall cause her to be devoured by dogs in a
place frequented by many.
416. A wife, a son, and a slave, these three are declared to have no property; the wealth
which they earn is (acquired) for him to whom they belong.
417. A Brahmana may confidently seize the goods of (his) Sudra (slave); for, as that
(slave) can have no property, his master may take his possessions.

Women should be kept in dependence

“1. I will now propound the eternal laws for a husband and his wife who keep to the path
of duty, whether they be united or separated.”
“2. Day and night woman must be kept in dependence by the males (of) their (families),
and, if they attach themselves to sensual enjoyments, they must be kept under one's
control.”
“3. Her father protects (her) in childhood, her husband protects (her) in youth, and her
sons protect (her) in old age; a woman is never fit for independence.”

Women were encouraged to practice Sati (burning of the widow on the funeral pyre)
Scripture: Vishnu Purana

http://www.dharmakshetra.com/literature/puranas/VISHNU.htm
Many years ago there used to be a king known as Shatadhanu. His wife Shaivya was a
religious woman. Together, they used to pray to Vishnu, on the banks of the river
Bhagirathi. They were not interested in other things. One day a fraudulent teacher came
to them. Shatadhanu spoke to this person, but Shaivya did not. Some years later,
Shatadhanu died and Shaivya also died with him on the funeral pyre.
King Janaka was performing an ashvamedha sacrifice. The peacock had a bath at the
time of the sacrifice. When Shaivya reminded the peacock of its earlier life, it died. It was
now born as the son of Janaka and Shaivya agreed to marry him. After Janaka died, his
son became the ruler of the kingdom of Videha. In this life Shatadhanu performed many
sacrifices and gave many alms. He had several sons and ruled the kingdom and the earth
well. When he died, Shaivya again died on the funeral pyre with him. Husband and wife
went to heaven.
Arjuna found the dead bodies of Krishna, Balarama and other important Yadavas and
performed their shraddha ceremonies. Krishna’s eight major wives died on Krishna’s
funeral pyre. Revati did the same on Balarama’s . Urgasena, Rohini, Devaki and
Vasudeva also entered a fire. The others left Dvaraka with Arjuna. As soon as Krishna
died, the parijata tree and the assembly hall named Sudharma returned to heaven. The
kali era began. And the city of Dvaraka was swallowed up by the sea, with the exception
of Krishna’s own dwelling.
3.4 Hinduism - Summary

Pros
• Hindus worship both male and female aspects of God
• Both men and women can attain salvation
• Mother to be treated as god
• Wife is a key for a happy family unit
Cons
• Women are considered as sin traps for men
• Menstruating women are considered impure
• Women are considered to have little intellect and discipline
• It is encouraged to think of a woman as dead
• Unequal laws for women regarding death penalty, body mutilation and property
• Low caste women are bad in general
• Women to be kept in dependence
• Sati (burning of widow on funeral pyre) sanctioned since the time of Krishna as
something honourable
4 Jainism
4.1 Jainism - Basic Facts

There are twenty-four great Jaina teachers. The last Jina was Vardhamana also known as
Lord Mahavira.
The primary scripture of the Jains are called Agams and are compiled into twelve
separate parts, known as the dwadashangi (twelve parts).
4.2 Teachings of Jainism which support equality

4.2.1 Jainism – Scripture Quotes 1
Same rules for monks and nuns
Scripture: THE KALPA SUTRA OF BHADRABAHU - RULES FOR YATIS

http://www.jainworld.com/book/kalpa_sutra/kalpa11.htm
“During the Paggusan, &c. (see § 32, down to) tree; he is not allowed to pass there his
time with the food he had collected before. But he should first eat and dring his pure
(food and drink), then rub and clean his alms bowl, and, putting his things together, he
should, while the sun has not yet set, go to the place where he is lodged; but he is not
allowed to pass the night in the former place. (36) During the Paggusan, &c. (see § 32,
down to) tree. (37) It is not allowed that there at the same place should stand together
one monk and one nun, nor one monk and two nuns, nor two monks and one nun, nor two
monks and two nuns. But if there is a fifth person, a male or female novice, or if that
place can be seen (by those who pass) of doors open on it, then they are allowed to stand
there together. (38) During the Paggusan, &c. (see § 32, down to) tree. It is not allowed
that there at the same place should stand together a monk and a lay woman, &c. (through
the four cases as in § 28). But if there is a fifth person, a Sthavira or a Sthavirâ or if that
place can be seen (by those who pass) or doors open on it, then they are allowed to stand
there together. The same rule applies to a nun and a layman. (39)”

The following 8 virtues are called the mother precepts, acknowledging the beautiful
attributes of a mother
Scripture: SamanSuttam, Samiti-Guptisutra

http://www.jainworld.com/scriptures/samansuttam26.asp
“(A) Asta-Pravacana-Mata - Eight Mother PreceptsVigilance in walk, speech, begging
alms, receiving and keeping down of things and excreting are five Samitis (acts of
carefulnes): control of mind, control of speech and control of body (i.e. actions) are three
guptis. All are eight in number. (384)”
4.3 Teachings of Jainism which do not support equality

The company is women is considered bad. However it also mentions that some women
are goddesses on Earth
Scripture: SamanSuttam, 9. Dharmasutra

http://www.jainworld.com/scriptures/samansuttam9.asp
He observes the most difficult but pious virtue of celibacy, who does not entertain evil
thoughts even after looking at all the organs of woman. (112)
Just as a jar made of lac (sealing wax) when placed near fire soon gets melted and
perished. Similarly a monk who moves in the company of women looses his character.
(113)
One, who overcomes desires for association with women, can overcome other
temptations of his life as easily as a person, who has crossed an ocean, can easily cross
the river Ganges. (114)
Just as women become censurable by men observing celibacy, similarly men become
censurable by women observing celibacy. (115)
But there are women endowed with stern character, renowned far and wide, who are
goddesses on this earth and are even adorned by gods. (116)
The sexual fire fed by the trees of desires can burn the forest of the three world, one is
blessed whose grass of youthful life remains unburnt by this fire. (117)

Women should be avoided by males if they want to obtain salvation to avoid sexual
thoughts in the mind
Scripture: Prashmartiprakranam, Ath Aacharadhikar: ll8ll

http://www.jainworld.com/book/prasamarati_prakarana/PP24.htm
Alms should be accepted in accordance with the rules (prescribed in Acaranga); that
place is to be used to sleep which is disassociated from women, animals, eunuch;
carefulness (Lit. purity) must be maintained in respect of walking, talking, clothing,
utensils, procurement of provisions and taking food; (and) (monk) should choose right
place to dwell, to perform
meditatihttp://www.jainworld.com/book/prasamarati_prakarana/PP24.htmon (or study),
for evacuating bowels, etc and (he) should be detached from sounds and beauty (form).
He (monk) should serve (other monks) in reciprocal manner. He should have firm faith
in five great vows and must be completely free from all kinds of attachments; (and) this
code of conduct for monks narrated in eighteen thousand words (in Acaranga) observed
in due order roots out the attachment etc.; and for him (that monk) who is whole-
heartedly engrossed in observing the teachings described in Acaranga, there is never any
slit of time, where he will meet with defeat. 116-119.

Women are not considered capable of salvation due to their menstrual cycle, their
inherent nature and as because they are advised to wear clothing (which will hinder any
opportunity of salvation)
Scripture: Pravachansara
http://www.jainworld.com/book/pravachansara/index.htm
“6. The religion preached by great saints (i.e., the Tirthankaras) does not aim at
(happiness etc. in) this or the next world (but only at liberation); then how is it that, in
this religion, women are prescribed an alternative ascetic emblem consisting of clothing
etc.)?
7. In fact, liberation is not said to be possible for women in that very birth; therefore an
alternative (ascetic) emblem is prescribed for women befitting them.
8. The nature of these (viz., women) is naturally full of negligence (Pramada), and hence
they are designated as pramada; therefore these women (pramada) are said to be
plentifully negligent.
9. As a matter of fact, women are liable to infatuation, aversion, fear and disgust; in their
mind (there is) crookedness of a varied type; therefore they cannot attain liberation (in
that very birth).
10. There is not a single woman, in the whole world who is without even one of these
above faults; their limbs are not closed (?) (samudam), and hence they need clothing.
11. In their case there is always the mental mobility and fickleness and the periodical
oozing of blood (at the time of monthly course) wherein grow subtle human organisms.
12 There is said to be the growth of subtle organisms in the female organ of generation,
in between their breasts and in the parts of their naval and armpit; then how can self-
control be possible for them?
13. Women cannot effect (complete) exhaustion of Karmas, even though they are pure in
faith, are endowed with scriptural study and practise a severe course of conduct.
14. Therefore the Jinas have prescribed for them an emblem befitting their nature (i.e.,
consisting of clothing etc.); those, that are endowed with family, form and age and
practise that course, are called nuns (sramani).”
Women are enjoined to wear a minimum 1 piece of clothing with which they may not
obtain emancipation
Scripture: Ashta Pahuda, Acharya Kund Kund

http://www.jainworld.com/scriptures/ashtapahuda2.asp
“20. One who observes the five great vows, and the three restraints (of thought, word and
deed) is a sanyat (a man of self-control); without ties, he is on the way to emancipation
and is adorable.
21. The second class of insignia is said to be that of a holy layman (allowed only a loin-
cloth) who wanders about to beg for food and eats it off a leaf, cautious in speech or
keeping silent.
22. The insignia for women are taking only one meal (in the day) putting on one piece of
clothing even for a recluse and eating with clothing on.
23. Even a Tirthankara cannot achieve perfection with clothing; according to the Jina's
scripture, nudity is the one path to emancipation; the rest are all wrong paths.”

Women are given the same status as animals and immoral people

“56. (They) endure distress and hardships and always live in uninhabited places, using a
stone slab, piece of wood or bare ground for all purposes.
57. Company not kept with animals, women, and sexless and immoral persons, wicked
stories avoided and (time spent in) study and meditation, such is renunciation said to be.
58. Purified by austerity, the (main) vows and virtue, purified by righteous living and
righteous faith, purified by (other) pure attributes, such is renunciation said to be.
59. Thus has been described briefly according to the Jina's path (renunciation) full of the
virtue of self-realisation, purified highly by right faith, and free from possessions.”

Teaching and educating women is considered to be a road to hell

18. One who, devoid of true renunciation, feels a great deal of affection for house-
holders and disciples, lacks (propriety of) conduct; is a beast and not holy man.
19. With such activities, a recluse though always living among saints and possessed of
great learning is one with a lost soul, not a holy man.
20. One who, winning the confidence of womenfolk, imparts instruction to them in faith,
knowledge and conduct is also verily fallen and degraded; one with soul lost, not a holy
man.
21. He who always takes food at the house of a flirt, flatters her and nourishes his body
acquires a childish nature; a lost soul, not a holy man.
22. Thus has been stated Linga Pahuda as preached by all the Enlightened ones; who-
ever follows it assiduously reaches the highest status.
4.4 Jainism - Summary

Pros
• Qualities of a mother are regarded highly
• Rules for Yatis are the same for men and women
• Some women are regarded as goddesses on Earth
Cons
• A menstruating women is considered bad
• Women are given the same status as animals and immoral people
• Teaching and educating women is considered bad for a male
• Women are enjoined to wear 1 piece of clothing which will automatically close the
door of salvation
• Women should generally be avoided if a male is looking for emancipation
5 Buddhism
5.1 Buddhism – Basic Facts:

Teachings focus on the Buddha (the enlightened one)
Buddhist scriptures vary according to the particular type of Buddhism and include:
Tripitaka which is the main scripture for Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.
The Tibetian Canan consists of 2 parts including the bKángjur ("Translation of the Word
of the Buddha") and the bStan-'gyur ("Translations of the Teachings")
The Chinese Canon is called the Ta-ts'ang-ching or "Great Scripture Store” and consists
of 1076 texts in 480 cases. The Pali canon is the complete scripture collection of the
Theravada school. It is called the Tipitaka or "Three Baskets" because it includes the
Vinaya Pitaka or "Basket of Discipline," the Sutta Pitaka or "Basket of Discourses," and
the Abhidhamma Pitaka or "Basket of Higher Teachings".
There are 9 main Mahayanist Sutras called the 9 Dharmas which include Prajna paramita,
Saddharma-Pundarika, Lalita-Vistara, Lankavatara, Suvarna-Prabhasa, Ganda-Vyuha,
Tathagata-Guhyaka, Samadhiraja, Dasabhumisvara)
5.2 Teachings of Buddhism which support equality

5.2.1 Buddhism – Scripture Quotes 1
Buddhist Nuns had achieved Nirvana and their incarnation as a woman was to help
inferior living beings.
Scripture: Tathagata's Unimaginable State Sutra

http://www2.fodian.net/old/English/301.html
“Moreover, hundred billions of Bodhisattvas appeared as Sravakas and came to join the
congregation. The names of their leaders are: Shariputra, Maha-Maudgalyayana,
Subhuti, Rahula, Ajnata-Kaundinya, Maha-Kasyapa, Upali, Aniruddha, Revata, Ananda,
Devadatta, Upandanda, and so on. All of them had practiced the Six-Paramitas for a
long time, and had already been very close to the Bodhi of Buddhas. In order to enlighten
living beings, they appeared as Sravakas in this defiled world.
There were also innumerable Bhikshunis headed by Maha-Prajapati. All of them had
already accomplished the meritorious virtues of great and wise men, in order to soothe
the inferior living beings, they appeared as women.”

Both men and women are given the opportunity to listen to religious discourse
Scripture: Brahma Net Sutra

http://www.purifymind.com/BrahmaNetSutra.htm
“40. Discrimination in Conferring the Precepts

A disciple of the Buddha should not be selective and show preference in conferring the
Bodhisattva precepts. Each and every person can receive the precepts -- kings, princes,
high officials, Bhiksus, Bhiksunis, laymen, laywomen, libertines, prostitutes, the gods in
the eighteen Brahma Heavens or the six Desire Heavens, asexual persons, bisexual
persons, eunuchs, slaves, or demons and ghosts of all types. Buddhist disciples should be
instructed to wear robes and sleep on cloth of a neutral color, formed by blending blue,
yellow, red, black and purple dyes all together.”

Salvation is open for men and women
Scripture: Amitabha Sutra

http://www.drba.org/dharma/amitabhasutra.asp
“Shariputra, what do you think? Why is it called Sutra which all Buddhas protect and
bear in mind? Shariputra, if a good man or good woman hears this sutra and upholds it,
and hears the names of all these Buddhas, this good man or good woman will also be one
whom all Buddhas protect and bear in mind, and will attain non-retreat from
anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Shariputra, all of you should believe and accept my
words and the words all Buddhas speak.”
5.2.4 Buddhism – Recent Developments

The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order are a group of Buddhists who promote a
revised form of Buddhism in Britain (as well as other places around the world). They are
fundamentally committed to gender equality as can be seen in the following passage:
“At the [heart] of the FWBO we therefore find a unified Order of women and men;
everything in the Order is open to women and men; they take the same ordination and
vows; they exercise the same functions at public centers; they practice the same
mediations; study the same texts, and so on. In the FWBO we feel that no one should be
excluded from the process of higher human development [Enlightenment] , whether on
grounds of sex, race, colour, level of education, or social position. “
5.3 Teachings of Buddhism which do not support equality
The Buddha allows women to join the priesthood but only if they follow 8 special rules.
Those rules involve a subordination of Bhikkhunis to Bhikkhus.
Scripture: Guide to TipiTaka - Pali Buddhist Canonical Scriptures

http://www.buddhanet.net/ebooks_s.htm
“The venerable Ananda saw them outside the gateway of the Kitagara Hall, dust-laden
with swollen feet, dejected, tearful, standing and weeping. Out of great compassion for
the ladies, the Venerable Ananda interceded with the Buddha on their behalf and
entreated him to accept them in the Order. The Buddha continued to stand firm (denied
permission). But when the Venerable Ananda asked the Buddha whether women were not
capable of attaining Magga and Phala Insight, the Buddha replied that women were
indeed capable of doing so, provided they left the household life like their menfolk.
Thereupon Ananda made his entreaties again saying that Mahapajapati had been of
great service to the Buddha waiting on him as his guardian and nurse, suckling him when
his mother died. And as women were capable of attaining the Magga and Phala Insight,
she should be permitted to join the Order and become a bhikkhuni. The Buddha finally
acceded to Ananda’s entreaties: “Ananda if Mahapajapati accepts eight special rules,
Garu-Dhamma, let such acceptance mean her admission to the Order.”

A woman is regarded as lower than a man
Scripture: The Sutra of 42 Sections Spoken by the Buddha

Translated by Upasaka Chu Chan
http://www4.bayarea.net/~mtlee/42.txt
“36. The Buddha said: "It is hard for one to leave the grosser forms of incarnation and
be born a human being. "It is hard for such a one to escape being a woman and be born a
man. "It is hard for such a one to be born with all his organs in perfect condition. "It is
hard for such a one to be born in China. "It is hard for such a one to be born directly into
Buddhist surroundings. "It is hard for such a one to come in contact with the Way. "It is
hard for such a one to cultivate faith in his mind. "It is hard for such a one to attain to the
Bodhi-heart. "it is hard for such a one to attain to (the state where) nothing is practised
and nothing manifested."
A monk should avoid talk with women to avoid inappropriate thoughts in the mind
Scriptre: SADDHARMA-PUNDARÎKA
http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/lotus/lot13.htm
4. He ought not to court conceited men, but catechise such as keep to the religion. He
must also avoid such monks as follow the precepts of the Arhat [of the Gainas], and
immoral men.
5. He must be constant in avoiding a nun who is fond of banter and chatter; he must also
avoid notoriously loose female lay devotees.
6. He should shun any intercourse with such female lay devotees as seek their highest
happiness in this transient world. This is called the proper conduct of a Bodhisattva.
7. But when one comes to him to question him about the law for the sake of superior
enlightenment, he should, at any time, speak freely, always firm and undaunted.
8. He should have no intercourse with women and hermaphrodites; he should also shun
the young wives and girls in families.
9. He must never address them to ask after their health. He must also avoid intercourse
with vendors of pork and mutton.
10. With any persons who slay animals of various kind for the sake of profit, and with
such as sell meat he should avoid having any intercourse.
11. He must shun the society of whoremongers, players, musicians, wrestlers, and other
people of that sort.
12. He should not frequent whores, nor other sensual persons; he must avoid any
exchange of civility with them.
13. And when the sage has to preach for a woman, he should not enter into an apartment
with her alone, nor stay to banter.
14. When he has often to enter a village in quest of food, he must have another monk with
him or constantly think of the Buddha.

Women are compared to evil destinies and suffering
Scripture: Sutra of the Merit and Virtue of the Past Vows of the Medicine Master
http://www.buddhistdoor.com/OldWeb/resources/sutras/medicine_sutra.htm
"Moreover, Manjusri, if I were to speak for an eon or more about the great vows made by
the World Honored One, Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata, when he practiced
the Bodhisattva Way and about the merit, virtue, and adornments of his Buddhaland, I
could not finish. That Buddhaland has always been completely pure; there are no women,
no evil destinies, and no sounds of suffering. The ground is made of vaidurya, with
golden cords lining the roads. The city walls, towers, palace pavilions, studios, windows,
and latticework are all made of the seven treasures. The merit, virtue, and adornments of
this land are identical to those of the Western Land of Ultimate miss. "Residing in that
land are two Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas; the first is called Universally Radiant Sunlight,
and the second, Universally Radiant Moonlight. They are the leaders among the
immeasurable, uncountable hosts of Bodhisattvas in that land and will be the successors
to that Buddha. They are able to maintain the precious treasury of the proper Dharma of
the World Honored One, Medicine Master Vaidurya Light Tathagata. Therefore,
Manjusri, all good men and women who have faith should vow to be born in that
Buddha's land."

The intellect of a mother is regarded as having little wisdom because they spend large
amounts of time looking after children. However this same Sutra talks about the 10 types
of Kindness that a mother gives her baby.
Scripture: Filial Piety Sutra

Translated by Upasika Terri Nicholson
http://www.ic.sunysb.edu/Clubs/buddhism/sutras/fmeznbj.html
Ananda said to the Buddha, "World Honored One, when men are alive in the world they
adorn their bodies with robes, belts, shoes, hats and other fine attire, so that they clearly
assume a male appearance. When women are alive, they put on cosmetics, perfumes,
powders, and elegant fragrances to adorn their bodies, so that they clearly assume a
female appearance. Yet, once men and women die, all that is left are their bones. How
does one tell them apart? Please teach us how you are able to distinguish them."
The Buddha answered Ananda, "If when men are in the world, they enter temples, listen
to explanations of Sutras and Vinaya texts, make obeisance to the Triple Jewel, and recite
the Buddha's names, then when they die their bones will be heavy and white in color.
Most women in the world have little wisdom and are saturated with emotion. They give
birth to and raise children, feeling that this is their duty. Each child relies on its mother's
milk for life and nourishment, and that milk is a transformation of the mother's blood.
Each child drinks one thousand two hundred gallons of its mother's milk. Because of this
drain on the mother's body whereby the child takes milk for its nourishment, the mother
becomes worn and haggard and so her bones turn black in color and are light in weight."
5.4 Buddhism - Summary

Pros
• Both men and women can attain salvation and listen to scripture
• Women can become Nuns
• There currently exist Buddhist groups which offer complete equality between men
and women. However these are “new” modified versions of the original system
Cons
• Women have traditionally been able to join the order as long as an extra set of rules
are followed
• A woman is regarded lower than a man
• Monks are encouraged to avoid women to avoid inappropriate thoughts occurring in
the mind
• Women are compared to evil destinies and suffering
• The Buddha considers a mother to have little wisdom and she spends a large
proportion of her time looking after children
6 Taoism
6.1 Taoism – Basic Facts:

The founder of Taoism is believed by many to be Lao-Tse (604-531 BCE), a

contemporary of Confucius.
Taoist scriptures include:

Tao-te-Ching ("The Way of Power," or "The Book of the Way") is believed to have been
written by Lao-Tse. It describes the nature of life, the way to peace and how a ruler
should lead his life. Chuang-tzu (named after its author) contains additional teachings.
6.2 Teachings of Taoism which support equality

6.2.1 Taoism – Scripture Quotes 1
Men and women can both realise truth
Scripture: Hua Hu Ching

http://www.awok.org/hua_hu_ching/
Men and women who wish to be aware of the whole truth should adopt the practices of
the Integral Way. These time-honored disciplines calm the mind and bring one into
harmony with all things. The first practice is the practice of undiscriminating virtue: take
care of those who are deserving; also, and equally, take care of those who are not. When
you extend your virtue in all directions without discriminating, your feet are firmly
planted on the path that returns to the Tao.
True understanding in a person has two attributes: awareness and action. Together they
form a natural tai chi. Who can enjoy enlightenment and remain indifferent to suffering
in the world? This is not in keeping with the Way. Only those who increase their service
along with their understanding can be called men and women of Tao.

Women are given the responsibility of maintaining the family unit.
Scripture: I Ching or Book of Changes

http://www.akirarabelais.com/i/i.html
“The foundation of the family is the relationship between husband and wife. The tie that
hold the family together lies in the loyalty and perseverance of the wife. Her place is
within, while that of the husband is without. It is in accord with the great laws of nature
that husband and wife take their proper places. Within the family a strong authority is
needed; this is represented by the parents. If the father is really a father and the son a
son, if the elder brother fulfills his position, and the younger fulfills his, if the husband is
really a husband and the wife a wife, then the family is in order. When the family is in
order, all the social relationships of mankind will be in order. Three of the five social
relationships are to be found within the family-that between father and son, which is the
relation of love, that between the husband and wife, which is the relation of chaste
conduct, and that between elder and younger brother, which is the relation of
correctness. The loving reverence of the son is then carried over to the prince in the form
of faithfulness to duty; the affection and correctness of behavior existing between the two
brothers are extended to a friend in the form of loyalty, and to a person of superior rank
in the form of deference. The family is society in the embryo; it is the native soil on which
performance of moral duty is made early through natural affection, so that within a small
circle a basis of moral practice is created, and this is later widened to include human
relationships in general.”

Female energy is used to describe Tao
Scripture: Tao Te Ching

http://www.sacred-texts.com/tao/taote.htm
The valley spirit dies not, aye the same. The female mystery thus do we name. It’s gate,
from which at first they issued forth. Is called the root from which grew heaven and
earth. Long and unbroken does its power remain. Used gently, and without the touch of
pain.
6.2.4 Taoism – Basic Philosophy

Ying and Yang complement each other- it worships femininity. You cannot have one
without the other.
So in this sense both the men and women are given high importance as they are
respectively the opposites of one another.
6.3 Teachings of Taoism which do not support equality

Women are considered the weaker sex
These lines picture a man who has no external power, but who has enough strength of
mind to bear his burden of responsibility. He has the inner superiority and that enable
him to tolerate with kindliness the shortcomings of human folly. The same attitude is
owed to women as the weaker sex. One must understand them and give them recognition
in a spirit of chivalrous consideration. Only this combination of inner strength with outer
reserve enables one to take on the responsibility of directing a larger social body with
real success.

Women should follow men

“A woman should follow a man her whole life long, but a man should at all times hold to
what is his duty at the given moment. Should he persistently seek to conform to the
woman, it would be a mistake for him. Accordingly it is altogether right for a woman to
hold conservatively to tradition, but a man must always be flexible and adaptable and
allow himself to be guided solely by what his duty requires of him at the moment.”

The male is the head of the household

“A king is the symbol of a fatherly man who is richly endowed in mind. He does nothing
to make himself feared; on the contrary, the whole family can trust him, because love
governs their intercourse. His character of itself exercises the right influence. Nine at the
top means: His work commands respect.' In the end good fortune comes. In the last
analysis, order within the family depends on the character of the master of the house. If
he cultivates his personality so that it works impressively through the force of inner truth,
all goes well with the family. In a ruling position one must of his own accord assume
responsibility.”

A father is able to give his daughter in marriage when he deems suitable.

http://pacificcoast.net/~wh/Index.html
“The sovereign I is T'ang the Completer. This ruler decreed that the imperial princesses
should be subordinated to their husbands in the same manner as other women (cf.
Hexagram 11, six in the fifth place). The emperor does not wait for a suitor to woo his
daughter but gives her in marriage when he sees fit. Therefore it is in accord with custom
for the girl's family to take the initiative here. We see here a girl of aristocratic birth who
marries a man of modest circumstances and understands how to adapt herself with grace
to the new situation. She is free of all vanity of outer adornment, and forgetting her rank
in her marriage, takes a place below that of her husband, just as the moon, before it is
quite full, does not directly face the sun.”
6.4 Taoism – Summary

Pros
• Provides both men and women with an opportunity for salvation
• Has historically provided more equality for women than Buddhism or Confucianism
in China
• All the religious and spiritual tools are available to women
• Both masculine and feminine imagery it used to describe the Tao
Cons
• Men are still regarded as the head of a family and household
• Women are encouraged to follow their male partners
• Women are considered the weaker sex
7 Islam
7.1 Islam – Basic Facts

Number of followers: 1.3 Billion
The prophet of Islam is Mohammad
The 3 classic Islamic scriptures include:

• Qur'an (primary revealed word of God)
• Hadiths (document the traditions of Mohammad)
• Kitab Al-Salat
7.2 Teachings of Islam which support equality

7.2.1 Islam – Scripture Quote 1
A woman who wants divorce must be treated with respect
Scripture: Quran
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/002.qmt.html
002.231 PICKTHAL: “When ye have divorced women, and they have reached their term,
then retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. Retain them not to their hurt so
that ye transgress (the limits). He who doeth that hath wronged his soul. Make not the
revelations of Allah a laughing-stock (by your behaviour), but remember Allah's grace
upon you and that which He hath revealed unto you of the Scripture and of wisdom,
whereby He doth exhort you. Observe your duty to Allah and know that Allah is Aware of
all things.”
002.241 PICKTHAL: “For divorced women a provision in kindness: a duty for those who
ward off (evil).”

The dowry of women is safeguarded and they must be treated with kindness.
Scripture: Quran
004.019 YUSUFALI: “O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their
will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may Take away part of the dower
ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the
contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it
may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.”

Women have a legal share to inheritance
Scripture: Quran
004.007 PICKTHAL: “Unto the men (of a family) belongeth a share of that which
parents and near kindred leave, and unto the women a share of that which parents and
near kindred leave, whether it be little or much - a legal share.”

Equal treatment for a male or female thief
Scripture: Quran
005.038 PICKTHAL: “As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the
reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise.”

Both believing men and women will be provided forgiveness and a vast reward
Scripture: Quran
016.097 PICKTHAL: “Whosoever doeth right, whether male or female, and is a believer,
him verily we shall quicken with good life, and We shall pay them a recompense in
proportion to the best of what they used to do.”
Scripture: Quran
033.035 PICKTHAL: “Lo! men who surrender unto Allah, and women who surrender,
and men who believe and women who believe, and men who obey and women who obey,
and men who speak the truth and women who speak the truth, and men who persevere (in
righteousness) and women who persevere, and men who are humble and women who are
humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women
who fast, and men who guard their modesty and women who guard (their modesty), and
men who remember Allah much and women who remember - Allah hath prepared for
them forgiveness and a vast reward.”

Both believing men and women will be blessed by Allah
Scripture: Quran
009.071 PICKTHAL: “And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of
another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they
pay the poor-due, and they obey Allah and His messenger. As for these, Allah will have
mercy on them. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise.”
009.072 PICKTHAL: “Allah promiseth to the believers, men and women, Gardens
underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide - blessed dwellings in Gardens of
Eden. And - greater (far)! - acceptance from Allah. That is the supreme triumph.”
7.2.7 Examples of Famous Muslim Women through History

Ukhtul Mazni - Student of Imam Shafi, was a highly placed scholar of Islamic
Jurisprudence.
Umm Salim - Was a highly respected Sahabiyah. Ibn Hajar says, "Her laudable qualities
are too many to mention and she was very famous." Imam an Nawawi calls her an
excellent scholar among the Sahabiyah." (tahdhib at tahdhib vol.2 p 363)
Hafsah bint Sireen - she had memorized the Quran by the age of 12, and by the age 14
she was well versed in the exegesis (explanation) of the Quranic verses. She became
famous for her beautiful recitation of the Quran.
Princess Fatimah Khanum – Successfully completed the complex task of rebuilding the
'Zubaydah canal‘ which involved Egyptian, Syrian and Yemeni engineers and masons.
Shad Khanum - A descendant of the famous conqueror Amir Taymur, she was a master
of calligraphy with no one else in her time being able to match her skills of calligraphy of
the Quran.
Rabiyah Khatun - The sister of the Muslim General Salahuddin al Ayubbi, she was well
educated and established a great institution for religious learning near Damascus.
7.3 Teachings of Islam which do not support equality
Testimony of 2 women is equal to the testimony of 1 man
Scripture: Quran
002.282 PICKTHAL: “O ye who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term,
record it in writing. Let a scribe record it in writing between you in (terms of) equity. No
scribe should refuse to write as Allah hath taught him, so let him write, and let him who
incurreth the debt dictate, and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord, and diminish
naught thereof. But if he who oweth the debt is of low understanding, or weak, or unable
himself to dictate, then let the guardian of his interests dictate in (terms of) equity. And
call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand)
then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the one erreth
(through forgetfulness) the other will remember. And the witnesses must not refuse when
they are summoned.”

Menstruation is regarded as an illness during which time women should be left alone
Scripture: Quran
002.222 PICKTHAL: “They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation.

Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are
cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath
enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who
have a care for cleanness.”

Women are regarded as a piece of land (tilth)
Scripture: Quran
002.223 PICKTHAL: “Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as
ye will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that
ye will (one day) meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Muhammad).”
Men have a degree over women
Scripture: Quran
002.228 PICKTHAL: “Women who are divorced shall wait, keeping themselves apart,
three (monthly) courses. And it is not lawful for them that they should conceal that which
Allah hath created in their wombs if they are believers in Allah and the Last Day. And
their husbands would do better to take them back in that case if they desire a
reconciliation. And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in
kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise.”

Polygamy is allowed
Scripture: Quran
004.003 PICKTHAL: “And if ye fear that ye will not deal fairly by the orphans, marry of
the women, who seem good to you, two or three or four; and if ye fear that ye cannot do
justice (to so many) then one (only) or (the captives) that your right hands possess. Thus
it is more likely that ye will not do injustice.”

Death is the punishment for an unfaithful woman
Scripture: Quran
004.015 PICKTHAL: “As for those of your women who are guilty of lewdness, call to
witness four of you against them. And if they testify (to the truth of the allegation) then
confine them to the houses until death take them or (until) Allah appoint for them a way
(through new legislation).”

Women who are captured in war can be sexually violated even if they are married
Scripture: Quran
004.024 PICKTHAL: “And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those
(captives) whom your right hands possess. It is a decree of Allah for you. Lawful unto you
are all beyond those mentioned, so that ye seek them with your wealth in honest wedlock,
not debauchery. And those of whom ye seek content (by marrying them), give unto them
their portions as a duty. And there is no sin for you in what ye do by mutual agreement
after the duty (hath been done). Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Wise.”

Men are in charge of women
Scripture: Quran
004.034 PICKTHAL: “Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of
them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of
women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath
guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to
beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo!
Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.”

Certain food reserved for a male
Scripture: Quran
006.139 PICKTHAL: “And they say: That which is in the bellies of such cattle is reserved
for our males and is forbidden to our wives; but if it be born dead, then they (all) may be
partakers thereof. He will reward them for their attribution (of such ordinances unto
Him). Lo, He is Wise, Aware.”

Women that have been won through war do not have the same rights as normal women.
Scripture: Quran
033.050 PICKTHAL: O Prophet! Lo! We have made lawful unto thee thy wives unto
whom thou hast paid their dowries, and those whom thy right hand possesseth of those
whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war, and the daughters of thine uncle on the
father's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the father's side, and the daughters of
thine uncle on the mother's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the mother's side
who emigrated with thee, and a believing woman if she give herself unto the Prophet and
the Prophet desire to ask her in marriage - a privilege for thee only, not for the (rest of)
believers - We are Aware of that which We enjoined upon them concerning their wives
and those whom their right hands possess - that thou mayst be free from blame, for Allah
is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
033.052 PICKTHAL: It is not allowed thee to take (other) women henceforth, nor that
thou shouldst change them for other wives even though their beauty pleased thee, save
those whom thy right hand possesseth. And Allah is ever Watcher over all things.

Women assumed to be bad as majority in hell are women
Scripture: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 28

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/reference/searchhadith.html
“Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet said: I was shown the Hell-fire and that the majority
of its dwellers were women who were ungrateful." It was asked, "Do they disbelieve in
Allah?" (or are they ungrateful to Allah?) He replied, "They are ungrateful to their
husbands and are ungrateful for the favors and the good (charitable deeds) done to them.
If you have always been good (benevolent) to one of them and then she sees something in
you (not of her liking), she will say, 'I have never received any good from you.”

Women are regarded as deficient in intelligence and religion
Scripture: Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 6, Number 301

“Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: Once Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer
the prayer) o 'Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O
women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you
(women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle ?" He replied, "You curse
frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in
intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some
of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and
religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?"
They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it
true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in
the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion.”

Women are likened to dogs and donkeys
Scripture: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 9, Number 490:

“Narrated 'Aisha: The things which annul the prayers were mentioned before me. They
said, "Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the
praying people)." I said, "You have made us (i.e. women) dogs. I saw the Prophet
praying while I used to lie in my bed between him and the Qibla. Whenever I was in need
of something, I would slip away. for I disliked to face him."

Prophet Mohammad struck his wife Aisha on the chest
Scripture: KITAB AL-SALAT, Book 4, Number 2127

http://isna.net/library/hadith/muslim/004c_smt.html
He stood there and he stood for a long time. He then lifted his hands three times, and
then returned and I also returned. He hastened his steps and I also hastened my steps. He
ran and I too ran. He came (to the house) and I also came (to the house). I, however,
preceded him and I entered (the house), and as I lay down in the bed, he (the Holy
Prophet) entered the (house), and said: Why is it, O 'A'isha, that you are out of breath? I
said: There is nothing. He said: Tell me or the Subtle and the Aware would inform me. I
said: Messenger of Allah, may my father and mother be ransom for you, and then I told
him (the whole story). He said: Was it the darkness (of your shadow) that I saw in front
of me? I said: Yes. He struck me on the chest which caused me pain, and then said: Did
you think that Allah and His Apostle would deal unjustly with you? She said: Whatsoever
the people conceal, Allah will know it. He said: Gabriel came to me when you saw me.
He called me and he concealed it from you. I responded to his call, but I too concealed it
from you (for he did not come to you), as you were not fully dressed. I thought that you
had gone to sleep, and I did not like to awaken you, fearing that you may be frightened.

Men are allowed to beat / scourge their women
Scripture: Quran
004.034 PICKTHAL: “Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of
them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of
women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath
guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to
beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo!
Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.”
A U-Tube clip from an Islamic scholar with regards to the rules around wife beating
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp3Eam5FX58
7.4 Islam - Summary

Pros
• Both believing men and women will be blessed by Allah
• Women have a legal share to inheritance
• Dowry of women is safeguarded
• Men and women thief's are given the same treatment
• Women wanting a divorce must be treated with respect
Cons
• Testimony of 2 women = testimony of 1 man
• Menstruation is regarded as an illness
• Men have a degree over women
• Women are regarded as a tilth and compared with dogs and donkeys
• Women regarded deficient in intelligence and religion
• Women assumed bas as majority in hell are women
• Women that have been won in war have fewer rights than average Muslim women
• Death is the price for an unfaithful woman
• Polygamy is allowed for a Muslim man
• Men are allowed to scourge / beat their wife
8 Christianity
8.1 Christianity – Basic Facts

Number of followers: 2.1 Billion
The prophet of Christianity is Jesus Christ and the main Christian scripture is the world
famous Bible which comes in four parts.
8.2 Teachings of Christianity which support equality

8.2.1 Christianity – Scripture Quote 1
The grace of a good woman is above Gold
Scripture: Deuterocanonical Apocrypha, 7:18 – 7:21

http://mobile.ishwar.com/christianity/deuterocanonical_apocrypha/book14/
Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is fire and worms. Change not a
friend for any good by no means; neither a faithful brother for the gold of Ophir. Forego
not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above gold. Whereas thy servant worketh
truly, entreat him not evil. nor the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.

Equal treatment for an evil man or woman
Scripture: Bible, Deuteronomy 17:1-7

http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=de+17:5&version=niv&
context=1&showtools=1
1 Do not sacrifice to the Lord your God an ox or a sheep that has any defect or flaw in it,
for that would be detestable to him. 2 If a man or woman living among you in one of the
towns the Lord gives you is found doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God in
violation of his covenant, 3 and contrary to my command has worshiped other gods,
bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars of the sky, 4 and this has been
brought to your attention, then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true and it has
been proved that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, 5 take the man or woman
who has done this evil deed to your city gate and stone that person to death. 6 On the
testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to
death on the testimony of only one witness. 7 The hands of the witnesses must be the first
in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people. You must purge the evil
from among you.
8.2.3 Examples of Christian Women
• Kim Alexis: Supermodel
• Connie Seleca: Actress
• Della Reese: Actress
• Whitney Houston: Singer
• Kathie Lee Gifford: Talk show host
• Alice Cooper - american pop star
• Anna Chlumsky: Actress
• Lisa Whelchel - actress, "The Facts of Life"("Blair)
• Catherine Booth - Compelling preacher and co-founder of the Salvation Army

• Mother Theresa: Saint and Charity Worker
• Joan of Arc: Saint
• Janet Lynn: Olympic Figure Skater

• Rosalyn Sumners: Figure Skater
• Margaret Thatcher – Prime Minister for Great Britain
8.3 Teachings of Christianity which do not support equality

Woman created from the rib of a man
Scripture: Bible, Genesis 2:21-25:21

http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=ge+2:23&version=niv&
21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping,
he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God
made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called
'woman,' for she was taken out of man." 24 For this reason a man will leave his father
and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. 25 The man and his
wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

Woman is regarded as wicked

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love and faith is the beginning of cleaving
unto him. [Give me] any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the
wickedness of a woman: And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and
any revenge, but the revenge of enemies. There is no head above the head of a serpent;
and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy. I had rather dwell with a lion and a
dragon, than to keep house with a wicked woman. The wickedness of a woman changeth
her face, and darkeneth her countenance like sackcloth. Her husband shall sit among his
neighbours; and when he heareth it shall sigh bitterly. All wickedness is but little to the
wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner fall upon her. As the climbing up a
sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words to a quiet man.”

Women is regarded as the source of sin through which we all die

“As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words to a
quiet man. Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for pleasure. A
woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger, impudence, and much reproach. A
wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy countenance and a wounded heart:
a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble
knees. Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die. Give the
water no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad. If she go not as thou
wouldest have her, cut her off from thy flesh, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her
go.”

Husband to rule over wife
Scripture: Bible, Genesis 3:16-16

http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=ge+2:23&version=niv&
“To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you
will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over
you.”

Menstruating woman is considered unclean
Scripture: Bible Leviticus 12:1-5
http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=le+12:2&version=niv&c
ontext=1&showtools=1
“1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 "Say to the Israelites: 'A woman who becomes pregnant
and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is
unclean during her monthly period. 3 On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised.
4 Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. She must
not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are
over. 5 If she gives birth to a daughter, for two weeks the woman will be unclean, as
during her period. Then she must wait sixty-six days to be purified from her bleeding.”

Menstruating woman not allowed to go to a sacred place
Scripture: Bible, Leviticus 12:1-5

http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=le+12:4&version=niv&c
ontext=1&showtools=1
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 "Say to the Israelites: 'A woman who becomes pregnant and
gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean
during her monthly period. 3 On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. 4 Then the
woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. She must not touch
anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are over. 5 If she
gives birth to a daughter, for two weeks the woman will be unclean, as during her period.
Then she must wait sixty-six days to be purified from her bleeding.

Anything a Menstruating woman touches is unclean
Scripture: Bible, Leviticus 15:19-33

http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=le+15:19&version=niv&
19 "'When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period
will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening.
20 "'Anything she lies on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will
be unclean. 21 Whoever touches her bed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and
he will be unclean till evening. 22 Whoever touches anything she sits on must wash his
clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. 23 Whether it is the bed
or anything she was sitting on, when anyone touches it, he will be unclean till evening.
24 "'If a man lies with her and her monthly flow touches him, he will be unclean for seven
days; any bed he lies on will be unclean. 25 "'When a woman has a discharge of blood
for many days at a time other than her monthly period or has a discharge that continues
beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge, just as in the
days of her period. 26 Any bed she lies on while her discharge continues will be unclean,
as is her bed during her monthly period, and anything she sits on will be unclean, as
during her period. 27 Whoever touches them will be unclean; he must wash his clothes
and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening. 28 "'When she is cleansed from
her discharge, she must count off seven days, and after that she will be ceremonially
clean. 29

Woman regarded as defective and misbegotten
Summa Theologica,Q92, art. 1, Reply Obj. 1

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Thomas_Aquinas
Saint Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Catholic philosopher and theologian in the
scholastic tradition, known as Doctor Angelicus. He is the most famous classical
proponent of natural theology. He gave birth to the Thomistic school of philosophy,
which was long the primary philosophical approach of the Catholic Church. Hew rote the
following:
"As regards the individual nature, woman is defective and misbegotten, for the active
power of the male seed tends to the production of a perfect likeness in the masculine sex;
while the production of a woman comes from defect in the active power...."
8.4 Christianity – Summary

Pros
• There are lots of examples of famous Christian women through history and today
• There are a number of Modern Christian groups who follow equality between men
and women
• The qualities of a good woman are held in high esteem
Cons
• The Bible regards a menstruating woman as bad in many ways
• The husband/male is generally given a higher status than a wife/female
• The early church fathers did not regard women as good
• Genesis and the fall of Adam and Eve does not support gender equality as sin is
regarded as the fault of a woman
9 Sikhism
Major World religions provide certain degrees of freedom to women. But they ALL fall
short of providing complete equality whether that is from a scriptural point of view,
sayings of the prophets or current examples of women achievers.
So what does Sikhism say about Equality between Men and Women?
9.1 Sikhism Basic Facts:

Number of followers: 20+ Million
Founders of the faith were 10 Gurus starting with Guru Nanak Dev Ji
The main Sikh scriptures are:

• Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (primary)
• Bhai Gurdas Vaars (explanation of primary text)
• Shri Dasam Granth (parts of this are works of the tenth master and other parts are
non-Sikh sources)
9.2 Teachings of Sikhism which support equality

9.2.1 Sikhism – Scripture Quote 1
The light of God sits equally within both men and women
Scripture: Guru Granth Sahib Ji

http://www.srigranth.org
“In the earth and in the sky, I do not see any second. Among all the women and the men,
His Light is shining. ||3|| In the lamps of the sun and the moon, I see His Light. Dwelling
among all is my ever-youthful Beloved. ||4|| In His Mercy, He attuned my consciousness
to the Lord.” (page 223)

Both men and women are described as beautiful soul brides of God

“Her Husband Lord is Beautiful; His Body is forever fresh and new. The True One does
not die, and shall not go. He continually enjoys His happy soul-bride; He casts His
Gracious Glance of Truth upon her, and she abides in His Will. ||4|| The bride braids her
hair with Truth; her clothes are decorated with His Love. Like the essence of
sandalwood, He permeates her consciousness, and the Temple of the Tenth Gate is
opened. The lamp of the Shabad is lit, and the Name of the Lord is her necklace. ||5|| She
is the most beautiful among women; upon her forehead she wears the Jewel of the Lord's
Love. Her glory and her wisdom are magnificent; her love for the Infinite Lord is True.
Other than her Beloved Lord, she knows no man. She enshrines love for the True Guru.
||6||” (page 54)

The cessation of suffering is available to both men and women

“The Transcendent Lord has given me His support. The house of pain and disease has
been demolished. The men and women celebrate. The Lord God, Har, Har, has extended
His Mercy. ||1||” (page 627)

Both men and women regarded as women of God.

“The women come and sing the songs of joy. Meeting with their Beloved, lasting peace is
obtained. ||1|| I am a sacrifice to those, whose minds are filled with the Lord. Meeting
with the humble servant of the Lord, peace is obtained, and one intuitively sings the
Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||1||Pause|| They are always imbued with Your Joyful Love;
O Dear Lord, You Yourself come to dwell in their minds. They obtain eternal glory. The
Gurmukhs are united in the Lord's Union. ||2||” (page 798)

A challenge to men to accept women as equals and as being inherently good. This is the
direct opposite view held by the other Indian religions with their focus on asceticism and
shunning of women.

“From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged
and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. So why call her
bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there
would be no one at all. O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman. That mouth
which praises the Lord continually is blessed and beautiful. O Nanak, those faces shall be
radiant in the Court of the True Lord. ||2||” (page 473)

A woman is regarded as the one half of man

“Because of the love of woman, circumcision is done; I don't believe in it, O Siblings of
Destiny. If God wished me to be a Muslim, it would be cut off by itself. ||2|| If
circumcision makes one a Muslim, then what about a woman? She is the other half of a
man's body, and she does not leave him, so he remains a Hindu. ||3|| Give up your holy
books, and remember the Lord, you fool, and stop oppressing others so badly. Kabeer
has grasped hold of the Lord's Support, and the Muslims have utterly failed. ||4||8||”
(page 477)

A menstruating is not considered impure. Only people with God in their mind are
considered pure, which is independent of the condition of ones clothing or physical body
cycles.

“As a woman has her periods, month after month, so does falsehood dwell in the mouth
of the false; they suffer forever, again and again. They are not called pure, who sit down
after merely washing their bodies. Only they are pure, O Nanak, within whose minds the
Lord abides. ||2||” (Page 472)
“When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine, soap can wash them clean. But when
the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, it can only be cleansed by the Love of the
Name.” (Page 4)

Blessings of a mother

“Fruitful are the lives of those who walk in harmony with the Will of the True Guru.
Their families are saved; blessed are the mothers who gave birth to them. By His Will He
grants His Grace; those who are so blessed, meditate on the Name of the Lord, Har, Har.
||3||” (page 28)

God as mother and father

Like a foolish child, I have made mistakes. O Lord, You are my Father and Mother. ||1||
It is easy to speak and talk, but it is difficult to accept Your Will. ||1||Pause|| I stand tall;
You are my Strength. I know that You are mine. Inside of all, and outside of all, You are
our Self-sufficient Father. ||2||

The nature of a mother is associated with Wisdom

Let wisdom be your mother, and contentment your father. Let Truth be your brother -
these are your best relatives. ||1|| He has been described, but He cannot be described at
all. Your All-pervading creative nature cannot be estimated. ||1||Pause||

The Guru is associated with the nurturing and caring qualities of a mother

“Just as the mother, having given birth to a son, feeds him and keeps him in her vision -
indoors and outdoors, she puts food in his mouth; each and every moment, she caresses
him. In just the same way, the True Guru protects His GurSikhs, who love their Beloved
Lord. ||1||” (Page 168)

God as a man and a woman
Scripture: Dasam Granth Ji

http://www.sridasam.org/
Somewhere He bears the quality of rajas (activity), somewhere tamas (morbidity) and
somewhere sattva (rhythm). Somewhere He takes the form of a woman and somewhere
man.

The veil as a useless outdated piece of clothing

“Stay, stay, O daughter-in-law - do not cover your face with a veil. In the end, this shall
not bring you even half a shell. ||1||Pause|| The one before you used to veil her face; do
not follow in her footsteps. ||1|| The only merit in veiling your face is that for a few days,
people will say, "What a noble bride has come". ||2|| Your veil shall be true only if you
skip, dance and sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. ||3|| Says Kabeer, the soul-bride
shall win, only if she passes her life singing the Lord's Praises. ||4||1||34||” (Page 484)

Hindu tradition of Sati (burning of alive widow on funeral pyre) redefined

“Do not call them 'satee', who burn themselves along with their husbands' corpses. O
Nanak, they alone are known as 'satee', who die from the shock of separation. ||1|| They
are also known as 'satee', who abide in modesty and contentment. They serve their Lord,
and rise in the early hours to contemplate Him. ||2||” (Page 787)

Marriage is considered an integral part of the spiritual journey to realise God. A married
couple must live together as equals. It is the duty of both husband and wife to share the
responsibilities of rearing Children. All other family duties should also be shared equally.

“They are not said to be husband and wife who merely sit together. Rather they alone are
husband and wife who have one soul in two bodies.”
9.2.16 Sikhism - Women Bishops / Priests
Each of the Gurus contributed to the enhancement of equality between the sexes.
During the time of the 3rd Guru, Sikhism had established 22 centres around the country.
4 of the leaders at these centres were women. (Only religion to have equivalent of 4
Bishops in 15th Century)
The 3rd Guru sent out over 100 missionaries. Just under half were women.
9.2.17 Hereditary Rights for a woman

Hereditary rights have never been an issue in Sikhism. Sikh women have full rights to
contest any hereditary claim.
In, ‘Women’s Property Rights – A Sikh Perspective’, Prof Dalip Singh writes, ‘Since all
children both male and female are equal in all respects, the property of the father/mother
is equally divisible amongst the children.’
9.2.18 Identity of a Woman

In most cultures, when a man marries a women, it is customary for the woman to adopt
the man’s surname.This is a subtle form of superiority of the male over the female, with
the latter losing her identity.
However in Sikhism the Guru considers the woman a Princess and has given her the
surname Kaur. This frees the woman from having to take her husband’s surname after
marriage.
9.2.19 Opportunity to Pray for a woman

Many religions blame women, for the inability of a man to remain focused on God.
However, in Sikhism it is not the woman who is blamed for causing sinful thoughts in
men, but the men who let Lust dominate their mind.
Any woman can:

• Enter a Gurdwara and is accepted in all prayers.
• No area is made exempt
• Women are always an integral part of the Congregation
9.2.20 Restrictions on Clothes for a Woman

The only restriction placed on a woman is that she must NOT wear a veil.
The Sikh Code of Conduct states, ‘It is not proper for a Sikh woman to wear a veil or
keep her face hidden by veil or cover’ – Article XVI,s
9.2.21 Famous Sikh women through History
Mata Nanaki was Guru Nanak's sister and perhaps the first Sikh. She played a vital role
in sustaining and spreading Guru Nanak's spiritual message.
Mata Tripta was Guru Nanak's mother and encouraged Guru Nanak to pursue his life
long mission.
Mata Sahib The Spiritual Mother of the Khalsa. During the first Amrit ceremony of the
Khalsa on Vaisakhi 1699, She added sugar wafers (Patasae) in the preparation of the
Holy nectar (Amrit) in order to infuse mercy and benevolence into the preexisting
properties (courage and strength) of the Amrit.
Mata Gujari was an illuminating force behind her husband Guru Tegh Bahadur (the ninth
Guru) and her son Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Guru).
Mata Ajit Kaur nurtured and guided the Khalsa for forty years after the Guru's (10th
Master’s) death.
Mata Khivi was Guru Angad Dev's wife and she occupies a special place in Sikh history.
She played a critical role in the second Guru's life. Her most important contribution is
that she made the concept of langar (community kitchen), a reality. She helped create a
new social consciousness in Sikh women.
Bibi Bhani has a unique position in Sikh history. She was the daughter of the third Guru
(Guru Amar Das), wife of the fourth Guru (Guru Ram Das), and mother of the fifth Guru
(Guru Arjan Dev). Bibi Bhani was an inspiration during the formative period of Sikh
history and symbolizes responsibility, dedication, humility and fortitude.
Sikhism – Famous Sikh women through History
Sada Kaur described as a first woman commander-in-chief and a leader of unprecedented

qualities. She along with her son in law Ranjit Singh defeated Zaman Shah, son of
Abdali near Amritsar and established the Khalsa Kingdom.
Rani Jind Kaur married to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, mother of Maharaja Dalip Singh, first
female freedom fighter in the struggle to drive out the British from India. She tried her
best to stop British from annexing her kingdom.
Mai Bhago Fought side by side with Guru Gobind Singh, was the lone survivor of the
battle in which Fourty Mukte defeated Mughals. She led and fought in many battles for
Guru Gobind Singh, and also served as his bodyguard. She led a battalion of 40 men in
the battle of Muktsar. Mai Bhago kaur survived to remain a member of the Khalsa army.
Bibi Khem Kaur A general of Sikh forces that supported a revolt against British in 1849.
Bibi Sahib Kaur Phulkian A Princess of Patiala. She led armies into many battles and
was the only woman in Indian subcontinent to win a battle over a British General.
Bibi Rajinder Kaur Princess of Patiala, displayed her chivalry in numerous battles.
9.2.22 Famous Modern Sikh women

• Dr. Kalpana Chawla - First Indian Woman (and 1st Sikh) to go into Space (1997)
• Harita Kaur Deol - First Indian Woman to perform a solo flight in 1994
• Kiran Bedi - First Indian Woman IPS Officer (1974)
• Kamaljit Sandhu - First Indian Woman to win an Asian gold (1970)
• Rajkumari Amrit Kaur - First Indian Woman Union Health Minister: (1954)
• Bibi Jagir Kaur - First woman President of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak
Committee (SGPC) which is the Sikh parliament of India
• Snatam Kaur Khalsa - New Age Grammy Award Nominee for her Spiritual music
• Dr. Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa - Bhai Sahiba of Sikh Dharma of the Western
Hepsiphere
• Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa is director of Golden Bridge in Los Angeles. Author of The
Eight Human Talents; Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful: A Spiritual Path to Pregnancy
and Birthing; and three DVDs on Kundalini Yoga and pre- and postnatal yoga.
• Siri Sikdar Sahiba Guru Amrit Kaur – joint head of 3HO Healthy, Happy and Holy
organisation
9.3 Teachings of Sikhism which are equality neutral

9.3.1 Why have all the Gurus been Male?
If Sikhism preaches Equality, then why have all the Gurus been male?
Answer:
During the time of Guru Nanak, the ruling community of people were Muslims, some of
whom were fundamentalists and would impose harsh treatment on non-muslims. At the
same time Hindu’s did not consider women to be equal to men and engaged in Sati
(burning of the widow on the funeral pyre) and sell this idea as something which was
honourable and considered to be the duty of a widow.
With this form of government and thinking within the minds of local people it would
have been extremely difficult for a woman to have made the four great journeys to the
various parts of the world which Guru Nanak Dev Ji made or to take part in the religious-
political atmosphere without danger of being undermined simply on the basis of one
gender.
So the 10 Sikh Gurus were male and each of them helped to consolidate and improve the
condition of women by sending women missionaries to various parts of India, installing
women as head of preaching centres, giving the opportunity to women to lead armies etc.
The culmination of the Sikh Gurus teachings came with the Guruship being bestowed
jointly on both the scripture (spiritual guruship) and the Sikh community as a whole
(temporal guruship). In this way the temporal Guru after the 10th master became the
collective body of both men and women forming the Sikh community and this is the
system we have until the present day.
9.4 Sikhism - Summary

Sikhism preaches complete equality between men and women in all spheres of life

Status of Woman

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Gender Equalty in

Major World Religions

Indian / Chinese Religion Focus

Abrahamic Religion Focus

Age of Religion: 5000+ years

3.2 Teachings of Hinduism which support equality

Scripture: Ekakshara Upanishad

3.2.2 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 2

Scripture: Bhasma-Jabala Upanishad

3.2.3 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 3

Scripture: Rudra-Hridaya Upanishad

3.2.4 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 4

Scripture: Savitri Upanishad

3.2.5 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 5

Scripture: The Chandogya Upanishad

Scripture: Manu Smriti, Chapter 3

3.2.7 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 7

Scripture: Taittiriya Upanishad

Beautous daughter of the sky!

3.2.9 Women priests

3.2.10 Examples of Famous Hindu Women in History

3.2.11 Examples of Modern Hindu Women

3.3 Teachings of Hinduism which do not support equality

Scripture: Yajnavalkya Upanishad

Scripture: Kali-Santarana Upanishad

3.3.3 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 3

Scripture: Varaha Upanishad

3.3.4 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 4

Scripture: Maha Upanishad

3.3.5 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 5

Scripture: Sannyasa Upanishad

3.3.6 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 6

Scripture: Narada-Parivrajaka Upanishad

Scripture: Rig Veda

3.3.8 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 8

Scripture: Yajur Veda, Kanda 2, Prapathaka V

3.3.9 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 9

Scripture: Manu Smriti, Chapter 3

3.3.10 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 10

Scripture: Manu Smriti, Chapter 4

Scripture: Manu Smriti, Chapter 8

3.3.12 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 12

Scripture: Manu Smriti, Chapter 9

3.3.13 Hinduism – Scripture Quotes 13

Scripture: Vishnu Purana

3.4 Hinduism - Summary

Age of Religion: 2600+ years

4.2 Teachings of Jainism which support equality

Scripture: THE KALPA SUTRA OF BHADRABAHU - RULES FOR YATIS

4.2.2 Jainism – Scripture Quotes 2

Scripture: SamanSuttam, Samiti-Guptisutra

4.3 Teachings of Jainism which do not support equality

Scripture: SamanSuttam, 9. Dharmasutra

4.3.2 Jainism – Scripture Quotes 2

Scripture: Prashmartiprakranam, Ath Aacharadhikar: ll8ll

4.3.3 Jainism – Scripture Quotes 3

Scripture: Ashta Pahuda, Acharya Kund Kund

4.3.5 Jainism – Scripture Quotes 5

Scripture: Ashta Pahuda, Acharya Kund Kund

4.3.6 Jainism – Scripture Quotes 6

Scripture: Ashta Pahuda, Acharya Kund Kund

4.4 Jainism - Summary

Age of Religion: 2500+ years