DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - A specific reference to views on woman in the Digha Nikaya

**aaafluochugh** · 08-12-2012, 03:56 AM

I think the passage in question is problematic; we see the advice proceed thusly:

1. Do not see women
2. Do not talk to women
3. Be wide awake

But those first two ideas contradict the last: just avoid, just avoid...

Personally, I see nothing problematic or contradictory in the passage.

For a monk, in training, there is no need to [want to] see women or [to want to] talk to women.

Ananda asks: "What about women?" and Buddha replies: "What about them? Why should you be interested in them? Your question is non-sequitur."

Then Ananda asks: "But what if we must communicate with them?" Buddha replies in a simple common sense manner: "Be mindful; practise the ordinary path."

08-12-2012, 03:56 AM	#10
aaafluochugh Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 473 Senior Member	I think the passage in question is problematic; we see the advice proceed thusly: 1. Do not see women 2. Do not talk to women 3. Be wide awake But those first two ideas contradict the last: just avoid, just avoid... Personally, I see nothing problematic or contradictory in the passage. For a monk, in training, there is no need to [want to] see women or [to want to] talk to women. Ananda asks: "What about women?" and Buddha replies: "What about them? Why should you be interested in them? Your question is non-sequitur." Then Ananda asks: "But what if we must communicate with them?" Buddha replies in a simple common sense manner: "Be mindful; practise the ordinary path."
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