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In Chapter 13 of our text, the path of spiritual progress in Abhidharma is a long journey. In Buddhism (and many other religions), there are always differences between the genders when taking a spiritual path.

These differences may be necessary at the initial stage in Abhidharma because:

This may however not so from the perspective of Buddhism for the following reasons:

1) Biological differences and emotional inclination
The differences between genders are not only in biological structure but also in emotional inclination. From this perspective, precepts have to be gender orientated to better fit each situation and circumstances.

2) Social circumstances and cultural expectations
Famous philosophers such Confucius have been accused of gender discrimination. This however must not be the whole truth considering the need to fit social circumstances and cultural expectation of that era. Even in contemporary times, it is not uncommon for other religions such as Muslim, Cathodic and Christian to observe gender orientated practices in rituals.

The intention of such practices may not be gender discrimination in intention. Rather it may be originated on the ground of mutual respects i.e. mutual respects of the philosophy with the local culture / social behaviour or between individuals. E.g. in some culture, it is unacceptable for unmarried male and female to be seen mixing together even in public events, thus the need to separate devotees of different gender.

It can also have originated on ground of mutual respects between gender. E.g. husband is expected to take care of the family and wife to educate and look after the children. The husband (in classical Confucianism) should never quarrel with, let alone abuse, women.

3) Overall balances
Although males appear to be dominant or advantageously treated in public, females may not be the fairer gender as they can have dominancy domestically or able to exercise influences on the behaviours / decisions made by the males from other perspectives – directly or indirectly. Thus, achieving an overall balance of power distribution. E.g. females may be the fairer gender in some society but the males are expected to carry heavy luggage and exercise ladies first. The males may get to be served with home cook food but are expected to do the dishes. Most of the board directors may be male but many of the decisions are influenced by their wives opinions.

As practitioners progress further in the spiritual path, the differences in gender mitigated significantly when the defilements (including rites and rituals pertaining to genders) diminished. The Mahavibhasa Sastra highlighted this situation when all candidates entering the “stream entry” stage (Srotaapatti-phala-pratipannaka) are now “equal beings”.

So do you agree that there are only gender differences rather than discrimination in Buddhism?