In the vast world of Buddhism, a new generation of monastic leaders is shaking things up, heralding a subtle wind of change from the Kingdom of Bhutan to South Korea, where cultural norms and practices are evolving.
At the center of this transition is Ugyen Choden, a Bhutanese nun who is leaving her mark on the Buddhist path. Her journey from Bhutan to South Korea, along with her experiences and goals in the predominantly male world of monastic Buddhism, tells a moving story of tenacity, determination, and service.
In a groundbreaking ceremony in June 2022, Ugyen Choden became one of the 142 female monastics to receive full ordination in Bhutan, a historic step toward achieving gender equality within Buddhist monastic institutions. This transformative event aims to redefine the traditionally male-led monastic sangha and highlight women’s significant roles within Buddhist communities.
However, Choden’s path to becoming a monastic was not without challenges. Since childhood, she admired the tranquility embodied by Buddhist nuns. At the age of 18, she courageously chose to step away from conventional education and pursue monastic life. Despite initial resistance from her parents, her unwavering conviction led her to embrace Buddhism fully.
The road to full ordination tested her resilience further. The rigorous demands of monastic education, significantly different from her earlier secular studies, almost pushed her to the brink of giving up. Nevertheless, the encouraging words from her Dharma teacher reignited her resolve to persevere, culminating in her successful completion of a traditional master’s degree in Buddhist studies.
Choden’s experience sheds light on the need for greater support for the education of female monastics, revealing the systemic challenges they encounter on their path to spiritual advancement. Her tale serves as a testament to the strength, courage, and determination of women navigating their way through traditional religious structures.
Significantly, Choden’s experience with full ordination revealed an encouraging acceptance of female monastics in contemporary Bhutanese society. The support and respect they received from the lay community after the ceremony signal an evolving perspective, holding promise for future female monastics.
Monastic life has undeniably enriched Choden, fostering compassion and humility within her. Beyond theoretical studies, it has shaped her as a human being, empowering her to serve her community. Her aspiration to pursue traditional medicine further underscores her commitment to service, promising a future where religious women play crucial roles in nurturing their communities.
Choden’s experience during the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) study trip, hosted by the Jungto Society in South Korea, solidified her dedication to helping others. Inspired by Pomnyun Sunim’s words and work, she was reminded that as monastics, their primary duty is to serve and support laypeople, not merely to seek their support.
The inspiring tale of Ugyen Choden serves as a beacon of hope for many others looking to follow in her footsteps. Her story encapsulates the lived reality of women breaking barriers within age-old traditions, challenging the status quo, and standing tall as leaders in their spiritual communities.
In an era when gender equality and inclusivity are pressing issues, Choden’s journey epitomizes a stride towards a more equitable future in Buddhist monastic institutions, where women stand shoulder to shoulder with men, making profound contributions to society. Indeed, her story echoes from Bhutan to Korea and beyond, bringing a fresh wind of change, inspiring young leaders and activists on their own journeys towards enlightenment and equality.
