- Initially, only men were allowed into the sangha, but later women also came to be admitted. (In Buddha’s lifetime only).
- This was made possible through the mediation of Ananda (Buddha’s dearest disciple).
- Buddha’s foster mother, Mahapajapati Gautami was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni.
- Therigatha is a collection of verses composed by bhikkhunis (part of Sutta Pitaka). It provides an insight into women’s social and spiritual experiences.
