Women and Samsara

[Treks]

Which schools \ dharmic religions believe that women are a step below men on the cycle of samsara?

I've heard some Buddhists say that a woman cannot become enlightened, but she must be reincarnated as a man, first.

Are there others? Can Buddhists please clarify the above?

Many thanks

 

[Aupmanyav]

In one Hindu view, Shakti is the creatrix. in all other Hindu views, she is an equal partner and named first as in Lakshmi-Narayana, Sita-Rama and Radha-Krishna. But I see, you are looking for a Buddhist answer. Buddha would say what is the difference, it is only Nama-Roopa. Both have no Atta.

 

[Kirran]

Treks, I've heard this is believed in some sadhu circles, but I can't confirm it. Strangely enough, I do not ascribe to it, especially as I know of women jivanmuktas.

 

[crossfire]

Which schools \ dharmic religions believe that women are a step below men on the cycle of samsara?

I've heard some Buddhists say that a woman cannot become enlightened, but she must be reincarnated as a man, first.

Are there others? Can Buddhists please clarify the above?

Many thanks

No, Buddha acknowledged that women can become arahants in this lifetime. Here is a sutta involving the fully awakened arahant Bhikkhuni Khema.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn44/sn44.001.than.html

 

[DeviChaaya]

From what I remember one of the Jaina schools believe a woman must be reborn first as a man. The other is vehemently opposed to such a belief from what I recall.

 

[DeviChaaya]

I looked it up! Digambaras believe women cannot achieve liberation in this birth due to the microscopic organisms inhabiting her body and her inability to go about naked when she becomes a renunciate. Svetambaras on the other hand believe that women can as they place more emphasis on 'right faith, right knowledge and right behaviour'.