The advent of a new generation of monastic leaders is causing a stir in the wide world of Buddhism. The Kingdom of Bhutan has sent a soft wind of change, representing a change in societal norms and customs, to South Korea. Venerable Ugyen Choden, a Bhutanese nun who is steadily establishing her mark on the Buddhist path, is at the centre of this transition. Her trip from Bhutan to South Korea, as well as her experiences and goals in the predominately male world of monastic Buddhism, provide a moving story of tenacity, tenacity, and service.
In a ground-breaking event in Bhutan in June 2022, Ven. Ugyen Choden became one of the 142 female monastics to achieve full ordination, marking an important milestone in the realisation of gender equality within Buddhist monastic institutions. This pivotal occasion was an attempt to reframe the historically male-dominated monastic sangha, highlighting the important responsibilities played by women in Buddhist societies.
Choden faced difficulties along the way to become a monk, though. She had always liked the serenity of Buddhist nuns. She bravely decided to abandon traditional education at the age of 18 and pursue a life as a monk. She chose Buddhism despite her parents’ initial opposition because of her steadfast conviction.
Her fortitude was put to the test again on the path to full ordination. She was on the verge of quitting up due to the demanding monastic education, which was very different from her previous secular studies. But her Dharma teacher’s words of support strengthened her commitment to persevere, which ultimately led to her earning a traditional master’s degree in Buddhist studies.
Her experience highlights the need for increased education support for female monastics, exposing the structural obstacles that stand in the way of their spiritual development. The story of Choden is a monument to the fortitude, bravery, and sheer tenacity of women attempting to make their way through conventional religious organizations.
Importantly, Choden’s whole ordination experience demonstrated a positive acceptance of female monastics in modern Bhutanese society. Future female monastics can take heart from the support and respect they got from the lay community following the ceremony as a sign of a developing viewpoint.
Choden has unquestionably benefitted from her time as a monk, developing compassion and humility inside her. Beyond academic academics, it has helped her develop as a person and prepared her to give back to her community. Her desire to study traditional medicine demonstrates her dedication to giving back to the community and suggests that religious women will increasingly play important roles in fostering their communities in the future.
Choden’s participation in the study trip organised by the Jungto Society in South Korea for the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) strengthened her commitment to doing good deeds. She was reminded that as monastics, their main responsibility is to serve and help laypeople, not just to ask for support from them, by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim’s words and deeds.
Many people who want to follow in Ven. Ugyen Choden’s footsteps can find inspiration in her amazing story. Her tale captures the lived reality of women questioning the status quo, tearing down barriers within the limits of antiquated traditions, and standing up as leaders in their spiritual communities.
Choden’s journey is a step towards a more equitable future in Buddhist monastic organisations, one where women stand shoulder to shoulder with men and make significant contributions to society, at a time when gender equality and inclusivity are important issues. In fact, her tale spreads a fresh wind of change, encouraging young leaders and activists on their own journeys towards enlightenment and equality from Bhutan to Korea and beyond.
