Reading Equality into Asymmetry: Dual Ordination in the Eyes of Modern Chinese Bhik?u??s

The “Dual Ordination” (erbuseng jie ????) is a Vinaya-based ordination procedure introduced to China from ?r? La?k? in the fifth century; late imperial period it came be included main system. It stipulates that full for nuns carried out first front of an assembly bhik?u??s and then another bhik?us. However, contrary this stipulation, ordinations have mainly been conferred women by bhik?us alone since tenth century. Dual Ordination procedures became topic discussion during Republic (1911–1949) with result was eventually reintroduced on Mainland at beginning 1980s, due efforts Longlian ?? (1909–2006) Tongyuan ?? (1913–1991). article traces roots restoration Ordinations Republican era provides account their history 1980s. Finally, Longlian’s views about bhik?u?? are discussed. objective probe historical ideological context reestablishment system modern contemporary China, which ultimately strengthened role position Chinese bhik?u??s.