Download Haven or Hell for Women in the Heian and Kamakura Periods

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Buddhism: Haven or Hell for Women in the Heian and Kamakura Periods
Presenter: Amy M. Taguchi
Mentor: Dr. Anne Walthall
Buddhism during the Japanese Heian period (794-1156) and Kamakura period (1156-1336) served as
a “double-edged sword,” in that it oppressed women, demanding that they recognize their place as
inferior to the men, while simultaneously Buddhism allowed women to escape the restraints men set
on them. Women were encouraged and advised by famous monks including Ryogen and Nichiren on
how they could best gain entry into Western Paradise, a place in the Buddhist afterlife that was the
ultimate goal of the believer. Buddhism granted its female followers opportunities that they did not
have in everyday society. Taking the tonsure allowed women a greater chance to travel, visiting
religious locations to pursue spiritual enlightenment. Buddhism was also especially convenient as
means of self-redemption after a woman had publicly embarrassed herself in a scandal or other
related incident. Women who revered Buddhism were more respected by their male counterparts,
especially after their deaths. In addition, Buddhism was used as a means of protection against what
was believed to be malignant spirits, which only women were susceptible to. All this shows that
Buddhism could be both positive and negative regarding women. It helped women by providing
protection, whether from spirits or scandals, but on the other hand, women were still discriminated
against, as they were banned from partaking in certain rituals and from entering holy sites. Ultimately
Buddhism was not just upheld by women because the state required it, but because it helped them
bear social injustices.