Western Nuns in Siam:
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We have had a few inquiries from Western women about ordaining as Buddhist Nuns (Maechi) in Siam. Below are some collected some rather frank responses to the questions. Although the person responding is an American monk, he as gotten much of his information from a few Western Nuns who are close friends, as well as from other Western Nuns and Thai Maechi. Nonetheless, the information is incomplete and the situation is improving.
I do have another question and not surprisingly it's about money. I'll be okay for those six months, that won't be a problem, but what happens if I decide to become a nun, a wish that becomes stronger every day? Without income I won't be able to have 200$ a month. Does that mean I can't become a nun? How do nuns solve the money-issue?
Ideally, a nun should not need much money and ought to be able to live from alms as monks can easily do. However, for a variety of reasons that boil down to sexism, nuns often need some money on the side. But this too is changing. To my knowledge, Western nuns who practice meditation, are sincere, and play by the rules will be supported. In short, if you ordain, you won't need much money. But be forewarned that it is difficult being a Western nun here, harder than being a Western monk. For a year or two it may be OK, but few stay much longer. Still, these are changing.
Why is it that difficult being a Western nun? I realize that there is a big difference between Western and Eastern culture, but I suppose there's more to it or not?
Yes, there's more than just West vs. East, although that explains some parts of it. But the situation for Nuns in Sri Lanka (known as dasasilamata) is better than here, although I believe you can better meditation teaching here (whether as nun, monk, lay woman, whatever).
To begin to get an idea of the situation, talk to a Catholic nun or two, especially feminist ones. I have quite a few friends who are dedicated Catholic Sisters, yet they have many stories of the sexism in the Church, both in Asia & the West. Ask them about clericalism and the differences in status, prestige, authority, opportunities, & a work b/w priests & sisters. Then realize that it's worse in the Asian Church than in Europe, and finally that it's worse in Thai Buddhism than in Catholicism.
One of the hardest things for Western nuns is that they have grown used to a fair amount of "equality" (although this is a confused & confusing word), opportunities, thinking for themselves, making their decisions, etc. Thai Maechi, for the most part, do not expect these things. Many accept that monks get more of everything and these nuns don't want to rock the boat for fearing they'll lose what little they've got (not wealth but access to teaching & practice). Some feminists, including myself, are raising these issues with our Maechi friends but we can't force them to share our views. One reason for this English project is to expose the Maechi to alternatives & to open up their world so they have more choices, but I am loath to try to impose my solutions.
Actually, many younger Maechi are sensitive to these things and do not like them. While not angry, sometimes they express frustration and even resentment at the way they are treated by some monks. However, they can't do much about it, for they would get into trouble not only with monks but with the senior Maechi also. Things are changing, but it seems very slow at times. On the other hand, supporting these progressive Nuns is fun.
Wats & Nunneries
Being called a 'Wat', does that mean that it is monks and nuns under an abbot or can a Wat also be just nuns?
Legally, a Wat is for monks (although Catholics often call their churches "Wat" too) and the Abbot/Boss is always a monk. The majority of Maechi stay in Wats, and thus are under the monks. Fortunately, there are a growing number of independent nunneries without any monks around. (Some of these are quietly supported by some monks who don't seek control.)
Nunneries (samnak maechi) exist both independently and in Wats. There is a lot of variety. The Nunneries involved in this project are all rather independent, even those within Wats.
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