Gender transformed and meta-gendered enlightenment: Reading Buddhist narratives as paradigms of inclusiveness

Abstract

The analysis of the crossing of genders within Buddhist narratives, as contrasted with Hindu evidence, provides a fresh insight into the Asian paradigms for non-binary gender identities. The early monastic discipline (vinaya) relates the Buddha's non-judgmental and pragmatic approach to sex-change. The agent of causality (karma) prevails in Buddhism above the Hindu paradigm of the agency of divine intervention. The change of the Early Buddhist inclusive approach into the later multi-voiced and often exclusive viewpoints is exemplified and analysed. Especially the many and often contradictory Mahāyāna Buddhist voices highlight the diverse cultural adoption of Buddhism throughout Asia. This paper argues that Buddhist narratives can provide an empowering opportunity for a Modern Buddhist inclusive anthropology and spiritual 'metagenderism'.

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