Religion and Gender Values in a Changing World

In: The Spider and the Piglet: Proceedings of the First Seminar on Bhutan Studies. Thimphu, Centre for Bhutan Studies 2004, pp. 581-597 . ISBN 99936-14-19-X

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Abstract

The goal of this paper is to address some of the complexities in the ways gender relations were formed within the Bhutanese system and how these gender relations will stand the changes of time. The author tries to point out the basic value system underlying the gender equality. First, she gives a description of the gender relations in Bhutan and looks at female symbolism by examining some remnants of historical evidence pertaining to the emergence of Tantric Buddhism in Bhutan. The author acknowledges the many cross-cultural factors of pre-Buddhist times on the development of the indigenous belief system, and the adoption of Tantric practices from India and Tibet.