Reiko Ohnuma
\nDartmouth College<\/p>\n
In P\u0101li literature, Thullanand\u0101 is well known for being a \u201cbad nun\u201d\u2014a nun whose persistent bad behavior is directly responsible for the promulgation of more rules of the Bhikkhun\u012b P\u0101timokkha<\/em> than any other individually named nun. Yet these very same sources also describe Thullanand\u0101 in significantly more positive terms\u2014as a highly learned nun, an excellent preacher, and one who enjoys significant support among the laity. In this article, I analyze the P\u0101li traditions surrounding Thullanand\u0101. I argue that her portrayal is quite complex in nature and often extends beyond herself as an individual to suggest larger implications for the nature of monastic life and monastic discipline. In addition, once Thullanand\u0101 is labeled as a \u201cbad nun,\u201d she becomes a useful symbolic resource for giving voice to various issues that concerned the early sangha. In both ways, Thullanand\u0101 reveals herself to be far more than just a \u201cbad nun.\u201d <\/p>\n Read article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ISSN 1076-9005 Volume 20, 2013 Bad Nun: Thullanand\u0101 in P\u0101li Canonical and Commentarial Sources Reiko Ohnuma Dartmouth College In P\u0101li literature, Thullanand\u0101 is well known for being a \u201cbad nun\u201d\u2014a nun whose persistent bad behavior is directly responsible for the promulgation of more rules of the Bhikkhun\u012b P\u0101timokkha than any other individually named nun. Yet … Continue reading Bad Nun<\/span>