In Buddhism, women blaze a path but strive for gender equity

In this photo provided by the Dongyu Gatsal Ling nunnery, a group of Buddhist nuns rehearse for a ritual commonly known as Dakini Dances, at the nunnery in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India on Oct. 26, 2021. (Dongyu Gatsal Ling nunnery via AP)

In this photo provided by the Dongyu Gatsal Ling nunnery, a Dakini dancer in full attire performs movements of the ritual dance at the nunnery in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India on Oct. 27, 2021. Women were included in Buddhism since its earliest years, and their monastic ordination dates back more than 2,500 years, said Judith Simmer-Brown, emeritus professor of contemplative and religious studies at Colorado’s Naropa University. But as monasticism spread from India to other countries, there often were extra requirements to become ordained in those patriarchal societies. (Dongyu Gatsal Ling nunnery via AP)

Thubten Rinchen, left, Thubten Dekyi, both ordained Buddhist nuns, along with other residents and guests sit in mediation at Sravasti Abbey, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Newport, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Bhikkhuni pray at Songdhammakalyani monastery in Nakhon Pathom province on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. Historically, women could only become white-cloaked nuns often treated as glorified temple housekeepers. But dozens have traveled to Sri Lanka to receive full ordination. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

In this photo provided by the Dongyu Gatsal Ling nunnery, Buddhist nuns offer hundreds of butter lamps, which symbolizes the wisdom aspect dispelling the darkness of ignorance, at the nunnery in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India on Nov. 8, 2016. About 100 nuns live and study here. (Dongyu Gatsal Ling nunnery via AP)

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, born in England, has devoted her life to attaining enlightenment in a female form — at one stage spending years isolated in a cave in the Himalayas to follow the rigorous path of the most devoted yogis. She later founded a nunnery in India focused on giving women in Tibetan Buddhism some of the same opportunities reserved for monks.