Unfortunately, the records about bhikkunis which still exist almost exclusively only mention the personal background of the aristocratic women or queens who were ordained during the Shilla Period. There are almost no records of the activities, achievements, or way of life of bhikkunis in general.

The reason for this lack of records is: firstly, perhaps the bhikkunis did not often get involved in vigorous enough activities or achieve great enough fame for records to be made. Secondly, though there were great bhikkunis, the position of women in the society was such that records were not kept. Thirdly, women of the time in general were not active enough or educated enough to keep records about themselves.

All of these reasons point to the fact that the bhikkunis probably lived quite a passive life due to the lack of education. Women were not educated and, therefore, unable to become bhikkunis who were able to keep records and to be active enough in the society for there to be something to record.

In spite of this lack of information there are strong indications that the Bhikkuni Sangha flourished from the time of the introduction of Buddhism and that it almost always led a life that was independent and equal to the Bhikku Sangha. In addition, as far as we can tell, the Sangha never died out and there has been a continual succession of bhikkunis in Korea.

Today, the bhikkunis are strong, independent and extremely active. They run temples which vary from 275 members to tiny hermitages for private practice. They are active as professors and teach at all levels. It is hard to imagine that they are not the continuation of a long and strong heritage which has been passed down through the ages.?