There are six MAJOR POINTS to remember from the start, based upon the early Buddhist scriptures as preserved by the Theravada branch of Buddhism: (1) Despite ancient and contemporary sectarian doctrinal debates, it is undoubtedly clear that the Buddha affirmed the ability of women to attain complete spiritual development. (2) In fact, the scriptural records of the earliest traditions reveal a numerous amount of Bhikkhuni (female monks) as having attained complete enlightenment ("Arahata-phala") during the Buddha's lifetime and afterward.