“Recognition, no blame, change.” - Ayya Khema
“Acknowledge, forgive, learn.” - [I think] Ajahn Brahm
We don’t have to wait another 2600 years - procrastinate - simply, recognise the issue, don’t blame anyone and, change! The pain, fear, frustration, disappointment etc. we may feel about the issue and, what to do about it, does not go away by ignoring it. There is suffering that leads to the end of suffering and there is suffering that serves no useful purpose. Patriarchy is an instance of the latter and no amount of ‘pretending otherwise’ makes it go away.
There is a thing called passive-resistance - non-cooperation with that which oppresses - an individual, group, ethos* etc. By not cooperating - not playing the game - there can be consequences. People will either accept or reject you - they may tolerate you and/or sympathise with you (for the stand you take). Whatever happens, if, what you are doing is right and it is necessary for the wellbeing of all sentient beings, then there is no reason to hesitate.
We have the internet now and email so it would just be a matter of savvy networking to build up a support base that understands the issue and would like to be a part of a worthy and auspicious change in the Buddhist community as a whole. This kind of networking and finding a support-base who will help - through material support (maybe crowd-fund) - would be a practical and initial step in making the change happen - sooner rather than later or, never! Then, those wise and compassionate way-farers who have ‘built’ the infrastructure could simply ‘step-away’ from the old-order and embody the values they hold - wholeheartedly.
If, there are people in the hierarchy who are not supporting what needs to be done then, I guess you will need to stop being held-down and manipulated by them - sad but true. It could all happen with a great deal of good-will by those who wish - out of their own inner conviction - to help Buddhism to flourish in this new era.
If anyone would like to support change, practically and/or otherwise, we could begin the process ‘here and now’? If, you post an email address I will contact you and, lets get the ball rolling? My email address is: sanghadassa@gmail.com
*Ethos: the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations.
We need a new-ethos and new stories to ‘live by’?