Women Practicing Buddhism: American Experiences

by Peter N. Gregory (Editor), Susanne Mrozik

The Buddhist women's movement represents an astounding 300 million women worldwide; increasingly, many American women are embracing the discipline both as a tonic to the frantic pace of modern life and a more nurturing alternative to some Western religious practices. Women Practicing Buddhism, born out of the conference, "Women Practicing Buddhism: American Experiences," held at Smith College in 2005, is a kind of mosaic portrait of the movement, a compelling chorus of voices that includes prominent Dharma teachers and noted writers, artists, activists, and healers, both Eastern and Western. The book centers on personal issues and practices, exploring women's particular experiences of Buddhism as it spreads throughout North America and takes root in new contexts. Typical of the essays is bell hooks’ evocative “Moving Beyond Gender,” which offers an inspiring picture of how Buddhism gave her fresh perspectives on life.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2007

Reviews

[Kelly Caplan]

A book with many diverse experiences that combines all the things I hold dear in my life: feminism, social justice and spirituality. I've been trying to find my portal to this faith, but it's been so hard since a lot of the material I've read seemed so exclusive of the present day experiences of Buddhist women, as well as differing perspectives on evolving practices of the faith within the states. This book, to my uncontainable excitement, draws on so many discrepancies within Buddhist communities; it highlights differences between gender, class, and race, and the many authors attempt to promote social accountability as well as unconditional love, the Buddha path. This book shows that no essentialist definition of Buddhist experiences could do social reality justice, which is a worldliness I have been looking for in all the faiths I have encountered in my life so far. I am thoroughly excited to begin exploring this path even further!

[Mckinley]

Very diverse chapters. Some I appreciated more than others. Still good to read overall.

[Kym]

I can't get enough of Dame Iris Murdoch. Intricate plots and characters. Always keeps one guessing and leaves plenty of room for thought and contemplation.