Traveller in Space: In Search of Female Identity in Tibetan Buddhism

by June Campbell

Traveller in Space is a cross-cultural study of the significance of the female in the philosophy and symbolism of Tibetan Buddhism. It approaches female identity through an account of the historical context of archaic images of the female, and takes a psychoanalytical perspective on the philosophy surrounding the key figure of female embodiment in Tibetan Buddhism, the dakini. Through an examination of the unusual patriarchal system which developed in Tibet, important questions are raised concerning the meaning and relevance of the secret sexual practices of Tibetan Tantra, and the issues of power and authority as they relate to the potential subjectivity of women today.

Genres: Feminism, Buddhism, Religion

225 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1996

About the author

June Campbell studied Tibetan Buddhism in monasteries in India in the early 1970s and subsequently worked as a Tibetan interpreter in India, Europe and North America. Since then she has traveled extensively in the Himalayan region and now lives in Edinburgh. She works part-time, lecturing in Women's Studies, and teaching Religious Studies.

Reviews

[Dhātturā · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cambell's work is a must read for any female at all engaged in Tibetan Buddhism, or, really, Buddhism at large, or feminism in general. Although this book is likely placed on a kind of Academic shelf, I found it to be likely readable by any remotely literate person. Cambell did a great job of steering clear of academic jargon, her language use was uniquely descriptive, yet clear, and through this maintained a distinguished sense of urgency -- which, in the best way possible, is still deeply needed in this area of study.

I deeply appreciated this work and forever will consider it a "shifting" book for me. Having long been steeped in the philosophical study of Buddhism, Yoga, Feminism, and Politics, I sensed there was a link missing I hadn't yet placed my eye on. It will make you reconsider all your conceptions about your own practice, how this relates to politics (I'm thinking dichotomous thinking, i.e., church/state, policy, etc.), and, for me, how I conceived of Sunyata, or emptiness.

This book is "game changer" and despite the "truth" surrounding Cambells' claims in the book, this work was needed for it's concept-shifting vision.

[Marsha Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific book about women and the feminine ideal in Tibetan Buddhism, including a history of Buddhism in Tibet and how it relates to the suppression of matriarchial worship. This book is controversial because it rather casually mentions the author's only-somewhat consensual relationship with the former Kalu Rinpoche, but she actually brings it up in a larger discussion of Tantric ritual and doesn't dwell on it. She discussed the allegations of sexual misconduct at length after the book was published, which was well after he was dead. Anyway because of all this (and how publicly revered Kalu Rinpoche was) the book's pretty hard to get but it's worth tracking down as an academic book. Tibet House NYC has a copy.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an academic look at the role of women in Tibetan Buddhism. Campbell makes some interesting and important points, but the book is unnecessarily repetitive and quite dry.

I wish I had a better understanding of the role of the dakini, and I certainly know more than before I read the book. For sure, women are marginalized in any patriarchal society. It has been 18 years since this book was published. As Buddhism has flourished in the west, and more women are teachers, hopefully less women allow themselves to be subjugated and marginalized.

[Claudia Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

June Cambell brilliantly deconstructs Tibetan Buddhist mythology, philosophy, history and customs while delicately weaving in the story of her own deeply personal experience with the secretive traditions that lay at the heart of this ancient religion. Her analysis of divine kings, secret consorts, babies designared as reincarnations of recently deceases leaders, the changed gender of an ancient lotus deity and the secret language of space-traveling goddesses is both fascinating and insightful - and as relevant today as it was twenty years ago.