In this groundbreaking work, Sallie Tisdale traces women Buddhist masters and teachers across continents and centuries, drawing upon historical, cultural, and Buddhist records to bring to life these narratives of ancestral Buddhist women.
It is tradition in Zen monasteries to chant a lineage of male teachers from the Buddha's time to the present day. But as Buddhism took root in the West, an increasing numbers of practitioners began to ask: "What about the women?" Women of the Way is the first popular narrative account that traces the lineage of female Buddhist masters and teachers across continents and centuries. Sallie Tisdale has uncovered accounts of extraordinary female Buddhists, many of whom were recognized by their contemporaries but excluded from their place in history. Drawing on historical, cultural, and Buddhist records as well as her own Buddhist practice, she brings to life these narratives of powerful Buddhist women. Women of the Way offers timeless wisdom and fascinating stories that increase our understanding of women's contribution to Buddhism. Sallie Tisdale is the author of several books, including The Best Thing I Ever Tasted and Talk Dirty to Me. She is a contributing editor at Harper's and a consulting editor at Tricycle. Sallie's work has appeared in numerous other publications including The New Yorker, New York Times Magazine, New Republic, The Nation, London Sunday Observer, Outside, Vogue, and Mirabella. "Tisdale made it her mission to restore a lineage of women Buddhists and developed this beautifully crafted volume. Although her intention initially was to highlight women's contributions to Buddhism, the universal wisdom and enlightened thinking preserved in this collection transcend gender." - Booklist--Kansas City Star
It is tradition in Zen monasteries to chant a lineage of male teachers from the Buddha's time to the present day. But as Buddhism took root in the West, an increasing numbers of practitioners began to ask: "What about the women?" Women of the Way is the first popular narrative account that traces the lineage of female Buddhist masters and teachers across continents and centuries. Sallie Tisdale has uncovered accounts of extraordinary female Buddhists, many of whom were recognized by their contemporaries but excluded from their place in history. Drawing on historical, cultural, and Buddhist records as well as her own Buddhist practice, she brings to life these narratives of powerful Buddhist women.