A new history of Buddhism that highlights the insights and experiences of women from diverse communities and traditions around the world
Buddhist traditions have developed over a period of twenty-five centuries in Asia, and recent decades have seen an unprecedented spread of Buddhism globally. From India to Japan, Sri Lanka to Russia, Buddhist traditions around the world have their own rich and diverse histories, cultures, religious lives, and roles for women.
Wherever Buddhism has taken root, it has interacted with indigenous cultures and existing religious traditions. These traditions have inevitably influenced the ways in which Buddhist ideas and practices have been understood and adapted. Tracing the branches and fruits of these culturally specific transmissions and adaptations is as challenging as it is fascinating.
Women in Buddhist Traditions chronicles pivotal moments in the story of Buddhist women, from the beginning of Buddhist history until today. The book highlights the unique contributions of Buddhist women from a variety of backgrounds and the strategies they have developed to challenge patriarchy in the process of creating an enlightened society.
Women in Buddhist Traditions offers a groundbreaking and insightful introduction to the lives of Buddhist women worldwide.

About the Author
Karma Lekshe Tsomo is Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego and author of Buddhist Feminism(s) and Femininities and Into the Jaws of Yama, Lord of Death: Buddhism, Bioethics, and Death.

Reviews
The Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo, the founder and a prominent leader of Sakyadhita-the only international organization for Buddhist women-and a major force of the movement for the restoration of the full ordination lineage for nuns in traditions where it had lapsed- has done more than anyone in the contemporary world to advance the role of women in Buddhism. In this volume she discusses the role that women play in that religious tradition, providing illuminating historical and doctrinal context, careful attention to the cultural and doctrinal variety within the Buddhist world and the diversity of experience of Buddhist women, and an insider's understanding of the contemporary context of globalized Buddhism in which women are taking an increasing leadership role. Required reading for anyone interested in women in Buddhism. -- Jay Garfield, author of Engaging Buddhism: Why it Matters to Philosophy
Women in Buddhist Traditions is a clear, substantiated, and nuanced account of the historical developments of women's activities and contributions to the tradition. It lays a carefully articulated and highly-readable foundation and contextualization of the earliest activities relevant to women across vast geographical and cultural contexts. The significance of the volume is enhanced by contextualizing women's concerns with Buddhist ethics. This informative volume is a deep resource for those wanting to understand the dynamics and issues Buddhist women navigate in cross-cultural perspective. It is perfect for classroom use, whether at undergraduate or graduate level. -- Paula K. R. Arai, author of Women Living Zen, Brining Zen Home, and Painting Enlightenment
Sweeping in its historical and geographical breadth, presenting the essential primary texts and latest research, and beautifully written in clear and accessible prose, this book is destined to become the standard introduction to the topic of women in Buddhism. -- Jose Ignacio Cabezon, President, American Academy of Religion
This is a wonderful book, by one of the premier scholars of women in Buddhism. It presents a comprehensive overview of the history of women's contributions to Buddhist traditions in a clearly written and authoritative style, along with a nuanced and thought-provoking discussion of contemporary issues. A must read for anyone interested in women's religious lives. -- John Powers, Deakin university
A sweeping and well-informed primer on a number of key social and doctrinal issues affecting women in Buddhism, past and present, across Asia and beyond. Karma Lekshe Tsomo's many years of tireless advocacy for Buddhist nuns shines through each chapter with special attention to the vexing issue of nun's full ordination. -- Holly Gayley, author of Love Letters from Golok: A Tantric Couple in Modern Tibet
Buddhist women are active all over the world in changing their tradition to make it more inclusive, therefore more useful. Karma Lekshe Tsomo is a noted authority who not only chronicles the progress but has been instrumental in it. An excellent book for classes, discussion groups, and/or research. * Water Women's Alliance *
With this extensive historical study, Tsomo provides a fundamental and comprehensive study of Buddhist traditions, showing a profound understanding of gender aspects and their contemporary relevance. * Religious Studies Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9781479803422
Author Karma Lekshe Tsomo
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint New York University Press
Publisher New York University Press
Weight(grams) 381g