Sakyadhita: Daughters of the Buddha

By: Tsomo, Karma Lekshe

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0937938726
• ISBN13: 9780937938720
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Snow Lion Pubns
• Length: 346 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 1.3" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Formation of Sakyadhita--fine exposition of issues

p. 11: "This book is essentially an abridgement of the proceedings of the International Conference on Buddhist Nuns" the 1st one-in Bodhgaya, India. Having contributions from numerous traditions & nations, it addresses worldwide concerns of Buddhist nuns. IMHO it's superior to most of the author's later compilations because she personally contributes more to this volume-introductions to each chapter & several articles. It also includes other famed people's valuable quotes/contributions: (1) H. H. the Dalai Lama: p. 41: "In the case of Tibet, since there are no Bhikshunis, it cannot be considered a fully qualified central land in religious terms...therefore we see that bhikshunis are a very important element in the Buddhist Order" & p. 42: "Many of these explanations [subordinating nuns to monks] came about in relation to the times, the place, and the social conditions and most probably were not the original thought of the Dharma itself." (2) Bhikshuni Ayya Khema: p. 69: "These robes [are] part of making a nun a professional and not an amateur" & p. 69: "To transfer knowledge into wisdom means to practice through the meditative path, and to experience with the heart that which one knows with the head." (3) Bhikshuni Pema Chodron: p. 319: "It is generally felt that the various lineages & traditions need to be preserved, yet also adapted to the cultural context." (4) Dr. Chatsumarn Kabilsingh's: p. 145: powerful, convincing arguments for a Thai Bhikshuni Sangha. Major issues include Buddhist nuns' educational needs; efforts @ Gampo Abbey; p. 190: "humanistic Buddhism" as social action; p. 202: Jampa Tsedroen on thoughtfully implementing the Vinaya; p. 236: Tsomo--a sensitive, logical, balanced exposition on convincing monks of need for Bhikshunis in order to avoid resistance-p. 279: "The point is to steer a middle course" & her p. 285: frank exposition on financial support. Also very interesting are the psychological/sociological differences between East & West (E-W): p. 312: Sylvia Wetzel's view of understanding vs. memorizing & her personal E-W experiences; p. 317-8: Ayya Khema's confrontation with practitioner mental problems: p. 319: I thought that by meditation & by learning the Dhamma we could work these problems out by ourselves" & quoting p. 318: Ven Mahasi Sayadaw-"What is an emotional problem?" These parallel significant E-W differences described in many books on psychology & Buddhism (Coward's "Jung & Eastern Thought," J. Rubin in Segall's "Encountering Buddhism: Western Psychology & Buddhist Teachings," Pema Chodron in Dresser's "Buddhist Women on the Edge," Dockett's "Psychology & Buddhism from Individual to Global," Magid's "Ordinary Mind," & Epstein's "Thoughts without a Thinker"-see my listmania list on "Psychology & Eastern Religion"). Of the many books on my listmania list for "Buddhist Women & Society," this is one of my favorites.