This book surveys both the part women have played
in Buddhism historically and what Buddhism might become
in its post-patriarchal future. The author completes the
Buddhist historical record by discussing women, usually
absent from histories of Buddhism, and she provides the
first feminist analysis of the major concepts found in
Buddhist religion. Gross demonstrates that the core
teachings of Buddhism promote gender equity rather than
male dominance, despite the often sexist practices found
in Buddhist institutions throughout history. "The
power of this book comes from the combination of the
passion and analytic skill that Gross brings to this
feminist reconstruction of the Buddhist tradition. It is
a book that should inform all introductory classes on
Buddhism. Through a reexamination of basic texts, Gross
describes women's experiences in different cultures and
epochs, and shows their relevance for the Buddha's Path
to Enlightenment as well as for the social roles and
images of women in different times and places." --
Frederick J. Streng, Southern Methodist
University "Gross has written the magnum opus
of feminist critique and revisioning of Buddhism.
This has great theoretical and practical significance
for feminist theology in its global inter-faith
dialogue. The particular merit of this book is its
bridging of high quality scholarship and accessibility
to the non-expert."-- Rosemary Radford Ruether, Garrett
Theological Seminary and Northwestern University "The
book will fill a real, indeed urgent, need and be of
great service to many Buddhists and students, scholars
and friends of Buddhism. Here are some of its many
strengths: It clearly harvests years of impassioned
study and experience, offers refreshingly bold, original
and well-reasoned arguments, and deals with important
questions that only a woman who is both a scholar and
practitioner would adequately recognize. It
appropriately combines both textual work and
historical/anthropological perspectives, along with a
clearly delineated feminist theoretical stance. It
offers a valuable overview of the roles of women and
discerning comparisons between them. The feminist
analysis of key Buddhist concepts is excellent,
especially issues of gender in relation to selflessness,
emotions, nonduality. These burning issues for many
Western women meeting Buddhism receive here very
thoughtful, thorough, original treatment. The 'prophetic
voice' that Gross openly brings to the Buddhist
tradition is welcome, moving and appropriate." -- Joanna
R. Macy
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