Customer Reviews

First Buddhist Women: Poems and Stories of Awakening

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In the past half year I have been studying Buddhism, and of all the books I have read, this is my favorite. I love how it combines primary source poetry, lovingly translated to preserve its measure and tone, with historical background that covers each Buddhist woman studied, as well as placing her in her original historical context. A well-reseached work, the author has extensive footnotes allowing the reader to follow up on particular items of interest. I highly recommend this book.

First Buddhist Women: Poems And Stories Of Awakening tells the true story of the wives, mothers, teachers, courtesans, prostitutes, and travelers who became the first female followers of the Buddha. Professor Susan Murcott offers a translation and extensive commentary upon the Therigatha, the earliest know collection of women's religious poetry, and contemplates issues of spiritual enlightenment and societal demands that are as important today as they were thousands of years ago. First Buddhist Women is written with a decidedly objective eye, observing equally both the positive aspects that Buddhism brought to the lives of women, particularly those women who pursued enlightenment or joined the sangha, and the negative aspects, especially those who were in effect widowed when their husbands renounced the earthly world following Buddha's example. Highly recommended for women's and Buddhist studies shelves.

First Buddhist Women: Poems And Stories Of Awakening tells the true story of the wives, mothers, teachers, courtesans, prostitutes, and travelers who became the first female followers of the Buddha. Professor Susan Murcott offers a translation and extensive commentary upon the Therigatha, the earliest know collection of women's religious poetry, and contemplates issues of spiritual enlightenment and societal demands that are as important today as they were thousands of years ago. First Buddhist Women is written with a decidedly objective eye, observing equally both the positive aspects that Buddhism brought to the lives of women, particularly those women who pursued enlightenment or joined the sangha, and the negative aspects, especially those who were in effect widowed when their husbands renounced the earthly world following Buddha's example. Highly recommended for women's and Buddhist studies shelves.

First Buddhist Women: Poems And Stories Of Awakening tells the true story of the wives, mothers, teachers, courtesans, prostitutes, and travelers who became the first female followers of the Buddha. Professor Susan Murcott offers a translation and extensive commentary upon the Therigatha, the earliest know collection of women's religious poetry, and contemplates issues of spiritual enlightenment and societal demands that are as important today as they were thousands of years ago. First Buddhist Women is written with a decidedly objective eye, observing equally both the positive aspects that Buddhism brought to the lives of women, particularly those women who pursued enlightenment or joined the sangha, and the negative aspects, especially those who were in effect widowed when their husbands renounced the earthly world following Buddha's example. Highly recommended for women's and Buddhist studies shelves.