Women in Buddhist Traditions

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. ~José Ignacio Cabezón, 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