Women’s voices have brought inspiration and wisdom to our Vipassana/Insight tradition since the time of the Buddha. Our tradition has not always honored the contributions of their teachings, and in some cases, sadly, has put up roadblocks to full participation by women as teachers and practitioners. In this presentation, Rich will let Buddhist women speak through their own words, as presented in several sources: Leaving It All Behind (by Bhikkhuni Anandabodhi and Bhikkhuni Santacitta), The Hidden Lamp (edited by Florence Caplow and Susan Moon), Discovering Kwan Yin, Buddhist Goddess of Compassion (by Sandy Boucher), and others. The presentation will be enriched by poetry, from the verses of the enlightened women of the Buddha’s time (the Therigatha) to contemporary poets.

A list of the readings mentioned in this recording are included below:

• 2023 Women’s History Month Theme: “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories”
• Nona Olivia, editorial, Sati Journal, 2014, page 2
• Therigatha, Ambapali, Disciples of the Buddha, page 301
• Anoja Seeks the Self, The Hidden Lamp, page 20.
• Discovering Kwan Yin, Sandy Boucher, page 5
• Leaving It All Behind, Brahmavihara, page 44, Mitta, page 59
• Lovingkindness, Sharon, The Gift of Equanimity, page 144
• Pay Attention for Goodness Sake, Sylvia, Determination: The Powers of Practice, page 211
• Poems:
  • Jane Kenyon, Otherwise
  • Edna St. Vincent Millay, Time Does Not Bring Relief
  • Jacqueline Suskin, The Relief of our Endless Becoming
  • Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, Never the Same
  • Ginger Clarkson, Asking Forgiveness