Awakening Fierce Feminine Buddhism
Thursday evenings, 6:00-7:30PM PST
January 21st
January 28th
February 4th
February 11th
The teachings of the Buddha were passed down in an oral tradition for several hundred years after his death. When they were recorded, their tone and flavor were influenced by male monastic scribes who infused his words with bias, and systematically wrote women’s experiences and perspectives out of the narrative. Reweaving women’s stories back into teachings is an act of reparation, offering a fuller, rounder understanding of how to walk the path and what it means to awaken.
This four-week program will share stories and myths of Buddhist women, including Sujata, who supported the Buddha on his path to awakening; Mahapajapati, the founder of the Nuns’ sangha; Prajna Paramita, the Mother of all Buddhas; and Yasodhara, the Buddha’s wife.
We will draw inspiration from these ancient and archetypal figures, explore the capacities revealed in their lives—of receptivity and nurturance, intuition and mystery, fierce compassion, and embodied wisdom—and use their examples to help us learn how to address the racism, misogyny, and divisiveness we face today.
Each class will include guided meditation and a dharma talk, as well as weekly readings, reflections, and practices to support the integration and embodiment of the teachings.
People of all genders are welcome.