Buddhism After Patriarchy: A Feminist History, Analysis, and Reconstruction of Buddhism

Book Title: Buddhism after Patriarchy: A Feminist History, Analysis, and Reconstruction of Buddhism

• Author: Rita M. Gross

• Language: English

• Pages: 375

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.5 cm

• Weight: 550 gm

• Edition: 1995

• ISBN: 9788170304227

Book Description

About the Book:
Buddhism after Patriarchy is a groundbreaking work that surveys the historical role of women in Buddhism and presents a feminist analysis of key Buddhist concepts. Rita M. Gross provides a comprehensive review of women’s often overlooked contributions to Buddhist history while offering a critical feminist perspective on the teachings and practices of Buddhism. By doing so, she challenges traditional interpretations and suggests that the core teachings of Buddhism, when understood properly, actually promote gender equity, despite the patriarchal practices often seen within Buddhist institutions.

This book reimagines the future of Buddhism in a post-patriarchal context, offering an analysis of how Buddhism might evolve to more fully embrace gender equality. Gross's work is an essential feminist critique and a constructive contribution to Buddhist scholarship, bridging the gap between academic rigor and accessible understanding for both scholars and practitioners alike.

Key Highlights:

• Feminist Reconstruction of Buddhism: Gross critiques the patriarchal elements within Buddhist history and offers an alternative reading of core Buddhist concepts, emphasizing gender equality in the teachings of the Buddha.

• Historical Context: The book delves into the roles women have historically played in Buddhism, which are often excluded from traditional narratives, providing a more complete picture of Buddhism’s evolution.

• Buddhism and Gender Equity: Gross argues that the foundational principles of Buddhism can be interpreted in ways that promote gender justice, despite historical and institutional sexism.

• Theoretical and Practical Significance: The book has major implications for feminist theology and interfaith dialogue, offering both scholarly insights and practical applications for contemporary feminist spirituality.

Praise for the Book:

• “Gross has written the magnum opus of feminist critique and revisioning of Buddhism... A must-read for anyone interested in feminist theology and interfaith dialogue.”

• “This book provides refreshingly bold and original arguments, offering a valuable overview of the roles of women in Buddhism and presenting a feminist analysis of key Buddhist concepts such as selflessness, emotions, and nonduality.”

• “A powerful blend of passion and analytic skill... The book should inform all introductory classes on Buddhism, offering thoughtful, thorough, and original treatment of issues many Western women encounter when meeting Buddhism.”

About the Author:

Rita M. Gross is a prominent scholar in Comparative Studies in Religion. She is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and has written extensively on the intersection of women and religion. A former president of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies, Gross has also authored numerous essays and edited volumes on feminist religious studies. Her work focuses on how gender dynamics shape and are shaped by religious traditions, and she is particularly known for her feminist analysis of Buddhism.

Acknowledgement:

In the book’s acknowledgements, Gross expresses gratitude to her academic teachers, including Florence Walzl, Mircea Eliade, and others who encouraged her scholarly work. She also acknowledges the profound influence of her dharma teachers, including the late Chogyam Trungpa and Osel Tendzin, whose teachings shaped her approach to Buddhist feminism. Furthermore, Gross recognizes her academic colleagues, Buddhist friends, and students who have supported her research and writing process. Her appreciation for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, which provided her with a sabbatical and grants, also underscores the institutional support behind this important work.

Content Overview:

• Historical and Anthropological Perspectives: The book discusses the historical roles of women in Buddhism across different cultures and epochs, showing how their experiences are relevant to both the Buddha’s teachings and contemporary feminist critiques.

• Feminist Theoretical Stance: Gross provides a clear feminist theoretical framework, examining issues of gender in Buddhist texts and practices, addressing topics like selflessness, emotions, and nonduality from a feminist perspective.

• Social and Spiritual Implications: The book analyzes the social roles and images of women within Buddhist traditions, offering insight into how Buddhist practice and Buddhist institutions can evolve to become more inclusive and equitable in the future.

Why Read This Book:

Buddhism after Patriarchy is a vital read for anyone interested in the intersection of Buddhism and gender. Whether you are a scholar, a practitioner, or simply someone interested in feminist theology, Gross’s work offers a refreshing critique and vision for the future of Buddhism that is inclusive, equitable, and just. Her academic rigor and feminist perspective will challenge and inspire readers, making this book a seminal work in both Buddhist studies and gender studies.