Celebrating the Feminine in Buddhism

For centuries, women were not good enough – to lead families, communities, countries, or even attain enlightenment. Men were simply better at everything. Not too long ago, just about everyone believed this – both men and women. Often, women were the worst at putting down other women. From the homes to the monasteries, women walked two steps behind men.

The women’s liberation movement of the 70s, and modern advances, changed all that. Women in the West and East now hold leadership roles in all areas of society, bringing about more equality everywhere — from the boardroom to the temples. With education and economic opportunities, many women have come to believe in themselves, their self-worth, and in valuing other women.

For Buddhists, this has also brought a wave of change, with a renaissance of women stepping forward as teachers, nuns, students and leaders. With renewed confidence, they are creating new nunneries, centers, retreats and books, offered from their perspectives as women. Often speaking from personal experience, they exemplify compassion as women, and make the teachings more accessible to other women and men.

Yet, while contemporary women are changing the face of Buddhism, the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) is also transforming the everyday lives of women. Regardless of their roles – as mothers, daughters, employers, or community leaders – Buddhist women say the teachings have brought new meaning to traditional roles, turning them into sacred paths to enlightenment. When this happens, women experience a different kind of freedom, no longer tied to a gender, but striving towards a greater liberation from delusion.

In celebration of this dynamic interplay between women and Buddhism, we offer these stories of women in the West and East, women in transformed roles, and all of us as embodiments of the feminine spirit.