Laughter, Creativity, and Perseverance: Female Agency in Buddhism and Hinduism

Women have historically been excluded from positions of religious and ritual leadership in Hinduism and Buddhism, but this book shows that in many late-20th-century and early-21st-century contexts, women are undergoing monastic and priestly education, receiving ordination/initiation as Buddhist nuns or Hindu priestesses, and are accepted as religious and political leaders. This process is often outside or at the margins of traditional religious institutions, but women are establishing new religious trends and currents that are attracting followers and occupying religious positions on par with men. This book offers ten in-depth case studies to explore the historical background, contemporary trajectories, and impact of the emergence of new and powerful forms of female agency in mostly conservative Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Women have historically been excluded from positions of religious and ritual leadership in mainstream traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. However, this volume demonstrates that in an increasing number of late-20th-century and early-21st-century contexts, women are undergoing monastic and priestly education, receiving ordination/initiation as Buddhist nuns or Hindu priestesses, and being accepted as religious and political leaders. While these processes still largely take place outside or at the margins of traditional religious institutions, it is evident that women are establishing new religious trends and currents. They are attracting followers and occupying religious positions on par with men, sometimes filling a void left behind by male religious specialists who left the profession and at other times being perceived as their rivals. This process occurs in collaboration with male religious specialists in some cases and against the will of women's male counterparts in others. Nonetheless, in most cases, we see both acceptance and resistance to the emergence of new and powerful forms of female agency.

This book offers ten in-depth case studies that analyze culturally, historically, and geographically unique situations to explore the historical background, contemporary trajectories, and impact of the emergence of new and powerful forms of female agency in mostly conservative Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions. The case studies cover various regions and periods, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, and the United States, and examine the experiences of women who have sought to transcend traditional gender roles and establish themselves as religious leaders.

One of the key findings of the book is that women's religious leadership is not a new phenomenon but has a long and complex history. Women have been involved in religious leadership roles for centuries, often in marginalized or subversive contexts. However, in recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of the contributions of women to religious traditions and a growing demand for greater gender equality in religious institutions.

The case studies in this book demonstrate that women's religious leadership is not limited to any particular religious tradition or sect but is found across a wide range of Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Women are leading monasteries, temples, and ashramas, teaching meditation and yoga, and providing spiritual guidance to their communities. They are also engaging in social and political activism, advocating for gender equality and social justice and challenging traditional gender norms and hierarchies.

Despite the progress that has been made, women's religious leadership continues to face challenges and barriers. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of institutional support and recognition. Many religious institutions continue to uphold traditional gender roles and hierarchies, which limit women's opportunities for leadership and education. Women also face discrimination and marginalization within religious communities, often because of their gender or social status.

Another challenge is the need for greater gender equality within religious institutions. While women's leadership is increasingly recognized, there is still a significant gap between men and women in terms of access to resources, opportunities, and recognition. Women often face barriers to advancement in religious institutions, such as limited access to education and training programs, unequal pay and benefits, and limited opportunities for leadership positions.

Despite these challenges, women's religious leadership is growing and evolving. Women are using innovative approaches to challenge traditional gender norms and hierarchies, such as creating new religious institutions that are more inclusive and gender-equal or advocating for gender-sensitive interpretations of religious texts and practices. They are also building networks and communities of support and solidarity, which help to promote their leadership and advocacy efforts.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of women's religious leadership in Hinduism and Buddhism. It demonstrates that women's religious leadership is not a new phenomenon but has a long and complex history. It also highlights the challenges and barriers that women face in pursuing religious leadership roles and the need for greater gender equality within religious institutions. However, the case studies in this book also demonstrate that women's religious leadership is growing and evolving, and that women are using innovative approaches to challenge traditional gender norms and hierarchies and promote greater gender equality. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and practitioners of religion, gender studies, and social sciences.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 243 x 165 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197603727