The Gathering: A Story of the First Buddhist Women

Sasson's new book is a retelling of the story of the women's request for ordination, inspired by the Therigatha and building on years of research and experience. It follows Vimala, Patachara, Bhadda Kundalakesa, and many others as they walk through the forest to request full access to the tradition. The Buddha's response is complicated and multi-faceted, accepting women into the Order with specific and controversial conditions (garudhammas). Sasson invites readers to imagine a world that continues to inspire and complicate Buddhist narrative to this day.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

Sasson's latest book delves into a captivating retelling of the historical narrative surrounding the women's quest for ordination within the Buddhist tradition. Drawing inspiration from the Therigatha and fueled by extensive research and firsthand experience in the field, Sasson intricately follows the journeys of Vimala, Patachara, Bhadda Kundalakesa, and numerous other figures as they embark on a pilgrimage through the forest, seeking full access to the tradition. The Buddha's response to this request is renowned for its intricate and multifaceted nature, culminating in his eventual acceptance of women into the Order, albeit with specific and contentious conditions (garudhammas). Sasson invites readers to contemplate the identities of these pioneering Buddhist women, their aspirations, and the profound implications of these conditions in their lives. By structuring her research into a narrative format, Sasson invites readers to envision a world that continues to exert a profound influence and provoke thought within the realm of Buddhist storytelling, resonating with audiences to this day.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800503397