A detailed exploration of the quest for liberation on the part of the early bhikkhunis. The issue is considered not only on the basis of previous historical studies based on the complicated symbolism of texts, but also in order to unearth the attitudes and assumptions inherent in the text, and to examine the terms, images, events, and situations insofar as they reveal the feminine perspective of the bhikkhunisangha. The author's careful analysis of the language and imagery in the texts allows her to postulate some bold new conclusions. This study of the only text in the Buddhist tradition of known female authorship will be of importance to anyone investigating a woman's perspective of her own religion, and a clear statement on how renunciants view the nature of nibbana.

Women in the Footsteps of the Buddha, Kathryn Blackstone, Motitlal, 185 pages, $12.95

Kathryn R. Blackstone is Lecturer in Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.

Contents:

Preface.

Introduction.

I. The language of liberation:
1. Liberation refrains. 2. Distinctions between the texts.
3. A difference of perspective.

II. Looking backward: attitudes towards renunciation:
1. The way they were
. 2. Breaking free: going forth to the homeless life.
3. Reflections on the good life.

III. Looking inward: attitudes towards the body:
1. A Buddhist lesson in anatomy.
2. The body beautiful.
3. Looking at the doctrine as a mirror.

IV. Looking outward: attitudes towards the environment:
1. The environment as setting and symbol.
2. Tree meditations.
3. Envisioning the environment.

V. Struggle for liberation in the Therigatha:
1. Models of liberation.
2. The question of female authorship.
3. Women's struggle for liberation.

Appendices.

Notes.

Bibliography.

Glossary.

Index.