The unique experiences of enlightenment for females in Buddhism
In this analysis of enlightenment from a feminine perspective Jue Liang presents a compelling narrative drawn from the Therigatha, a collection of poems by female disciples of the Buddha.
In Liang’s scholarly exploration, the traditional depictions of Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree are juxtaposed with the absence of representations of Buddhist women in such iconic imagery.
As a scholar of women and gender in Buddhism, Jue Liang delves into the Therigatha to unveil the nuanced experiences of enlightenment for female practitioners.
Liang’s exposition emphasizes the embodied nature of enlightenment for women, challenging the prevalent image of the solitary meditating monk. Instead, enlightenment is portrayed as deeply integrated into the fabric of daily life, suggesting that renunciation of domesticity is not a prerequisite for spiritual realization.
Through the verses of the Therigatha, Jue Liang showcases how women find liberation not only through meditation but also through mundane activities within their domestic spheres.
Moreover, the analysis underscores the significance of community in the path to enlightenment, as depicted in the Therigatha.
Jue Liang highlights the communal support and shared spiritual journey among female practitioners, emphasizing the role of the sangha in nurturing spiritual growth and fostering a sense of belonging.
In essence, Jue Liang’s work challenges conventional narratives surrounding enlightenment by foregrounding the voices and experiences of Buddhist women as documented in the Therigatha.
