Vanessa Sasson on the storytelling of women in early Buddhism
During an interview with Tova Green, Vanessa Sasson discusses her incredible transformation from a confused college graduate studying political philosophy to a dedicated professor of Religious Studies and successful author.
Vanessa’s love for mountains, ignited during a stopover in Nepal, led her on a year-long adventure and eventually inspired her to bring students to Nepal every two years.
Her encounter with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala was transformative, instilling in her a deep aspiration to emulate his kindness.
As a professor at Marianopolis College, Vanessa teaches various religious texts and traditions, including Buddhism, which holds a special place in her heart.
Despite the traditional and patriarchal nature of Buddhist Studies, Vanessa’s decision to write novels about early Buddhist women was met with warmth and curiosity from her colleagues, marking a shift in the field towards inclusivity and diversity.
Vanessa’s decision to transition from academic writing to creative writing was driven by a desire to enter the stories she studied, rather than observe them from afar.
Through her novels, she aims to honor marginalized voices and contribute to broader conversations in the academic and literary realms.
Vanessa’s journey exemplifies the power of passion, courage, and dedication in navigating personal and professional transformations while staying true to one’s convictions.
