Turning the Wheel: American Women Creating the New Buddhism

Sandy Boucher is herself a noteworthy expositor of Buddhism for the West (having written books like Opening the Lotus: A Woman's Guide to Buddhism), and this book (first written in 1988, then updated and expanded in 1993) provides an excellent series of chapters by more than three dozen female Western Buddhist teachers, including Pema Chodron, Jan Willis, Rita Gross, Tsultrim Allione, etc.). While this survey IS a bit "dated," most of the teachers surveyed are still in active teaching practice, so it's hardly "out of date." It is the DIVERSITY of topics covered that is so exceptional in this collection. General subject areas include "Women-Led Centers and Retreats," "The Problem of the Male Teacher," "The Link Between Buddhist Practice and Political Activism," and "The Integration of Buddhist Practice with Family Life, Job, and Community." The chapters in the book don't shy away from "controversial" topics, such as sexual abuse by male teachers. Boucher notes that the year 1983 "brought events crucial to women's full participation in, and transformation of, Buddhism. During that year, several of the principal male Zen spiritual teachers were exposed as sexual adventurers and abusers of power.... Most practitioners came to realize that the old hierarchical models brought from Asia do not, in the long run, serve Americans well. Authority was questioned, structures challenged. And women particularly became visible and articulate." Various chapters cover Buddhist journals intended for women; various Sakyadhita (orders of nuns); women's Buddhist conferences; and more. Political activism is covered in comparative depth (with chapters such as Charlene Spretnak's "Green Politics and Beyond," discussion of "Engaged Buddhism," and the Buddhist Peace Fellowship). Certainly, this book should not constitute one's ONLY reading on the subject of American women and the "new" Buddhism. But this book is an extremely helpful addition to one's library. Other books to consult include Walking On Lotus Flowers: Buddhist Women Living, Loving and Meditating, A Gathering of Spirit: Women Teaching in American Buddhism, Buddhist Women on the Edge: Contemporary Perspectives from the Western Frontier, and Meetings with Remarkable Women: Buddhist Teachers in America.