First Buddhist Women: translations and commentary on the Therigatha

THE FIRST BUDDHIST WOMEN is a readable, contemporary translation of and commentary on the enlightenment verses of the first female disciples of the Buddha. The book explores Buddhism's relatively liberal attitude towards women since its founding nearly 2,600 years ago, through the study of the THERIGATHA, the earliest known collection of women's religious poetry. Through commentary and storytelling, author Susan Murcott traces the journey of the wives, mothers, teachers, courtesans, prostitutes, and wanderers who became leaders in the Buddhist community, roles that even today are rarely filled by women in other patriarchal religions. Their poetry beautifully expresses their search for spiritual attainment and their struggles in society.

Preface
Introduction
Mahapajapati Gotami and Her Disciples
Patacara and Her Disciples
Wanderers and Disciples
Wise Women and Teachers
Mothers
Wives
Old Women
Prostitutes, Courtesans, and Beautiful Women
Friends and Sisters
Buddhist Nuns and Nature
Dialogue Poems
Afterward: The Legacy of the First Buddhist Women

Appendix: Rules of the Nuns' Sangha
Glossary of Terms and Places
Index of Poems
Bibliography