Zen Sanctuary of Purple Robes examines the affairs of Rinzai Zen's TÅkeiji Convent; founded in 1285 by nun Kakusan ShidÅ after the death of her husband; HÅjÅ Tokimune. It traces the convent's history through seven centuries; including the early nuns' Zen practice; Abbess YÅdÅ's imperial lineage with nuns in purple robes; Hideyori's seven-year-old daughter--later to become the convent's twentieth abbess; Tenshu--spared by Tokugawa Ieyasu at the Battle for Osaka Castle; TÅkeiji as "divorce temple" during the mid-Edo period and a favorite topic of senryu satirical verse; the convent's gradual decline as a functioning nunnery but its continued survival during the early Meiji persecution of Buddhism; and its current prosperity. The work includes translations; charts; illustrations; bibliographies; and indices. Beyond such historical details; the authors emphasize the convent's "inclusivist" Rinzai Zen practice in tandem with the nearby Engakuji Temple. The rationale for this "inclusivism" is the continuing acceptance of the doctrine of "Skillful Means" (hÅben) as expressed in the Lotus Sutra--a notion repudiated or radically reinterpreted by most of the Kamakura reformers. In support of this contention; the authors include a complete translation of the Mirror for Women by Kakusan's contemporary; MujÅ« Ichien.
#215437 in Books State University of New York Press 1992-11-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .85 x 6.00l; 1.19 #File Name: 0791414043376 pagesISBN13: 9780791414040Condition: NewNotes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Review
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Deep insights into the wondrous potential of Feminism paired with BuddhismBy jsorakAfter noticing that most "spiritual" books I was reading were written by men and rarely - if ever - brought up issues of feminism; I began to seek out "spiritual" texts by women and; specifically; by feminist women. It's been a thrilling ride that; at some point; led me to the Therigatha. On 's "suggested titles" link; this book came up and I'm so grateful. It answers a lot of questions and doubts I've been having and does so in a very pragmatic; academic-but-accessible way. A helpful emphasis of the text is on how Buddhist teachings; seen without their cultural (androcentric) baggage; can facilitate intimacy; interdependence; and community with others. Great stuff.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Doesn't go nearly far enoughBy Kitchen BarbarianDoesn't go nearly far enough. The only thing I found objectionable in this examination of women in Buddhism is the author's wimping out on calling a spade a spade - patriarchy IS misogyny. "Do what I want as long as I want you to do it or I will punish you" (eg patriarchy) IS misogyny.It makes me sad; but that's the way Buddhism is practiced in the majority of instances. Before I deleted my fakebook account; I was constantly being contacted by male Buddhists from around the world about how I wasn't showing proper respect to Buddhist traditions - an idea they were apparently getting from my other associations on fakebook with things like NOW and various gynocentric Buddhist groups; and support for the ordination of women.The Buddha saidDo not believe in anything (simply) because you have heard it ; Do not believe in traditions; because they been handed down for many generations ; Do not believe in anything; because it is spoken and rumoured by many ; Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books ; But after observation and analysis; when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all; then accept it and live up to it.Continuing to repress and exclude women from the full range of Buddhist practice; INCLUDING ordination; is a tradition that has long worn out its welcome. It is not good or of benefit to one and all to continue these misogynistic practices; in fact the rejection and continued repression and even subjugation of women within the Buddhist community is not only harmful to the women themselves; but also to each and every male practitioner who insists on continuing these antiquated ideas of the "proper place" for women. How can one NOT be damaged by refusing to acknowledge the equality and humanity of another person; whether because of gender; gender identity; how deep your tan is or how blue your eyes are (or not); or any other of the many marks of difference; one from another; that are rife throughout all of humanity?Buddhism teaches that there is no duality; that all is one. How then; can anyone excuse gender based dichotomy within Buddhism?4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. worth the effortBy Suzie Q.This is an excellent book. It's dense; so prepare to put some effort into getting out the key points; but well worth the time and focus. Great perspective. Great clarity.
