The Buddha taught that the potential for awakening is equally accessible to women and men. This truth is not readily apparent when examining the 2500-year-old history of Buddhism, where traditions and institutions have mostly evolved through the lens of Buddhist patriarchy. This two-part class will illuminate the feminine side of Buddhism through discussions of historical women whose passion for spiritual life led them to overcome huge obstacles and follow unique paths. In this class we will tell their stories, share their poems and celebrate their spiritual journeys. The first session begins with the women led by Gotami who lived during the time of the Buddha. In the second circle we will explore the lives of women saints in Tibet, particularly Yeshe Tsogyal and Machig Labdron, and discuss the living lineages that have continued to today. Sessions I and II may be taken separately.
Pre-registration required. Maximum 15 participants per class.
Two Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Session I, October 27. Session II, November 10
Wendy Garling, M.A., is a writer, editor, gardener and mother of three sons. Her life was shaped by journeys to India and Nepal in the 70’s and 80’s where she had many adventures and met many remarkable spiritual beings. Since that time, she has studied and practiced Buddhism – in 2007 traveling to Tibet on pilgrimage. In teaching, her primary interest is the reemergence and power of the sacred feminine. She has a B.A. from Wellesley College, an M.A. in Sanskrit from U.C. Berkeley and continues to practice and learn, mostly within the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
