Being Bodies: Buddhist Women on the Paradox of Embodiment

by Lenore Friedman

Book Overview

The relationship between body and mind has always been a topic of speculation and spirited discussion. The authors of the pieces contained in this anthology address the problem from the unique dual perspective of being women and being students of Buddhism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570623244
• ISBN13: 9781570623240
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Enlightening and Insightful

The authors of these essays explore their bodies as Buddhists and women, giving personal accounts of the pain, enjoyment and acceptance they have experienced in relation to their bodies. I found myself moved by the intimate tone, with some authors taking pages straight from their own journals. I wonderful read for anyone, male or female, who is engaged by Buddhism, spiriutality and their own notion of embodiment.

Wonderful insights

The essays in this book explore the seeming dichotomy of having a (female) body and having a Buddhist practice. I found Susan Moon's thoughts on the body and loneliness especially insightful: "I don't want it (the body) to be my pimp, to send it out looking for people to bring home to love me." I don't think you need to be a Buddhist or a woman to appreciate the honesty and wisdom in these essays.