White Tara, one of the principal Vajrayana deities representing enlightened feminine energy. Tara is the liberator whose compassion frees us from the fear and suffering of samsara. Painting by Sanje Elliot.The principal figure in Buddhism is the teacher, a role traditionally dominated by men. Andrea Miller profiles three women teachers — Trudy Goodman, Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara, and Lama Palden Drolma — who are changing the face of Buddhism and making the teachings whole.
Photos: Jesse A. Jiryu DavisGrace Schireson, Christina Feldman, Rita Gross, and Lama Palden Drolma discuss how women are defining new roles as Buddhist leaders, teachers, and practitioners.
Chakrasamvara, Eastern Tibet, 18th century, Karma (Kagyu) and other Buddhist lineagesBuddhadharma ask three teachers about a complex issue at the heart of tantra practice: guru devotion.
© Artemfurman, Dreamstime.comRecent headlines have revealed that spiritual communities, including Buddhist ones, are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse by male authority figures.
Lama Palden Drolma explains the significance of Tara,“she who ferries beings across the ocean of samsara.”
