Sengetsu Tricia McFarlin
A Series of 6 Tuesday classes August 6 to September 10, 2024. 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Led by Sengetsu Tricia McFarlin.
The Dream of Gender in the Historical Unfolding of Buddhism
In this six-week course, we will trace the twists and turns of the identity category of gender in the historical enactment of Buddhism from India to China to Japan to the US. Course readings will be in pdf form, consisting of legends, sutras, and scholarly articles.
Why do we want to carry on such a study? Identity categories like race, class, gender, and sexuality often exert an influence even as they are ignored. Powerful mental objects like these should be investigated so we can clarify that this heart-fulfilling and socially beneficial practice is open to all.
South Indian Buddhism
Week 1: The dream of the solitary male monk practicing outside of community support
Week 2: The dream of feminine impurity threatening monastic purity: legends, purity zones, and monastic rules (vinaya)
Early Chinese Buddhism
Week 3: Humble nuns, pious lay followers, and pilgrims: the effects of Confucianism and folk beliefs on Buddhist practice
Week 4: Koan heroes: male cohesion and the occasional old woman in encounter tales
Early Japanese Buddhism
Week 5: Female shamans sidelined by Confucian ideology alongside the vision of gender inclusiveness
US Buddhism
Week 6: Feminist egalitarianism enabling practice together
All those with a dedicated meditation practice are welcome.
Sengetsu Tricia McFarlin is a Zen Priest, a former Shuso / Head Student, and past president of HZC.