Vanessa R. Sasson
Professor of religious studies and author specializing in Buddhist studies; author of The Gathering: A Story of the First Buddhist Women and other works that blend scholarly research with narrative retellings.
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Feb 1, 2026 • 54min
Vanessa R. Sasson, "The Gathering: A Story of the First Buddhist Women" (Equinox, 2023)
Vanessa R. Sasson, a professor of religious studies who specializes in early Buddhist literature and women in Buddhism. She recounts retelling the story of the first Buddhist women who sought ordination. The conversation covers her research-driven storytelling approach, choice of Vimala and companions, themes of motherhood, grief, friendship, and how the living forest and communal renunciation shape the narrative.
