'This book is a valuable contribution to the growing literature about women and Buddhism. It should be in all libraries with collections about Buddhism or gender studies in religion.' - Journal of the American Academy of Religion'Kathryn Blackstone has offered scholars in the study of early Buddhism a valuable lesson ... I found myself happily convinced.' - The Tibet Journal

• Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 The Language of Liberation; Chapter 3 Looking Backward: Attitudes Towards Renunciation; Chapter 4 Looking Inward: Attitudes Towards the Body; Chapter 5 Looking Outward: Attitudes Towards The Physical Environment; Chapter 6 Struggle for Liberation in the Ther?g?th?;