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.
Best podcasts with Vanessa R. Sasson
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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 retells early Buddhist lives, brings the first women seekers to vivid life. She explains her blend of scholarship and storytelling. Listeners hear why Vimala and others were chosen, how communal renunciation shaped their path, and the political risks and leadership involved in their request for ordination.
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.
