Spiritual Journeys within the Patriarchy of Modern Thai Buddhism by Women Buddhist Practitioners

Abstract

This article is a review of the book titled, "GENDER AND THE PATH TO AWAKENING: Hidden Histories of Nuns in Modern Thai Buddhism" by Martin Seeger (2018). The review highlights the contribution of the study in uncovering the spiritual paths of the women Thai Buddhist practitioners. Seeger not only highlighted how the experiences of Thai women practitioners are often overshadowed by men. More importantly, he unravels the dynamic of their experiences in attaining Buddhist teachings and influencing other Buddhists during their lifetimes. The study that employed biography, hagiography, memories and oral accounts is innovative, especially in the situation which the data about the Thai women practitioners are scant.