Lotus in the Desert: The Untold Story of Buddhist Nuns  | EP121

Dr. Bjorn Mercer chats with APU professor Dr. Chapla Verma about her forthcoming book “Lotus in the Desert-Mahapajapati: A Theravada Nunnery in California,” which explores the challenges and resilience of Theravada Buddhist nuns, particularly those at the Mahapajapati Monastery in California. Verma shares how she became interested in this topic and dives into the struggles these women face in a tradition where full ordination for nuns has often been restricted or outright denied, especially in places like Myanmar and Thailand. Through compelling personal stories, she highlights the perseverance of these nuns as they navigate strict monastic precepts, social barriers, and institutional resistance in their pursuit of equality within Buddhism. Their experiences shed light on the broader conversation around religious freedom, gender disparity, and the struggle for recognition in deeply rooted traditions.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.