A detailed exploration of the quest for liberation on the part of the early bhikkunis. Only text in the Buddhist tradition of known female authorship. Important to anyone investigating women's own perspective on their religion. Also provides a clear statement about how renunciants understand nibbana.

KathrynR. Blackstone

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?;