Ancestors Series

Introduction

This series is dedicated to the study and celebration of Buddhist ancestors. I believe that studying our ancestors can make teachings relatable because, like us, they were human beings with lives full of challenges and joys. I will be exploring stories of women as well as men, with a bit more emphasis on women since their stories are generally not as known as those of men due to the variety of historical and societal influences. I believe they deserve our appreciation and we can all benefit from their teachings.

I consider the preservation and transmission of early texts without distortion important and intend to stay true to them. I usually work with a variety of resources by authors whom I consider reliable, to the best of my knowledge. At the same time, any time we study ancient texts, regardless of the quality of translations or commentaries, we inevitably work with approximations that in some cases have more historical validity, and in some less. The primary purpose of study, in my view, is to challenge unexamined views and habits, and to inspire and support our own practice. Ultimately, we need to verify or refute every word through our own experience. So, rather than adopting an exhaustive or academic approach, I’d like to offer stories of our ancestors in an approachable way that hopefully helps us find inspiration and relate to their message in these times.

If you encounter an ancestor about whom you’d like to learn more, I recommend reviewing the materials in the endnotes section of the articles.

One of the ways I think of practice is as the study of our ancestors. Not only from the ancient texts, but practicing as they did through our whole bodies and minds when sitting on a cushion, chanting, doing ceremonies, walking, working, talking, and any other activity, open and present, taking good care of all of it as best as possible, at this very moment of our lives.