Books
Dakini’s Warm Breath: The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism
Shambhala Publications, 2001
A fresh interpretation of the dakini—a Tibetan Buddhist symbol of the feminine—that will appeal to practitioners interested in goddess worship, female spirituality, and Tantric Buddhism
The primary emblem of the feminine in Tibetan Buddhism is the dakini, or “sky-dancer,” a semi-wrathful spirit-woman who manifests in visions, dreams, and meditation experiences. Western scholars and interpreters of the dakini, influenced by Jungian psychology and feminist goddess theology, have shaped a contemporary critique of Tibetan Buddhism in which the dakini is seen as a psychological “shadow,” a feminine savior, or an objectified product of patriarchal fantasy. According to Judith Simmer-Brown—who writes from the point of view of an experienced practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism—such interpretations are inadequate.
In the spiritual journey of the meditator, Simmer-Brown demonstrates, the dakini symbolizes levels of personal realization: the sacredness of the body, both female and male; the profound meeting point of body and mind in meditation; the visionary realm of ritual practice; and the empty, spacious qualities of mind itself. When the meditator encounters the dakini, living spiritual experience is activated in a nonconceptual manner by her direct gaze, her radiant body, and her compassionate revelation of reality. Grounded in the author's personal encounter with the dakini, this unique study will appeal to both male and female spiritual seekers interested in goddess worship, women's spirituality, and the tantric tradition.
“In Dakini’s Warm Breath, Judith Simmer-Brown has accomplished something quite remarkable: she has gotten it right. In this thoroughly researched and richly nuanced study, she has analyzed one of the most elusive yet powerful symbols of Tibetan tantric Buddhism, while avoiding the reductionist pitfalls of either Jungian or feminist models of interpretation. Simmer-Brown shows us how the dakini, within the context of tantric practice, is both the practitioner’s ultimate guide and innermost spiritual subjectivity….This work breathes new life into an ancient mystery. It should supersede all previous explorations of the dakini principle.” Janice Willis, Professor Emerita of Religion of Wesleyan University, author of Dreaming Me: Black, Baptist and Buddhist—One Woman’s Spiritual Journey.
Dakini’s Warm Breath is the fruit of a life journey of profound experiential and scholarly research. It explores the most enigmatic and important representations of the feminine in Buddhism: the undomesticated, incisive, wise dakini. This book is a treasure trove of information bringing forth the riches of the feminine in the tantric Buddhist tradition as it emerges and flowers in the West.” Tsultrim Allione, Tara Mandala and author, Wisdom Rising: Journey in the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine
Also available in Dutch, French, Spanish, and Polish translations.
Meditation and the Classroom: Contemplative Pedagogy for Religious Studies
State University of New York Press, 2010
Co-edited with Fran Grace
Meditation and the Classroom inventively articulates how educators can use meditation to educate the whole student. Notably, a number of universities have initiated contemplative studies options and others have opened contemplative spaces. This represents an attempt to address the inner life. It is also a sign of a new era, one in which the United States is more spiritually diverse than ever before. Examples from university classrooms and statements by students indicate benefits include increased self-awareness, creativity, and compassion.
The religious studies scholars who have contributed to this book often teach about meditation, but here they include reflections on how meditation has affected them and their teaching. Until recently, though, even many religious studies professors would find sharing meditation experiences, let alone teaching meditation techniques, a breach of disciplinary and academic protocols. The value of teaching meditation and teaching about meditation is discussed. Ethical issues such as pluralism, respect, qualifications, power and coercion, and avoiding actual or perceived proselytization are also examined. While methods for religious studies are emphasized, the book provides valuable guidance for all those interested in this endeavor.
“This is a landmark collection that incorporates insights, reflections, and recommendations from leading scholars and teachers who have had significant experience in contemplative pedagogy.” Ruben L. F. Habito, author of Healing Breath: Zen for Christians and Buddhists in a Wounded World
“I was inspired by this book. It encouraged me to take risks in the classroom and to take risks as a human being as well. It hits the right balance of setting a larger context and providing helpful information about how practitioners actually accomplish this in the classroom. I have absolute no doubt that this is the most important book published to date on contemplative pedagogy.” Joseph A. Favazza, Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Religious Studies, Stonehill College
Selected Articles & Chapters
"Romantic Fantasy, Everyday Disappointment," Buddhist Women on the Edge: Contemporary Perspectives from the Western Frontier, edited by Marianne Dresser. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 1996, 151-158.
"Inviting the Demon," Parabola: The Magazine of Myth and Tradition, XXII (1997): 2-7; reprinted in Bodhi Magazine, Vol. IX nos. 1 & 2.
"Commitment and Openness: A Contemplative Approach to Pluralism," in The Heart of Learning: Spirituality and Education, edited by Steven Glazer. New York: Penguin Putnam, Inc., 1999.
With Norman Fischer, Sister Mary Margaret Funk, Joseph Goldstein, Brother David Steindl-Rast, Ven. Yi Fa, Benedict's Dharma: Buddhists Reflect on the Rule of St. Benedict, edited by Patrick Henry. New York: Riverhead, 2001.
“The Prospects for a Bhikṣunī Saṅgha in Tibetan Buddhism,” in Buddhist Studies from India to America: Essays in Honor of Charles S. Prebish, edited by Damien Keown. New York and London: RoutledgeCurzon, 2006.
"Pratītyasamutpāda: Seeing the Dependent Origination of Suffering as the Key to Liberation," Journal of Contemplative Psychotherapy, IV: 15-32. Reprinted in Bodhi Magazine, Spring 2006.
“A Buddhist Perspective on Consumerism,” Contemporary Issues Companion: Consumerism, Uma Kukathas, ed., Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2008;
"Shambhala: Enlighted Warriorship for Peace," in Buddhist Peacework: Creating Cultures of Peace, edited by David Chappell. Boston: Boston Research Center, 1999.
"A Buddhist Approach to Pluralism: The Dialogue Relationship," Buddhist Theology: Critical Reflections by Contemporary Buddhist Scholars, edited by Roger Jackson and John Makransky. Honolulu: Curzon Press, 2000.
"Buddhist Peace Fellowship: Speaking Truth to Power," in Engaged Buddhism in America, edited by Chris Queen. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2000.
"The Roar of the Lioness: Women's Dharma in the West," in Charles Prebish and Martin Bauman, ed. Westward Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Asia. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2002.
“Cultivating the Wisdom Gaze: A Contemplation on the Outer and Inner Causes of Globalization,” Hooked! Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume, edited by Stephanie Kaza, Shambhala Publications, 2005.
“Heart to Heart: Interreligious Dialogue,” in Fabrice Midal, ed., Recalling Chögyam Trungpa. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 2005. Originally published as Chögyam Trungpa: Pour chaque moment de la vie au editions de seuil. Paris, 2004.
“The Liberty That Nobody Can Touch: Thomas Merton Meets Tibetan Buddhism,” in Bonnie Thurston, ed., Merton and Buddhism: Wisdom, Emptiness, and Everyday Mind. Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae Press, 2007.
“The Question is the Answer: Contemplative Pedagogy in the Religious Studies Classroom and Naropa University.” Religion & Education, Vol. 36, No. 2 (Summer 2009), University of Northern Iowa.
“Without Bias—The Dalai Lama in Dialogue,” in Catherine Cornille, ed., Criteria of Discernment in Interreligious Dialogue. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2009.
“The Heart is the Common Ground: Thomas Merton and Chogyam Trungpa in Dialogue,” Merton Annual 2010, Vol 23: 47-58 (Summer 2011), Fons Vitae.
“Contemplative Pedagogy: Frequently Asked Questions,” with Tom Coburn, Fran Grace, Anne Carolyn Klein, Louis Komjathy, and Harold Roth, Teaching Theology and Religion XIV.2 (April 2011), 167-174.
“Rita Gross’ Contributions to Contemporary Western Buddhism,” Journal of Buddhist-Christian Studies XXXI (2011), 69-74; Republished in American Buddhist Women 9, Winter 2016, Sakyadhita USA.
“The Solitude of Contemplative Life: A Buddhist-Benedictine Friendship” in My Neighbor’s Faith: Stories of Interreligious Encounter, Growth, and Transformation, edited by Jennifer Howe Peace, Or Rose, and Gregory Mobley (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2012).
“The Practice of Giving and Receiving,” Meditations for InterSpiritual Practice: Practices and Readings Drawn from the World’s Spiritual Traditions, Netanel Miles-Yepez, ed. Santa Barbara, CA: Spiritual Paths Publishing, 2012.
Foreword, The Arts of Dharma Chaplaincy: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Contemplative Care, edited by Cheryl Giles and Willa Miller. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2012.
“Leading for Change, Dialogue for Openness: Feminine Principle Teachings for Leaders,” Inner Peace—Global Impact: The Influence of Tibetan Buddhism on Leadership and Work in the West, edited by Kathryn Schuyler Goldman. Advances in Workplace Spirituality: Theory Research and Application Series. Charlotte, N.C.: Information Age Publishing, 2012.
“Commentary to Yoshihime’s ‘Look! Look!’” The Hidden Lamp: Stories from Twenty-Five Centuries of Awakened Women, edited by Zenshin Florence Caplow and Susan Moon. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2013.
“Creating Enlightened Society: Compassion in the Shambhala Tradition,” The Arrow: The Journal of Wakeful Society, Culture and Politics, Fall 2014. http://www.arrow-journal.org/creating-enlightened-society
“Wide Open to Life: Thomas Merton’s Dialogue of Contemplative Practice,” Buddhist-Christian Studies 35 (2015) 193-203, Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
“What Water? Feminism, Shambhala Buddhism, and the Feminine Principle,” in “Buddhism Feminism,” The Arrow: A Journal of Wakeful Society, Culture, and Politics 3:1, 22-28.
“Words and Sense: Contemplative Pedagogies in Academic Writing,” in Journal of Contemplative Inquiry, Fall 2016.
“Listening Dangerously—The Inner Dimensions of Dialogue Training,” The Intersubjective Turn in Contemplative Education: Shared Approaches for Contemplative Learning and Inquiry Across Disciplines, edited by Olen Gunnlaugson, Ed Sarath, Heesoon Bai, and Charles Scott. (Albany: State University of New York Press, 2017), 235-248.
With Carla Sherrell, “Structural Spiritual Bypassing in the Contemporary Mindfulness Movement,” Social Justice, Inner Work, and Contemplative Practice: Lessons & Directions for Multiple Fields, edited by Sheryl Petty. Initiative for Contemplation, Equity and Action (CEAI), Contemplative Mind and Society, Vol. 1, No. 1, July 2017, 75-94.
“Mother of the Victorious Ones,” in The Life and Visions of Yeshe Tsogyal: A Treasure Text Revealed by Drimé Kunga, Translated by Chönyi Drolma. Shambhala Publications, 2017, 19-26.
“Ambivalence in Shangri-La: Thomas Merton’s Orientalism and Dialogue,” Buddhist-Christian Studies Journal Vol. 37:93-103, 2017.
“Introduction,” to Rita Gross, Buddhism Beyond Gender: Liberation from Attachment to Identity (Boulder: Shambhala Publications, 2018), ix-xvii.
“Negotiating Conflicting Religious Claims through Inquiry: The Kalama Sutta,” chapter in Words to Live By: Sacred Sources for Interreligious Engagement, Edited by Or Rose, Homayra Ziad, and Soren Hessler. (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2018), 3-12.
“Reading with a Fresh Mind: Contemplative Reading Exercise,” AAR Spotlight on Teaching Online Publication, Contemplative Pedagogy and the Religious Studies Classroom, June 2019.
“Contemplative Teaching and Learning: Opportunities for Asian Studies,” ASIANetwork Exchange, 26(1), 2019, pp. 5–25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16995/ane.291
“Opening the Heart in Anti-Racism Activism: Pema Chodron and the Lojong Teachings,” Beacons of Dharma: Spiritual Exemplars for the Modern Age, Edited by Christopher Patrick Miller, Michael Reading, and Jeffrey D. Long. (Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2020), 201-218.
“Closing Reflections,” Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi: Essential Teachings, Selected with an Introduction by Or N. Rose and Netanel Miles-Ypez, Modern Spiritual Masters Series. (Maryknoll N.Y.: Orbis Books, 2020), 227-228.
“The Dialogue of Contemplative Practice: A Buddhist View of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (MID/DIM)”, Building a Culture of Compassion: Essays Celebrating 25 Years of the Vesakh Message to Buddhists, edited by Indunil J. Kodithuwakku. (The Vatican, Rome: Urbaniana University Press, 2020), 195-200. (In Press.)
Jordan T. Quaglia, Annelyse Soisson & Judith Simmer-Brown (2020) “Compassion for self versus other: A critical review of compassion training research,” The Journal of Positive Psychology DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2020.1805502
“Dialogue Tools for Building Global Community,” Deep Understanding for Divisive Times: Essays Marking a Decade of the Journal of Interreligious Studies, Edited by Lucinda Allen Mosher, Axel Marc Oaks Takacs, Or N. Rose, and Mary Elizabeth Moore. Newton Center, MA: Interreligious Studies Press, 2020, 149-153.
“Suddenly a Flame is Lit: Expressing the Nature of Awakening,” Art of Awakening: Spiral Magazine: The Rubin Museum of Art, Spring 2021, 6-9.
“Spiritual Warriorship: Śāntideva on the Inner Journey of Transforming Anger,” Buddhist-Christian Studies Journal, Vol. 41: 185-194, 2021.
“The Four Noble Truths: A Buddhist Theology for Undoing Racism,” Buddhist-Christian Studies Journal, Vol. 41: 221-232, 2021.