Time to Stand Up
An Engaged Buddhist Manifesto for Our Earth -- The Buddha's Life and Message through Feminine Eyes
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Time to Stand Up retells the story of the historical Buddha as a practical human being whose teachings on freedom from suffering are increasingly relevant today. Former nun Thanissara evolves beyond the patriarchal narrative of spiritual warriors, emphasizing a feminine perspective where the archetypes of lover and nurturer are central to creating a sustainable world. The book investigates the pinnacle of Buddhist practice, the realization of the "liberated heart," challenging the notion of "transcendence" and inviting readers into the lived reality of their deepest hearts, guiding their journeys of healing and redemption. Thanissara critiques traditional Buddhism, often marked by gender discrimination, questioning whether schools overly attached to hierarchical power structures can foster genuine awakening without confronting their own shadows. Each chapter connects Siddhartha Gautama's awakening to contemporary global issues, such as the ethical failures of the nuclear and fossil fuel industries and corporate and military abuses of power. The author draws parallels between the Buddha's activism—challenging caste systems, opposing violence against animals, and advocating for nonhierarchical governance—and the struggles faced by individuals today, including Iraq war veterans and First Nation People. Thanissara also explores how meditation and mindfulness can inspire action for our ailing planet, moving beyond mere self-pacif