Vanessa R. Sasson
Vanessa R. Sasson is a professor of Religious Studies in the Liberal Arts department of Marianopolis College. She is the author of Yasodhara and the Buddha and The Gathering: A Story of the First Buddhist Women.
A scholar turns to fiction to share Buddhist stories.
Standing Together
A scholar reimagines the first Buddhist women’s request for ordination
CultureMagazine | Book Reviews, Books
Not Taking No for an Answer
A scholar breathes life into the story of the first Buddhist women
Inside the 18th International Sakyadhita Conference
An unexpected feature underscored the care that went into this annual event, this year drawing 3,000 women.
When Women Showed Up
Scholar Vanessa R. Sasson tells the story of the first female Buddhist renunciates.
The Woman Who Married the Buddha
Scholar Vanessa R. Sasson tells the often overlooked story of Yasodhara
Personal ReflectionsMagazine | On Conflict
Teaching Ground
A teacher is impelled by a student's troubles to confront the human suffering in the Middle East.
Podcasts
How the First Buddhist Women Became Free
Vanessa Sasson’s new novel reimagines the story of the first Buddhist women’s request for ordination.
Listen Now on Tricycle | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
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