A Bigger Sky

Awakening a Fierce Feminine Buddhism

Reimagining Buddhism through a feminine lens: A powerful memoir of healing, strength, and spiritual awakening.

Like all true spiritual teachings, Buddhism offers a radical shift: from me to we, fracture to unity, and fear to love. But like most institutionalized religions, Buddhism developed under systems of hierarchy, patriarchy, and power that have become interwoven into its structure. Written by the first layperson to receive full Dharma Transmission in the Suzuki Roshi Soto Zen lineage, A Bigger Sky explores what it means to fill the gaps of a Buddhism created by and for men, to navigate the seemingly contradictory domains of secular and spiritual life, and to walk a path through the heart of the world. Reorienting Buddhist practice through a wider, more inclusive feminine lens, Pamela Weiss's personal and spiritual journey speaks to the bits of brokenness in us all, shining a light on the different pathways we can walk to become whole.

Blending memoir, Buddhist practice, and cultural observation, Weiss explores the illness that led her to seek healing and brought her to Buddhism; life at Tassajara Zen Mountain monastery; feelings of helplessness amidst the legacy of intergenerational trauma; her husband's near-fatal accident; her work translating mindfulness and Buddhist principles to a broad lay audience; and stories of Buddhist women, past and present.

Through beautifully crafted prose, Weiss shares what it means to be an ordinary Bodhisattva--describing how the Buddha's profound vision of freedom can be lived outside of institutions and rule-bound practice, and supporting us in deepening our connection--with ourselves, each other and the planet. A Bigger Sky illuminates how integrating a more feminine approach to Buddhist teachings can be applied in spiritual practice, in community, in relationships, and in day-to-day life.

Reseñas de la Crítica

REVIEWS . . .

"[A] steady, wise debut… Weiss weaves an empowering vision of Buddhism into her life story; she also integrates feminine views into Buddhist tenets and encourages women to speakup."—PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY

“Here is strength in Zen, dedication in emergency, awakening in business—all roads to the empowerment of women.”—JACK KORNFIELD, author of A Path With Heart

“We are unique . . . never to be repeated. And, we are as common as dirt—even our dreams reveal this. Weiss shows us in a handful of pages what this dream journey that is more real than real might look like. It took my breath away."
—James Ishmael Ford, author of Introduction to Zen Koans

“A Bigger Sky takes the reader on a profound, groundbreaking, and totally engaging journey of awakening and healing.”—KITTISARO AND THANISSARA, authors of Listening to the Heart

“This is a deeply soulful, engaging, and ultimately joyous book. I read it in one sitting and put it down with a broad smile.”—JAN WILLIS, author of Dreaming Me: Black, Baptist, and Buddhist

“ There are deep teachings in here—dive in.”—BHIKKHUNI ANANDABODHI, cofounder of Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery and coauthor of Leaving it all Behind

“A Bigger Sky beautifully illuminates the power of the strong feminine and its essential role for us all in personal and planetary healing."—FRANK OSTESESKI, author of The Five Invitations

“This is a wise, beautiful book. As I was reading, I felt myself soften to the original source so lucidly described in her writing. You will, too.”—ALLISON POST, coauthor of The Gut Wellness Guide

“A beautiful and courageous book for those new to the world of meditation and for those seeking a fuller expression of how the path can unfold."—MATTY WEINGAST, author of The First Free Women

"[Weiss] seemlessly weaves . . . a feminist take on Buddhist teachings, ancient myth, and hard-won wisdom from her spiritual path."—DIANA WINSTON, author of The Little Book of Being and director at UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center

"I highly recommend this engrossing account for anyone on a spiritual path.”
—LAMA PALDEN DROLMA, author of Love on Every Breath and founder of Sukhasiddhi Foundation

“Weiss beautifully articulates . . . the human journey . . . the joys and sorrows of the only life we have to live.”—LARRY YANG, author of Awakening Together

"Practitioners who are birthing more inclusive and integrated forms of American Buddhism will find much inspiration here.”—ANN GLEIG, author of American Dharma

“a must-read . . . especially for women seeking to challenge the status quo of religious orthodoxy."—ROGER HOUSDEN, author of Ten Poems to Change Your Life series

Interesting

An interesting journey along the path. I like to hear the experiences of others who have walked this path far longer than I have. Well told and very human.

The story itself is insightful and inspiring; narrator continually mispronounces important names.

This is a lovely book. I most appreciated the aspects of it that referred to the important role women played in Buddhism and the unacceptable state of Bhikkhuni ordination today as adherents of the patriarchy continue to bar women. It’s a disgraceful state of affairs for the 21st Century. And I truly enjoyed the author’s description of her own journey. For these reasons, I would recommend this book.

However, I hope those who produced this audiobook will attend to what is an ongoing problem with audio books written by Buddhist teachers. The reader mispronounces important names of people in the Buddhist community and as well as Buddhist terms. How is it names and non-English terms are not researched and proofread? Wouldn’t a good voice actor actually make sure they are properly pronouncing them? This happens so often, it would just be so much better if the teachers read their own works instead of relying on voice actors. It seems disrespectful for professional recordings to disregard the need to pronounce people’s names properly. I hate to make such a big deal of this as the book itself is lovely. But it is important. Authors should be able to at least review audiobooks before they are completed and ask that pertinent are edited.

Don't let this deter you from enjoying the book - this is more of a plea for a correction of this issue in future books.

Lots of Insight and Love

Pam’s story is wonderful— chock full of wisdom nuggets and moments that made me stop and really reflect. It’s jumpstarted an interest in examining my own relationship with the divine feminine archetype.

What Buddhism can look like in real-life

A personal, authentic sharing of the authors spiritual journey. I was captured by the events in her life and inspired when the author anchored her perspectives in the spiritual texts. This style of memoir satisfies my heart.

It is a brave book that opened me up to many new thoughts. I've been pondering what I've learned for days. I am grateful.

Disappointing

I wanted to like this book but it proved to be a disappointment, especially the last part of the book.