Hi all,

I have been wanting to do more articles on Buddhist suttas/sutras, so one of this week's articles is an overview of the primary collections. Then, in honor of International Women's Day, the next article is on the Therigatha, or 'verses of the elder nuns', the first collection of writings by Buddhist women. I hope you enjoy, and be sure to check the quote at the end, also from the Therigatha.

Buddhist Sutta and Sutra Overview
'Suttas' or 'sutras' are Buddhist scripture consisting of stories, discourses, aphorisms and poetry, most of which are considered to be based on direct oral teachings that the Buddha and his disciples gave during his lifetime.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art47762.asp

The Therigatha - First Buddhist Writings by Women
The Therigatha, or 'verses of the elder nuns' is a collection of poems and songs written by the first Buddhist nuns, and is among the earliest religious writings by women in the world. Learn more about it in this article.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art47502.asp

This week's sutta passage is also from the Therigatha:

One to whom it might occur,
'I'm a woman' or 'I'm a man'
Or 'I'm anything at all' --
Is fit for Mara to address.

Be sure to check out the forum, and post your own favorite women mystics and leaders of any religious tradition.

In Peace,
Lisa Erickson
Buddhism Editor
http://buddhism.bellaonline.com