Vanessa R. Sasson

Am so proud to see my new book come to life with @EQUINOXPUB. This is the story of the first Buddhist women's request for ordination. The Buddha's response was complicated, but the women persevered. Their courage carried me. #herstory #womenwriters #womeninbuddhism #buddhistwomen

"The women of the Therigatha are not limited by their suffering, nor does it define them. The wonder of it all is that, despite the pain (and perhaps in part because of it), these women tried for something more." –@vrsasson #DailyDharma tricycle.org/article/first-…

On Fri 7 Nov at 5.30pm, @vrsasson will be speaking to Naomi Appleton about her move from academia to novel-writing. On screen from Canada, Sasson will speak about ‘The Gathering: A Story of the First Buddhist Women’. Book your tickets now 🎟️👇 edin.ac/48RTwNO

@PalStudies I’m so sorry to hear this news. His writing has meant so much to me.

The Institute for Palestine Studies mourns the death of Elias Khoury, the editor of Majallat al-Dirasat al-Filastiniyya (the Arabic Journal of Palestine Studies), writer, and novelist, who passed away on Sunday morning, September 15, in Beirut, after a struggle with illness. Khoury had a rich intellectual, cultural, and literary life, moving between journalism, writing, and teaching. He wrote dozens of novels translated into many languages ​​and gained international acclaim. His works won prestigious awards, establishing his international reputation in literature. Khoury edited several newspapers, magazines, and periodicals, most notably his roles at the newspaper “As-Safir” and the cultural supplement of the Lebanese newspaper “An-Nahar.” These platforms became cultural and intellectual hubs that attracted writers and intellectuals from across the Arab world. Elias Khoury was also passionate about theatre. He wrote theatre criticism, followed Arab and foreign theatre work, and managed the “Beirut Theatre,” which hosted significant theatrical productions during his tenure. He supported and developed emerging theatrical talents, integrating theatre into the city's vibrant cultural fabric. Khoury has taught at several prominent Western universities, including Georgetown University, New York University, Berkeley University, Columbia University, and the American University of Beirut, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his academic and literary achievements. Elias Khoury was a staunch advocate for Palestine, contributing to the struggle nationally and intellectually. He wrote numerous articles and studies emphasizing the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people to resist the Israeli Occupation and confront colonialism. As the Editor-in-Chief of Majallat al-Dirasat al-Filastiniyya, he maintained the journal as a free platform, attracting Palestinian, Arab, and Western writers who support Palestinian rights. His editorials and articles in the journal were distinguished literary, political, and intellectual references, complementing his contributions to the Arab press. Khoury paid exceptional attention to the plight of prisoners and detainees in Israeli prisons, devoting pages of the journal to this crucial cause. Despite his illness and prolonged hospital stay, he continued to supervise the journal's work with his colleagues on the editorial board, ensuring its regular publication, especially during the genocide in the Gaza Strip. With the passing of Elias Khoury, he leaves behind a great literary, intellectual, and cultural legacy that future generations will turn to in order to understand the meanings of loyalty, commitment, and Palestine. The Institute for Palestine Studies will publish special dossiers about Khoury and his work in our journals and various platforms. May God have mercy on him. We extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Najla, daughter Abla, son Talal, grandson Yamen, and siblings.

@chintanwriting @htTweets @utterflea Thank you for this Chintan!

It was an honour to have @vrsasson answer my questions about Buddhist hagiographical fiction, Yashodhara, Kisa Gotami, Therigatha, feminist scholarship and more in this interview for @htTweets. Edits: @utterflea hindustantimes.com/books/vanessa-…

“The more we learn, the more we realize how much we still don’t know.” —@vrsasson #DailyDharma buff.ly/3TLiq8z

@npwitkowski @tricyclemag Thank you Nicholas. I’m honoured.

A scholar discusses the dilemma of trickle-down education and how we can use fiction to share Buddhist stories. buff.ly/44LINQR

RT @RanalloHiggins: In the latest issue of @tricyclemag, @vrsasson writes about her motivation to write historical fiction

'Sasson animates canonical texts in a way that makes them accessible to contemporary readers, especially college students'. Journal of the American Academy of Religion @AARWeb @vrsasson

Western #scholarship has "killed #Buddhism of the fabulous" "has stripped [Buddhist] narrative of this exquisite beauty" @vrsasson @JaipurLitFest - friends in Buddhist & SA Studies - do watch Shyam Selvadurai & Vanessa R. Sasson's wonderful conversation! youtube.com/watch?v=gqZC2L…

@npwitkowski @JaipurLitFest Thanks Nicholas! I hope we get a chance to meet in person soon!

Shyam Selvadurai's novel 'Mansions of the Moon' delves into 6th-century BC India, exploring the untold story of Yashodhara, the wife left behind by the renowned Buddha. Vanessa R. Sasson, in her book 'Yashodhara: A Novel,' offers Buddha's narrative from Yashodhara's perspective,

DHC @StewartRWheeler inaugurated a dynamic session featuring #Canadian authors Shyam Selvadurai & Vanessa R Sasson, in conversation with Arundhathi Subramaniam exploring #feminism & #genderequality, through the power of storytelling at #JaipurLiteratureFestival.

@JoeSingletonSW @EQUINOXPUB @NewBooksNetwork Thank you!

@EQUINOXPUB @vrsasson @NewBooksNetwork Very nice--congrats!

Listen to Vanessa Sasson talk about her new book The Gathering on @NewBooksNetwork newbooksnetwork.com/the-gathering @vrsasson #herstory #womenwriters #womeninbuddhism #buddhistwomen

@chintanwriting ❤️

@vrsasson Same here! I've already packed my copy of Yasodhara for you to sign.

Am so proud to see my new book come to life with @EQUINOXPUB. This is the story of the first Buddhist women's request for ordination. The Buddha's response was complicated, but the women persevered. Their courage carried me. #herstory #womenwriters #womeninbuddhism #buddhistwomen

@chintanwriting @EQUINOXPUB It should be at the JLF bookstore now. Looking forward to meeting you!

@vrsasson @EQUINOXPUB It's really hard to find a copy of this book in India. I look forward to listening to you in Jaipur.

@chintanwriting @EQUINOXPUB It’s coming out just in time for JLF!