Ayya Khema (1923–1997)

Ayya Khema (1923-1997) was the first Western woman to become a Theravadan Buddhist nun. As such, she has served as a model and inspiration for women from all the Buddhist traditions who have sought to revive the practice of women's monasticism in modern times. Though her renown as a teacher is widespread, few know the truly amazing details of her life before her monastic ordination at the age of fifty-eight.

And what a life it was. Born Ilse Kussel in Berlin, Germany, she grew up in a show more prosperous Jewish family that was broken up by Nazi terror in 1938. The story of her escape alone to Scotland, and her journey to rejoin her family in China, would be enough for a thrilling adventure novel in itself—but it is only the beginning of the story. Her later adventures included—but were not limited to—surviving the Japanese invasion of China; living the life of a suburban housewife in Los Angeles, California; journeying up the Amazon; studying in a Bolivian university; building a power plant in Pakistan; and establishing the first organic farm in Australia. Her Buddhist practice was a result of a pursuit of the spiritual life that began in her forties when she encountered spiritual teachers in India. She eventually founded a monastery in Sri Lanka, from where, through her books and her teaching travels, she became one of the most widely respected of contemporary teachers, particularly skilled in interpreting the Buddhist teachings for her fellow Westerners. show less

When the Iron Eagle Flies is a complete meditation course from one of the West's most beloved Buddhist teachers. In her usual direct style, Ayya Khema points us toward the middle path—a path of simplicity. Her teachings unfold simply, free of jargon, and are ideal for a contemporary world where our fevered pursuit of pleasure and comfort leaves us "like children playing in a house on fire, refusing to let go of our toys."

A practical guide to building meaning through awareness, When the show more Iron Eagle Flies contains a wealth of exercises and advice to help the reader along the path. Ayya Khema grounds her teaching in our ordinary, everyday experiences, and gradually shows us how to gain access to liberation and freedom. show less

In this lucid classic, beloved teacher Ayya Khema introduces the reader to the essence of the Buddhist path. She addresses the how and why of meditation, providing a clear framework for understanding the nature of karma and rebirth and the entirety of the eightfold path. With specific, practical advice Ayya Khema illuminates the practices of compassion and sympathetic joy and offers forthright guidance in working with the hindrances that we all encounter in meditation. Few introductory books show more are both simple and profound. Being Nobody, Going Nowhere is both. show less

An excellent introduction to Therevada Buddhist theory and practice that manages to bring new perspectives to a usually dry field of literature. Especially recommended to newcomers.