Forthcoming Book Summer 2025
Scroll to learn moreLotus in the Desert focuses on Theravada nuns in the US. Theravada Buddhism follows the precepts assigned by Buddha, and it is followed authentically even today. For example, they are not allowed to earn money, cook their food, and consume their meal before noon. The biggest challenge comes from the nun's lineage, which was broken centuries ago.
Mahayana schools' nun lineage continued and remained unbroken from Buddha's time. However, in the Theravada school, the nun's lineage was broken in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. In the 20th century, it was revived by sympathetic countries like India, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the US. However, influential Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Myanmar have not yet recognized Theravada nuns' full ordination.
Theravada nuns who have received full ordination in Sri Lanka or the US are in a unique situation. They have no patriarchs from whom they can learn and get guidance in their lineage. They seek support from Theravada monks whose lineage has continued unbroken for centuries. Surprisingly, the discrimination these women face is not only from outside but from within the school. They seek equality and want Buddhist teaching imparted to them at the same level as it is given to monks so that they can pursue their path of enlightenment.
In this book, I have compiled the story of a nunnery, Mahapajapati Monastery, in California, and the difficulties nuns face in their survival as female Theravada Buddhist monastics. Each nun's narrative is just as valid as another's but presents a different perspective.
Dr. Chapla Verma has written this book based on research over a span of ten years. Her prior research work was related to Zen Buddhism. Currently, she is a Professor at American Public University, APUS.
She has taught in three countries; her teaching career started in Gaya, India; she taught at the University of British Columbia, Canada, and now in the US.
"Professor Verma has produced a fascinating monograph on a present-day Theravadin Bhikkhuṇi Vihara in the US and the checkered history of bhikkhuṇis in this tradition. That she is able to do justice to a complex subject pertaining to nuns in the Theravadin tradition is a testament to Professor Verma's clear historical vision. The major contribution of this well-written and singularly learned book is that it is written with a refreshing openness and with the aim to communicate clearly in language that is pleasingly gender-sensitive and direct."
K.T.S. Sarao
Former Professor and Head, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi, India
"Gender-based discrimination is never acceptable, and it should be less so in any religion. This work is Chapla Verma's scholarly exploration of several women who launched and continue the Mahapajapati Monastery in California. Through chronicled interviews, Chapla recounts experiences that span several countries and expresses great perseverance against unwarranted discrimination. This work also reveals the struggles of women dedicated to the Theravada school and their search for enlightenment."
Dr. Steven Wyre
Associate Professor, Interim Department Chair, APUS
"Insightful, captivating, and scintillating account of Theravada Bhikshuni Sangha in the USA. The work is engaging, well-researched, and an inspiring narrative of nuns as well as Buddhism."
Professor Anand Singh
Department of Historical Studies & Archaeology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, India
"It is with pleasure and anticipation that I look forward to Chapla Verma's new book! I first heard of this project at her presentation at an academic conference in Berkeley. On one of my trips to Thailand, I met a Theravada nun in her bright orange robe. She appeared to be Western, was bald, her smile beamed, and her face radiated with a memorable glory. I'm looking forward to hearing more of their untold story with a view to international recognition!"
Dr. Christopher Myers
Associate Professor of Philosophy & Religion, APUS
In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Chapla Verma shares insights from her years of research and personal experiences with the nuns of Mahapajapati. She discusses the unique challenges faced by women in Theravada Buddhism and how the California nunnery is helping to revitalize an ancient tradition.
In this video, Dr. Chapla Verma offers a clear, beginner-friendly introduction to Buddhist philosophy, exploring the nine levels of consciousness and how they relate to mindfulness, self-awareness, and personal growth. It also touches on the importance of meditation, Sanskrit pronunciation, and how ancient teachings can be applied to modern life.
The main meditation hall in 2014 at Mahapajapati Nunnery, where daily group practice takes place.
A gathering of nuns in 2014 at Mahapajapati Nunnery.
The desert landscape surrounding the nunnery, providing a serene backdrop for spiritual practice.
The library and study hall where nuns and visitors engage with Buddhist texts and teachings.
The winding road leading to Mahapajapati Nunnery, symbolizing the path of practice.
Ayya Gunasari, the abbos at Mahapajapati Nunnery, sharing teachings.
Ayya Gunasari offering guidance during a Dhamma talk session.
A moment shared between Ayya Gunasari and the author during research for the book.
The Mahapajapati Nunnery as it appeared in 2014, showing its growth and development.
The grounds and surroundings of Mahapajapati Nunnery in 2014.
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