What Are You Waiting For? A Conversation about Buddhism between Two Old Friends (eBook)

Endorsements

'What Are You Waiting For? is my top recommendation for newcomers to Buddhism. With clear explanations of core Buddhist principles and a concise account of the movement for full ordination for women – woven through Santacitta Bhikkhuni’s striking and relatable personal journey – this book is engaging, informative, and inspiring.' – Santussika Bhikkhuni, founder of Karuna Buddhist Vihara

'Ayya Santacitta’s new book is a delight. She presents her biography in the form of a dialogue with an old friend. In the process, she spotlights the key moments that illuminate her personal spiritual journey and answers foundational Dharma questions for the readers. We see how her life traverses tradition and innovation, leaving a legacy for others to follow. Her genuine Dharma commitment and wisdom shine through on every page.' – Khenmo Konchog Drolma, Abbess of Vajra Dakini Nunnery

'In this book, my dear friend Santacitta Bhikkhuni shares a tender, fearless account of her Dharma journey. With clarity and compassion, and the rare perspective of a bhikkhuni, she brings ancient wisdom into the challenges of our time. A moving, honest offering for anyone seeking depth, meaning, and liberation.' – Thanissara, Dharma teacher and author of Time to Stand Up: An Engaged Buddhist Manifesto for Our Earth

'A heartfelt dialogue where deep friendship becomes the channel for timeless Buddhist insight.' – Dame Christiana Figueres, Former Head of UN Climate Change Convention

'This thoroughly enjoyable book offers a delightful mixture of straightforward yet profound Buddhist teaching, woven through the inspiring journey of a pioneering Buddhist nun. Reflections on transformative spiritual wisdom and a courageous engagement with the intersecting issues of patriarchy and climate change are offered in a way that is accessible to beginners, and rewarding for those steeped in these themes.' – Yanai Postelnik, senior Insight Meditation teacher and climate activist

'It is always heartening to hear of the Buddhist path discussed through the deep relationship of a long friendship. Venerable Santacitta and Irmgard offer us a living example of kalyana mitra, beneficial spiritual friendship.' – Maura Sills, founder of the Karuna Institute and Honorary Fellow of the UK Council for Psychotherapy

'Weaving together Santacitta Bhikkhuni’s fascinating life story with easy-to-read descriptions of the basics of Buddhism, this book reveals her adventurous spirit, fearless moral courage, and deep spiritual commitment. From embarking on a round-the-world trip on the spur of the moment, to being one of the first women to ordain as a Theravada nun in the US, to creating a unique temple-space integrating Dhamma, ecology, and art, Santacitta Bhikkhuni has consistently challenged outdated social and religious norms.' – Kate Davies D.Phil., Board Chair and President of the Saranaloka Foundation, author Intrinsic Hope: Living Courageously in Troubled Times

'Ayya Santacitta has given us a Dharma book of great breadth and depth. Her book offers us the fresh experience of hearing the thinking processes of a nun who has devoted her life to Buddhist practice. Through conversations with an old friend, she speaks with a voice that is authoritative from her many years of study and practice as a nun, yet also intimate with personal details. The book covers a wide range of subjects, from basic Buddhist teachings on the four foundations of mindfulness, the seven factors of awakening, and the Four Noble Truths, all the way to more esoteric subjects such as rebirth and merit-making, and current events regarding ordination of bhikkhunis and the climate crisis. Relevant both for beginning practitioners and those with lots of experience, engrossing and engaging, this book is a pleasure to read!' – Rebecca Bradshaw, author of Down to Earth Dharma: Insight Meditation to Awaken the Heart and Guiding Teacher Emeritus of the Insight Meditation Society

'In this book, Ayya Santacitta imparts decades of accumulated spiritual wisdom to inspire and orient us to a better way of living. Ayya shares her fascinating story while elucidating deep Buddhist concepts in an engaging, down-to-earth, conversational style with her lifelong journalist friend. Whether renouncing her bohemian life to become a Buddhist nun, leaving her patriarchal community to be a female pioneer in the Buddhist world, or her straight talk about the climate crisis, Ayya’s life is an uncompromising, courageous expression of living in truth. By her example, she invites the reader to use teachings to likewise find courage and fearlessness to discover peace within while making this a better world. A real gem of a book!' – James Baraz, co-author of Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happiness, co-founding teacher Spirit Rock Meditation Center

'The brilliance of this spiritual conversation is in the relationship of the authors, in how they describe the relational nature of the teachings, and in how it is possible to contribute to reconditioning the unconsciousness of supremacy as a spiritual practice and endeavour, be it for patriarchy or other oppressions. The title of the book indicates such a beautifully posed question because the recorded dialogue provides such wide-open doors for all of us to journey into and explore, for our collective awakening and greater freedom.' – Larry Yang, author of Awakening Together: The Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community

'This intimate and refreshingly honest dialogue between two lifelong friends offers a rare window into the living heart of contemporary Buddhism. With warmth, courage, and deep insight, Santacitta Bhikkhuni shares her remarkable journey – one that bridges East and West, tradition and innovation, contemplation and activism. This book speaks to anyone seeking a path of meaning and liberation amidst the complexity of modern life. A wise and inspiring companion for those drawn to the Dharma, especially in these urgent and tender times.' – Mark Coleman, Dharma teacher, author, founder of Awake in the Wild