The Buddhist women's movement represents an astounding 300 million women worldwide; increasingly, many American women are embracing the discipline both as a tonic to the frantic pace of modern life and a more nurturing alternative to some Western religious practices. Women Practicing Buddhism, born out of the conference, "Women Practicing Buddhism: American Experiences," held at Smith College in 2005, is a kind of mosaic portrait of the movement, a compelling chorus of voices that includes prominent Dharma teachers and noted writers, artists, activists, and healers, both Eastern and Western. The book centers on personal issues and practices, exploring women's particular experiences of Buddhism as it spreads throughout North America and takes root in new contexts. Typical of the essays is bell hooks’ evocative Moving Beyond Gender,” which offers an inspiring picture of how Buddhism gave her fresh perspectives on life.