Buddhist traditions are vast. Even within a single tradition, such as Theravāda, there is a wide range of practices. Why do we practice some and not others? In this series, we will investigate some of the cultural frameworks (including patriarchy, colonialism, and norms of modernity) that we bring to our study and practice of Buddhism and how these frameworks shape what is included and what gets left out. Exploring these frameworks can help us understand the prevalence of contemporary practices that emphasize individuality, autonomy, and rationality. This understanding can then open a space to explore practices that explicitly engage nature, ritual, devotion, the body, the feminine, and identity.