Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda w/ Cindy Rasicot

Join author Cindy Rasicot for an inspiring book talk about a dynamic feminist Asian Buddhist Monk, Dhammananda Bhikkhuni. A TV personality, academic, and author, Bhikkhuni Dhammananda defied convention to become the first woman fully ordained in the Thai Theravada Buddhist Tradition. She shattered gender barriers and inspired a new era of equality and compassion. American author Cindy Rasicot became her student in 2005. In her latest book, This Fresh Existence, Cindy shares Bhikkhuni Dhammananda’s gentle wisdom and direct insights about how to lead a more compassionate life.

Cindy will also talk about her personal healing journey with Venerable Dhammananda, what it was like to be in her presence, receive ordination, and finding a path for forgiveness. In Cindy’s words, “More than a biography or spiritual self-help book, in This Fresh Existence I have endeavored to illustrate the relationship–that illusive bonk of love–that connects an unlikely student like me, a Western woman, together with an experienced Asian Buddhist teacher.”

Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda:
“Opening our hearts to love others unconditionally is what leads us on the path to forgiveness.” Bhikkhuni Dhammananda

Cindy Rasicot Bio

Cindy Rasicot is an author and retired Marriage and Family Therapist. She led women’s support groups in her early counseling career and writing workshops for the past five years. She is the author of This Fresh Existence: Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda. This book tells the remarkable life of Venerable Dhammananda and shares her gentle wisdom about how to live a more powerful and compassionate life. In 2005 Cindy travelled to Thailand with her family where she met Bhikkhuni Dhammananda — an encounter that changed her life forever. In 2020 she wrote the award-winning memoir Finding Venerable Mother: A Daughter’s Spiritual Quest to Thailand. Her memoir is a soulful story of spiritual healing through her loving connection with Bhikkhuni Dhammananda. The book was a finalist in the international Book awards, The Sarton Awards, and Chanticleer International Book Awards.

Cindy received novice temporary ordination twice from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda at her all-female monastery, Songdhammakalyani Temple, in Nakon Pathom, Thailand. She hosts the YouTube program, Casual Buddhism, a series of conversations with Venerable Dhammananda about spiritual issues and Buddhist practices. Guests have included Jack Kornfield, Sylvia Boorstein, Joan Halifax, and many others. The link for the program is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcMU-5kE2ux_PbRPwT6HMOg Cindy lives in Pt. Richmond where she enjoys beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. Learn more about Cindy at www.cindyrasicot.com.

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