Free Online Event with Cindy Rasicot, Author of
This Fresh Existence: Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda
7- 8 pm Thursday, May 23
We hope you will join us Thursday, May 23 at 7 pm for a presentation and community discussion with author Cindy Rasicot. Cindy is the author of This Fresh Existence: Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda, a newly published book about Venerable Dhammananda, the first woman fully ordained in the Thai Theravada Buddhist tradition. This compelling book tells the story of Venerable Dhammananda’s remarkable path from TV personality, author, academic, wife and mother to ordained Bhikkhuni, and is filled with gentle wisdom and direct insights about how to live a more powerful and compassionate life. Dubbed “Rebel Monk” by the Thai press, Bhikkhuni Dhammananda faced enormous opposition by the media, the public, and senior orthodox Thai monks for defying orthodoxy, and establishing the women’s lineage of Theravadin monastics, inspiring many women to go forth as bhikkhunis in the Theravada tradition.
* note that clicking the registration button above will redirect you to the Zoom platform to secure your reservation and to provide the meeting login information.
About Cindy
Cindy Rasicot is an author and retired Marriage, Family Therapist and has led women’s support groups and writing workshops to enhance personal healing and creativity since 1978. 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. Cindy lives in Pt. Richmond where she enjoys beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. Learn more about Cindy at www.cindyrasicot.com.
Praise for
This Fresh Existence
“I look to Venerable Dhammananda and her great community as a revolutionary force for good for the future of Buddhism in the world. Her story, her life, and her courage are an example to all of us of what it means to speak truth to power, to stand in integrity, and to manifest unconditional wisdom and compassion.”
- Roshi Joan Halifax, from the Forward
"We welcome this biography of Venerable Dhammananda Mahatheri which covers the life and challenges of the first Thai bhikkhuni. There was no one more qualified in Thailand to have taken on this historic role of restoring the Fourfold Sangha, as originally envisioned by the Buddha. Venerable Dhammananda Mahatheri has trained generations of women in the monastic role and, despite ongoing opposition from high-level ecclesiastics, has continued to inspire many women to go forth as bhikkhunis (senior nuns) in the Theravada tradition. We rejoice in her achievement."
- Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, Author of The Heroic Heart, founder of of Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, co-president of the International Buddhist Confederation.
"A beautiful dialogue with a wonderful and wise teacher. Dhammananda is a courageous pioneer, a nun who embodies blessings and points us to our inner freedom and compassion."
- Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart
"Venerable Dhammananda's story is one of courage, patience, and most of all compassion. tracing her journey from scholar and TV personality to one of the first ordained nuns in modern- day Thailand, Rasicot’s account of Venerable Dhammananda’s life paints an inspiring picture of the woman responsible for reviving the bhikkhuni order in Thailand."
- Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
Order your copy of This Fresh Existence now, from one of these retailers, or order thru your favorite bookstore.
The book is also available for download to via Amazon Kindle. Use your Kindle app for instant access to This Fresh Existence on you phone or other electronic device.