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. Her student, American author Cindy Rasicot, tells her story, and shares Bhikkhuni Dhammananda's gentle wisdom and direct insights about how to live a more compassionate life.

This Fresh Existence: Heart Teachings from Bhikkuni Dhammanada, Cindy Rasicot, Windhorse Publications, Paperback, 200 pages, $18.95

Cindy Rasicot worked for many years for non-profit organisations. In 2005 she travelled to Thailand with her family where she met Bhikkuni Dhammananda - an encounter that changed her life. In 2020 she wrote Finding Venerable Mother: A Daughter's Spiritual Quest to Thailand. Since then she has written articles in journals and anthologies, and started the online Casual Buddhism series to give more people access to Bhikkuni Dhammananda's gentle and powerful wisdom. She lives in Point Richmond California, where she enjoys the view of San Francisco Bay.