It All Begins Here: Heart Teachings from Bhikkhuni Dhammananda

Bhikkhuni Dhammananda defied convention to become the first woman fully ordained in the Thai Theravada Buddhist tradition. Dubbed ＂Rebel Monk＂ by the Thai press, she faced enormous opposition by the media, the public, and senior orthodox Thai monks. She has given a fresh existence to the ancient tradition.

American author Cindy Rasicot became her student and disciple in 2005. This compelling book tells the story of Venerable Dhammananda’s remarkable path from TV personality, author, academic, wife and mother to ordained Bhikkhuni. Cindy Rasicot writes beautifully of their relationship, and shares Bhikkhuni Dhammananda’s gentle wisdom and direct insights about how to live a more powerful and compassionate life.

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.