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Revolutionary Life of Freda Bedi: British Feminist, Indian Nationalist, Buddhist Nun

The Revolutionary Life of Freda Bedi: British Feminist, Indian Nationalist, Buddhist Nun

$19.95 USD
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Book description

She was the first Western woman to become a Tibetan Buddhist nun—but that pioneering ordination was really just one in a life full of revolutionary acts. Freda Bedi (1911–1977) broke the rules of gender, race, and religion—in many cases before it was thought that the rules were ready to be challenged. She was at various times a force in the struggle for Indian independence, spiritual seeker, scholar, professor, journalist, author, social worker, wife, and mother of four children. She counted among her friends, colleagues, and teachers Mohandas Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and many others. She was a woman of spiritual focus and compassion who was also not without contradictions. Vicki Mackenzie gives a nuanced view of Bedi and of the forces that shaped and motivated this complex and compelling figure.

Vicki Mackenzie

Author Bio

Vicki Mackenzie is a professional journalist and author who has written for the national and international press for over 40 years. Her articles have appeared in The Sunday Times, The Observer, The Daily and Sunday Telegraph, the Daily Mail, and many national magazines. She has written extensively on Buddhist topics and was the first person to publish an interview with the Dalai Lama for The Sunday Times. She has been studying and practicing Buddhism since 1976.

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Praise for the book

Diana Athill

author of Somewhere Towards the End, Stet: An Editor's Life, and Alive, Alive Oh!

“This book is a worthy record of a truly fascinating woman.”

David Michie

author of Buddhism for Busy People

“An inspiring biography that will appeal to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.”

Wendy Garling

author of Stars at Dawn: Forgotten Stories of Women in the Buddha's Life

“Vicki Mackenzie captures the spirit of Freda Bedi, whose fierce compassion guided her through the shoals of political activism, motherhood, and finally bringing Buddhism to the West.”
Revolutionary Life of Freda Bedi: British Feminist, Indian Nationalist, Buddhist Nun

Vicki Mackenzie

The Revolutionary Life of Freda Bedi: British Feminist, Indian Nationalist, Buddhist Nun

$13.99 USD