revolutionary life of Freda Bedi, The

By Vicki Mackenzie

Book Description

Freda Bedi defied every convention of her era, transforming from an Oxford-educated English woman into a revolutionary force that shaped both Indian independence and Western Buddhism. This captivating biography reveals how one extraordinary individual broke through barriers of gender, race, and religious tradition to leave an indelible mark on two worlds.

Bedi's remarkable journey began with her acceptance into Gandhi's elite circle of freedom fighters, where she delivered passionate speeches to thousands and faced imprisonment for her activism. Her path then led her deep into Buddhist practice, studying with Burmese meditation masters and eventually becoming the first woman of any nationality to receive full Bikshuni ordination as a Tibetan Buddhist nun.

When Nehru called upon her expertise to help Tibetan refugees, Bedi answered by establishing educational institutions that continue today. She created opportunities for young lamas and founded a nunnery dedicated to providing equal religious training for women. Her work directly supported the Dalai Lama during his exile, cementing her role as a bridge between Eastern wisdom and Western understanding.

Drawing from extensive interviews with family, government officials, lamas, and nuns who knew Bedi personally, plus her own diaries and recordings, this biography illuminates how one woman's courage to transcend boundaries created lasting change. Her story offers inspiration for anyone seeking to live authentically while serving something greater than themselves.