At the tender age of 14, when most teenagers are living it up, Bodhicitta's world was shattered by her father's sudden death. She, however, found solace in Buddhism and decided to give up everything. In search the meaning of life, she came to India all the way from Australia. She has now settled in Nagpur for almost a decade and is helping the deprived sections of the society live a better life.
"Anyone interested in eastern religion knows India. It's the land of Buddha and it's my duty to physically give it back what it gave me spiritually," she said. She came to India almost 18 years back and spent her initial years meditating at Rewalsar in Himachal Pradesh. She also trained under the Dalai Lama for about four years before finally deciding to devote her life for the uplift of Dalits. "I am a part time mediator and a part time social worker. My aim is to become a perfect human being," she added with a proud smile.
She was inspired by the faith and friendliness of the Dalits and has set up her NGO named 'Bodhicitta Foundation'. She is also planning to develop a proper education centre for the slums. Being inspired by Mother Teresa, she wanted to become a nun when she was young but later found Buddhism 'more logical'.
Asked about her family, she said, "My mother and I have a good relationship but being a monk in western countries is regarded unusual. People think I am strange and my family still wishes that I live a normal life."
Though she is being supported financially by some organisations, she still feels people should extend more towards helping the deprived. She strongly believes that anything is possible in India and it's a country full with miracles. "It's a little dark but I can always see a streak of light," she added.
She motivates the youth to put their ideas into action. "Don't lose yourself in superficial beauty. Young people have the energy to change the world," she said. "Live your life in a way that you don't have any regrets when you die."
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