Norma Levine, author of 'The Miraculous 16th Karmpa', will present a talk based on her new book 'The Spiritual Odyssey of Freda Bedi'.
Freda Bedi (nee Houlston 1911-1977) was from a working class family, born in Derby. At Oxford she met her soulmate BPL Bedi and began a new life in India. A mother of three, an investigative journalist, a social worker, a college lecturer, and Gandhi Satyagraha, she continued her activity in the dharma when she became the first Gelongma. A heart disciple of the 16th Karmapa, she was the only woman allowed to live at his monastery at Rumtek in Sikkim.
In 1968 her Oxford friend Olive Shapley - originator of Radio 4 Women's Hour - journeyed to Rumtek and recorded an interview with Freda in which she describes her spiritual odyssey in her own words.
This rare tape of Freda's enchanting voice will be played while images of her life are shown on a screen.
Naomi will introduce Freda's journey until 1968 and answer questions.
Norma Levine's talk "The Spiritual Odyssey of Freda Bedi" will take place at the Centre on Saturday 24th November, 5.00 - 6.00 pm. £5 entry.
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