Biography
Venerable Bao Co grows up in France with her three siblings in the catholic faith. At five years of age, as a small child she knows inside her heart that there seem to be more than what is being shown. She has a strong sense of being here for a reason, and that is something she knows of importance. Her vivid intuition and acute perception make her experience life intensely, beautifully with all senses open. She feels compassion, sensitive to suffering, questioning the why of things.
During childhood play with her neighborhood friends, she is a Peruvian curandera or an Amazon shaman, speaking light language while healing, with stashes of “medicine", gifts from Mother nature, gathered at family walks. Speaking in tongues with her peers is never an issue as they all seem to understand what she conveys.
Classical dance, music and art cascade into her life, combined with her other favorite pass time to sit, alone, in total silence, exploring the landscape of her mind and the energy inside her body. Dance is her second language, moved by the energy transporting her into deep states of joy and bliss, or simply sitting in crossed legged posture. Her inner voice becomes her best friend she trusts deeply.
At the age of twelve, while volunteering at the local library, she discovers a book on Buddhism. As she opens the beautiful hard cover, she reads what her heart has softly whispered. It is a truly magical moment.
Was it necessary to be able to name” it”? Not really, at least this revelation gives her the courage to pursue her heart's compass, exploring the inner world as a self- taught youth.
With her career as a classical dancer in France , she then travels to live in Greece, Brazil, Japan and USA. Upon returning to France, decides to return to the US, a place she strongly feels a pull and then settles there.
In 1997, a friend Dorothy introduces her to Vietnamese Zen Master and martial artist Ven. Thich Bao Thanh at a gathering. This encounter blossoms into new heights. Shortly after, Ven. Bao Co is initiated into the lineage of the “That Bao Huyen Mon” sect, or Spirit Mountain of South Vietnam, takes the Boddhisattva Vows and receives the dharma name: Bao Co, or Precious Key.
In 2002 Master Bao Thanh and Ven. Bao Co co-found Spirit Mountain Temple, with a group of friends, a 33 acres property with a dilapidated cow barn. In 2024, the temple's name is changed to Xa Loi Temple. Her wish is to help bring peace into the hearts of people, joy, confidence and healing in the east cost region.
In 2005, she moves into the old barn, and later becomes the temple we know now. Ven. Bao Co e is fully ordained at the temple and again a few months later, in India at the Mahabodhi Temple, in Bodhgaya.
For eight years she lives at the barn with her Master, without electricity, water or heat, in total detachment and into deep inner transformation. Some of her monastic friends name her the Forest Nun. The old self is dissolved, liberated from karmic past and identity as she is entrusted with the Keys of the lineage, receiving mind to mind transmission from Root Grand Master, Thich Bao Trung, through her Master Thich Bao Thanh.
As the Abbess of Xa Loi Temple, she starts the Inner- Peace Meditation Center and teaches the international and English-speaking communities, in English, French, and Spanish.
As a beloved and respected leader in the community, Ven. Thich Ni Su Bao Co is invited to participate in multicultural gatherings, hosting retreats and large gatherings at the temple, such as the annual festival. She is a gentle yet fierce mentor, touching the lives of many thousands of people who come in contact with her, through the universal teachings of The Buddha, through meditation by direct experience. She supports all suffering from depression, trauma, addiction and fear through inner- transformation with the teachings and compassionate energy.
Since June 2024, she travels in Europe, offering seminars and teaches live, online in private and group sessions.
May all beings be well, be healthy and at ease!
