Biography

Su Co 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, often questioning the why of things.

During childhood play with her neighborhood friends, she is a Peruvian curandera or a Shaman from the Amazon, 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 fully understand what she conveys.

Quickly 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 waves of energy inside her body. She spends long periods dancing across space, spinning and twirling 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 finds a beautiful book on Buddhism. As she opens the hard cover, she reads what her heart has softly whispered. It is truly a magical moment. 

Was it really necessary to be able to name it? Not really, but at least this revelation gives her faith and courage to pursue her heart's compass, exploring the inner world as a self- taught youth. 

She travels extensively Greece, Brazil, Japan and USA through her classical dance career. Upon returning to France, decides to return to the US, a place where she feels a pull and settles there.

In 1997, her dear friend Dorothy introduces her to Vietnamese Zen Master and martial artist Ven. Thich Bao Thanh at a gathering.

This encounter will blossom into new heights. Shortly after, Su Co is initiated into the lineage of 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 Su Co Bao Co co-found Spirit Mountain Temple, with friends Dorothy B. and Jack B., a 33 acres property with a dilapidated cow barn. In 2024, the temple's name changes to Xa Loi Temple. She wants to help bring peace, joy, confidence and healing in the region by Master’ s side.

In 2005, she moves into the old barn, and later becomes the temple we know now. She is fully ordained there and again a few months later at the Mahabodhi Temple, in Bodh Gaya India.

For 8 years she lives at the barn with her Master without electricity water or heat, in total detachment and deep inner transformation. Some of her monastic friends name her the Forest Nun. The old self is dissolved and liberated from karmic past and identity as she is entrusted with the Keys of the lineage, receiving the mind to mind transmission from Root Grand Master, Thick Bao Trung, through her Master Thich Bao Thanh. 

As the Abbess of Xa Loi Temple, she started the Meditation Center and taught the international and English-speaking communities. Her teachings are offered in English, French, and Spanish. 

As a beloved and respected leader in the community, Venerable 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 meditation by direct experience. She supports in service those suffering deep trauma within the penal system and recovery communities with her abundant overflowing healing and compassionate energy.

Since June 2024, she has been traveling in Europe, offering teachings and healing sessions online in private and group sessions.