About Taradeva

My birth name is Barbara. I was born in South Africa and grew up in Rhodesia or, as it is now known, Zimbabwe. I married at age 20 and had a son and daughter in Zimbabwe in 1979 and 1981. Thankfully, we were accepted to immigrate to Australia in 1985 and arrived in Perth with very little to show for 30 + years of hard work. However, we were very grateful to have a secure home where our children could grow up safe and healthy and get a good education. I had been seeking my spiritual identity since my early 20’s, and continued my quest here in the land of plenty. When my children left school, my husband and I separated and I started in earnest to investigate meditation and philosophy and this naturally led to an introduction to the Dharma. At last, I had found a sensible philosophy for life, which transcends all religious beliefs and dogmas and gives me tools to deal with any eventuality. Life has become very simple since I joined the Dharmadatu Sangha. I still have questions and struggle with some aspects of Buddhism, but as the Dharma says, “If it serves you, use it, if not, discard it”. I have the freedom to make my own choices, and to take responsibility for who I am. The best way to world peace is for each person to make a stand and be a shining example of peace and love. The Dharma provides the tools for me be the best person that I can be, and my highest wish is to live my life in such a way that others will ask me what my secret is and then say “I’ll have what she’s having”.

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