Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala recently shared a heartfelt post reflecting on her spirituality and life lessons derived from Buddhist teachings.
A Spiritual Journey
Taking to her social media, the actress posted several pictures from her recent visit to a Buddhist monastery. She expressed her desire to understand death, believing that doing so might help her overcome her fear of it. Koirala noted, “I’ve always wanted to understand death — somewhere deep down, I felt that in truly understanding it, I might also lose my fear of it. My search led me to The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, where one line struck me deeply: ‘You die as you lived.’ Those words stayed with me and opened a doorway into the profound teachings on bardo — the space between death and rebirth.”
Seeking Purpose
Reflecting on her past, Koirala recalled, “Back in 2008/09, I used to visit Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. I remember asking him, ‘What is the purpose of my life?’ He smiled and said, ‘That’s not your question — it’s a Western one.’ I was both surprised and deeply moved by his insight.” Years later, she sought guidance on bardo from Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche after attending classes. Due to life’s busyness, she couldn’t continue until she was invited to a retreat this year. “Those four days became a turning point for me. I realised that what I’ve been seeking has always been right here — within these teachings and within myself — waiting patiently for my deeper commitment,” she shared.
Words of Wisdom
Manisha elaborated, “Mingyur Rinpoche is a rare master — his joy, humility, and clarity make even the most profound wisdom feel simple and alive. He teaches not just through words but through experience — through his presence, his laughter, and the peace he radiates. What I love most is how he bridges ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern science, often referring to quantum physics and ongoing scientific studies that beautifully align with the nature of mind and awareness.”
Inspiration for the Future
Feeling inspired, the Dil De actress expressed her intention to continue with Mingyur Rinpoche’s Joy of Living and Path of Liberation courses. “These few days learning about bardo gave me glimpses of vast, timeless wisdom — a reminder that life and death are not separate and that awakening begins here, now. Beyond grateful for this experience,” she concluded.
About Manisha Koirala
For the uninitiated, Manisha Koirala hails from Kathmandu, Nepal, and belongs to a prominent political family. Her grandfather, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, was the first democratically elected prime minister of Nepal.
Career Highlights
On the professional front, Manisha made her Bollywood debut with Saudagar in 1991, directed by Subhash Ghai. She has since delivered acclaimed performances in films like “1942: A Love Story,” “Dil Se,” “Khamoshi: The Musical,” “Bombay,” and many others.