Brenda H X Ly, 45, Buddhist nun, speaks to India media on moving from Canada to India in a series by the Indian Express.

When did you move to Delhi and why?

I moved to Delhi three years ago from Vancouver, Canada, after I became a Buddhist nun. I came here to get my PhD in Buddhist studies from Delhi University.

When did you decide that you wanted to become a Buddhist nun?

I decided when I was 19, but I didn’t become one until I was 33. Canada is full of luxury. A lot of people in developing countries want to move to Canada to live a more comfortable life. My mother moved from Vietnam to Canada before I was born, so she didn’t want me to give up the opportunities that come with Canadian citizenship at such a young age. I worked as a nurse for more than 10 years before I became a nun. At that time, I really enjoyed life. I played sports and travelled, but I still felt like an important part of my life was missing. So I became a nun.

Do you miss being a nurse?

Yes, but not very much because I still act on my nursing instincts. I am very nurturing. When girls in my hostel get sick, I make them soup or take them to the hospital.

Why did you decide to study Buddhism in India and not Canada?

In Canada, students are only taught about Buddhist philosophy, but Buddhism is a way of life. It is linked with cultural traditions. The Buddhist culture in India has been so well preserved, and I can encounter many different types of Buddhist traditions here: Chinese Buddhism, Korean Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism, Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Was it easy for you to decide to move to India, to Delhi?

No, I was so scared of the unknown. Before I came here, I could only picture India as one big desert. I thought there would be nothing here. I thought the weather would be very hot and dry. I didn’t think there would be enough water for plants to grow. I found roses in my first few days in Delhi and was amazed. I brought them back to my room and took a picture to send back to my nephews and nieces in Canada. I also remember being so surprised to see McDonald’s and KFC. I never expected to see such familiar places here.

What about Delhi has surprised you the most?

I was amazed by the patience of people living in Delhi. People in this city are even patient with the hot weather. This is especially true of the rickshawwallahs, who, in May, can sleep outside and pedal people around in 48 degrees celsius. Many people in Canada can barely even stand in temperatures this high!

Did you have a difficult time adjusting to life in Delhi?

Yes. I especially had a difficult time adjusting to the different concept of time here. If someone says they are one minute away, most of the time that means I’ll be waiting for another 15 minutes. One hour seems to always mean at least four. Now I know that when someone fixing my scooter tells me to come back in three or four hours, that means I need to go back the next day. It has been three years since I moved to Delhi and I am still adjusting to this.

What do you miss most about Canada?

I miss spending Christmas in Canada. Christmas music plays in all of the stores and there is always snow on the ground. In Delhi, I have a difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit without snow. My family comes from a Buddhist tradition, so we don’t see Christmas as a religious celebration. It is more of a cultural tradition for us. We make a big turkey dinner and buy each other presents every year.

Have you decided what will you do after you complete your PhD? 

I may go back to my temple in America and teach meditation. Or I may stay in South Asia because a university in Malaysia has already asked me to teach there. Anything can happen. In Buddhism, we are trained to stay in the moment. I have goals, but these goals are very flexible.