London city banker turned Buddhist nun reveals the secret to happiness
Share:
Emma Slade was once a high-rolling banker, working in London, New York and Hong Kong and chartering accounts worth millions of pounds. But despite a flying career and decent salary, a life-changing event led her down a completely different path – one she says has improved her days for the better.
![[Emma Slade]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233656109-f4e3.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
During a business trip to Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta, she was robbed at gunpoint inside her hotel room. The Cambridge graduate was told to crouch on the floor while a gun was aimed at her head and the suspect raided through her luggage. It was hours later that armed police stormed in, finally rescuing her.
![[Bhutan: Interview with UK banker who became the first Western woman to receive full ordination as a Buddhist nun in Bhutan]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233656034-b046.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Describing it as ‘one of the most terrifying moments’ of her life, it proved to be a catalyst unlike any other, prompting her to travel to Bhutan become ordained as a Buddhist nun. The mother-of-one, who has since relocated with her family to her home town of Whitstable, spoke with Metro about what made her turn towards Buddhism and what she has learnt.
![[Sep 2005]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233656107-f9d3.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Opening up about the ‘one lesson we could all learn to apply more in our own lives,’ Emma said: ‘There is a great deal we can learn from Bhutan, much of which is reflected in their vision of Gross National Happiness. ‘One of the key things is how the Bhutanese care for their minds through the way they live their daily lives.
![[Taktsang Dzongkha also known as the Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a Himalayan Buddhist sacred site located in cliffs of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233656028-1e52.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘While this may not be explicitly listed as part of Gross National Happiness, on an individual level, it plays a huge role in the rhythm of life. ‘They take time to pray, go on pilgrimages, and generally approach life in a more mindful and deliberate way.
