Learning True Love: How I Learned and Practiced Social Change in Vietnam - Softcover

Không, Sister Chân

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0938077503 ISBN 13: 9780938077503

Publisher: Parallax Press, 1993

Synopsis

Learning True Love is a unique autobiography that tells the gripping story of Sr. Chan Khong, who has for more than four decades worked closely with Thich Nhat Hanh. It reflects her spiritual growth against the backdrop of a war-torn Vietnam, and offers many examples of how to resolve difficulties and celebrate the joy of a life in service. Khong's single-minded dedication to humanity and courageous integrity can serve as an inspiration for all.

About this title

About the Author

SISTER CHAN KHONG was born in a village on the Mekong River Delta in 1938. As a teenager propelled by her passionate dedication to social change, she began working in the slums of Saigon distributing food, helping the sick, and teaching children. At the age of 21, she joined Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh in founding the School of Youth for Social Service, which grew to an organization of over 10,000 young people organizing medical, educational, and agricultural facilities in rural Vietnam, and rebuilding villages destroyed by the war. Sister Chan Khong became well known in the anti-war and peace community for her work promoting human rights and protesting repression and violence, often at risk of her own life. Sister Chan Khong continues to work closely with Thich Nhat Hanh in Vietnam and in Plum Village, his retreat center and community-in-exile in France.

From Library Journal

This work is a transcript of taped "Dharma talks" given by a Vietnamese Buddhist nun who has dedicated her life to the poor and destitute of her homeland, both inside Vietnam and in exile from abroad. Alas, the English is often poor, and the strings of reminiscences are recorded in a chaotic style. In addition, very few details specific to Chan's Buddhist worldview are explained adequately, if at all. These shortcomings hurt the effectiveness of a fascinating story. This is a rare example of a social, rather than a political or historical, perspective on Vietnam that could potentially be of interest to the general public. However, in its current form, it cannot be recommended.
- Ria Koopmans de Bruijn, C.V. Starr East Asian Lib., Columbia Univ., New York
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Parallax Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0938077503
• ISBN 13: 9780938077503
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 260