Learning True Love: How I Learned to Practice Social Change in Vietnam.

Chan Khong [Cao Ngoc Phuong].

ISBN 10: 0938077503 / ISBN 13: 9780938077503

Published by Parallax Press, Berkeley, CA, 1993

About this Item

First Ed thus, unstated. Very Good in Wraps: shows indications of light use; slight spine lean; light wear to extremities; mildest rubbing; former owner's name and phone number inside front cover; binding secure; text clean. No longer 'As New', but remains clean, sturdy, and reasonably presentable. NOT a Remainder. NOT a Book-Club Edition. NOT an Ex-Library copy. Forewards by Thich Nhat Hanh & Maxine Hong Kingston. Trade Paperback. Sister Chan Khong's autobiography tells the story of her spiritual and personal odyssey through the many years of her life. The book s centerpiece is her moving account of her return to Vietnam, her homeland, after 40 years of exile. She describes in refreshing detail her emotional reactions, the reunions with many old friends and fellow activists, and her impression of the "new Vietnam" where Buddhists still struggle for religious freedom. Often compared to The Autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi, this memoir connects to larger themes, especialy when the author discusses the life and teaching of her fellow exile, Thich Nhat Hanh, gives an overview of the development of the European and American peace and human rights movements, and introduces readers to the Vietnamese style of Buddhism. Learning True Love is a testament to the power of tenacity and faith.

Seller Inventory # 39428

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Learning True Love: How I Learned to Practice Social Change in Vietnam.
• Publisher: Parallax Press, Berkeley, CA
• Publication Date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0938077503
• ISBN 13: 9780938077503
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: Presumed First Ed thus, but unstated.
• Seller catalogs:
  • Eastern Thought

About this title

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.

Reviews

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.