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The Novice: A Story of True Love
Bestselling author and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh transforms an ancient folktale into a timeless parable of a young woman who dares to risk her life for her faith.
Born to an aristocratic family in rural Vietnam, Kinh Tam’s uncommon beauty and intelligence were obvious to all she encountered. From an early age she was drawn to the teachings of Buddha and the rewards of a mo...more
Born to an aristocratic family in rural Vietnam, Kinh Tam’s uncommon beauty and intelligence were obvious to all she encountered. From an early age she was drawn to the teachings of Buddha and the rewards of a mo...more
ebook, 160 pages
Published
August 23rd 2011
by HarperOne
(first published August 18th 2011)
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This book is a retelling of the old and very well-known Vietnamese folk tale of Quan The Am (also known as Guan Yi in Chinese and Kannon in Japanese). Quan Am in Vietnamese means to observe or listen deeply to the sounds or cries of the world. She is an important bodhisattva, or enlightened being, in Buddhism.
Told simply and with great feeling by Thich Nhat Hanh, we are taught the Buddhist principles of compassion and loving-kindness.
I would now like to own a copy of this book and read it to my...more
Told simply and with great feeling by Thich Nhat Hanh, we are taught the Buddhist principles of compassion and loving-kindness.
I would now like to own a copy of this book and read it to my...more
It is amazing how a book sometimes finds it way to you when you need it most. I've read other books by Thich Nhat Hanh so I knew this would be a great story but I didn't expect it to have such an impact on me, I read it in one sitting. I needed to be reminded of how important it is to forgive. The story line is simple and yet so thought provoking. A young woman who wishes to be a buddhist monk disguises herself as a young man and becomes a novice. Another young woman in the village accuses the "...more
This is a retelling of an old Vietnamese folk tale by Thich Nhat Hanh. It should definitely be read as a Buddhist lesson, rather than as literature. If you read it as literature, it will be disappointing, but as an example of what the principle of loving-kindness looks like, then it is a useful read.
There is an afterward, written by the a disciple of Thich Nhat Hanh, that tells of the ways in which the story of Hanh and his followers are parallel to the tale of The Novice: A Story of True Love....more
There is an afterward, written by the a disciple of Thich Nhat Hanh, that tells of the ways in which the story of Hanh and his followers are parallel to the tale of The Novice: A Story of True Love....more
I have to confess: I didn't finish this one. I didn't even make much headway into it because the writing was so amateurish and annoying. The author has written several books and is a poet, so I don't know what went wrong here.
An example of what I mean by amateurish writing, pages 1 and 2:
Waves of turbulent feelings arose rapidly within. Novice Kinh Tam reviewed the precarious situation. "I've taken the monastic vows of a novice. I've just been accused of having a sexual affair with Thi Mau, maki...more
An example of what I mean by amateurish writing, pages 1 and 2:
Waves of turbulent feelings arose rapidly within. Novice Kinh Tam reviewed the precarious situation. "I've taken the monastic vows of a novice. I've just been accused of having a sexual affair with Thi Mau, maki...more
1 like · like · see review
The book would be a boring insight into Buddhist Monastic life,if it was about a man.In the area of Vietnam where the Buddhist Monastery is they did not have nuns who practiced in the area,although in this time period they existed.To compare and contrast,if a person leaves his or her gender role,they commit a grave and mortal sin in the Catholic Church.Taking a false vow or a deception can be equally frowned on in Buddhism.Doing thing in a prayerful and relatively slow and mindful way is a lot l...more
This is a ok book about a famous Vietnamese folktale. A young teenage girl ends up getting married to a young man and the man finds her one day with scissors trying to cut off some of his hair while he is sleeping, but he misinterprets it as she trying to kill him and they end up separating. She then starts to discover the life of being a monk and realizes that is what she wants to be, however she has to disguise herself as a man as woman aren't allowed to practice. A woman ends up falling in lo...more
Quiet book about a Vietnamese monk who is really a woman. Kinh Tam marries according to tradition but it doens't work out so she leaves her family and disguises herself as a man so she can join a monastery. She loves being a monk but her life is threatened when a local woman in the village accuses her of being the father of her baby. A dilemma presents itself - does she take the severe beating and scandal so that she can hopefully continue life in the monsastery or does she reveal her secret to...more
This is indubitably an amazing tale. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is this: though the tale stands perfectly well, it's set in a time before DNA testing, etc., and the ridiculously close-mindedness of judgmental folks in a caste system. I realise that modernity is definitely not the point of the book, but it did steal a little from the enjoyment of reading it. That said, the story translates to any situation in the modern world, meaning how people deal with difficult circumstances....more
Thich Nhat Hanh's re-telling of a Vietnamese folk tale teaches the principals of compassion, loving-kindness, joy and equanimity. Simply written (it should be read as a Buddhist lesson rather than literature), it tells the beautiful story of a Vietnamese novice monk who despite being wrongly accused for many wrong doings, refused to judge her accusers and continued to act with compassion and loving-kindness.
The are two interesting afterwords about Thich's life and work as a monk and peace activ...more
The are two interesting afterwords about Thich's life and work as a monk and peace activ...more
Vietnamese Buddhist monk and teacher Thich Nhat Hahn beautifully retells an ancient folktale in which a beautiful young woman wishes to live the monastic life. However there are no Buddhist nuns (at that time) in Vietnam; so she disguises herself as a boy and goes to live in a monastery. When she is accused of fathering a child, she does not reveal that she is a woman as that would mean she could no longer live the monastic life. She demonstrates compassion by accepting those who accuse her with...more
Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist Zen Master, poet, and peace and human rights activist. He has written many books and writes extensively on meditation, mindfulness, and peace.I have read a number of his writings that hold up living a loving and compassionate life but had never read a novel of his. Through the novel his teachings are lifted up in the life of a young woman who dares to risk her life for her faith. The author lifts up the reality that all of us face our own injustices and suffering bu...more
Unfortunately I have to agree with some of the reviewers that this book's writing is somewhat off-putting. TNH is one of my favorite authors, and I understand that this is meant as a Buddhist lesson. But still... I could never really get into the story because of the writing, so I might not have learned the lesson as well as I was supposed to... Not a bad book per se but I would basically recommend any other book by TNH rather than this one.
A simple story by the great teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, based on a Vietnamese Buddhist legend. The main character of the story, a young woman who disguised her identity to become a monk, and having faced much undeserved adversity in her life, demonstrates the true meaning of love and forgiveness. A good, very basic primer, in parable form, for beginners learning about Buddhist ethics, particularly compassion and loving-kindness.
Aug 02, 2011
HarperOnePublishers
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
buddhism,
mindfulness
In the tradition of Deepak Chopra’s Buddha, Thich Nhat Hanh offers a poignant and beautiful novel with the power to teach, transform, and transcend all boundaries of faith, creed, country, and era. For readers who know Hanh from books such as Peace is Every Step and Anger, or for those who may be new to the writing of the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist master and peace activist, The Novice will open a soulful road of introspection and self-discovery, a path leading to greater awareness of the means to...more
Jul 28, 2012
Levette Marie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to Levette Marie by:
Myself
Shelves:
favorites
It's been a long time since I have been moved to tears as I was during this book. Such a beautiful story of strength, compassion, and love. All people in this world could benefit from reading this book. I just picked it up today and started reading it 2 hours ago. I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I am in love with reading. ~Levette
I loved this, which is evidenced by the fact that it arrived in the mail this morning! Admittedly I have had the day off and it was an easy read but it was Thay's normal standard of writing so easy on the eye. It's based on a Vietnamese folk tale and is one of those books that spends much longer in your head than in your hand. If you're interested in Buddhism there's not much that's new here, but I didn't feel that I'd wasted either the time or the money spent on it.
A love-filled retelling of an amazing folktale. Your heart will open as you turn the pages of this story.
So a monk writes this book and you wonder how he is going to write the sex scene. How does a chaste monk write about sex? Answer: The whole act "was over in five minutes." Ha!
So a monk writes this book and you wonder how he is going to write the sex scene. How does a chaste monk write about sex? Answer: The whole act "was over in five minutes." Ha!
Brilliant! Once again, Thay Thich Nhat Hahn knocks your socks off and rearranges your thinking about life, how others should be treated, and how we all should deal with others (can you say compassion, be more accepting?) The message at the end by Sister Chan Khong is heart rendering.
The primary story, of a young Buddhist monk in historical Vietnam, is appealing in its own right and teaches many basic principles of Buddhism. It's inspiring in a low-key way, if one is inclined toward unerring loving-kindness toward everyone. The two afterwords are interesting for their history of Thich Nhat Hanh's work throughout his life.
Not going to set the world on fire, but a good, short spiritual read for those interested in Buddhism and Nhat Hanh's work.
Not going to set the world on fire, but a good, short spiritual read for those interested in Buddhism and Nhat Hanh's work.
It is not a grand literary read.
However it is very peaceful, and quick and easy. One of those reads that really helps bring peace to the mind.
And it's great because one gets to learn about Vietnamese folk lore... I love to learn things.
However it is very peaceful, and quick and easy. One of those reads that really helps bring peace to the mind.
And it's great because one gets to learn about Vietnamese folk lore... I love to learn things.
Normally I would not have picked up this book, but for my job we need to pick a random book from the non-fiction section in the 200's. Anyway, this was the book I picked and I really enjoyed it. Excellent story and well written. Recommend to all!
This unique, slim volume retells an ancient Vietnamese folktale as a parable about finding peace and joy in life. Here's my full review:
http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2012/0...
http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2012/0...
Although I gave this a three star rating for literary merit, the value of this book deserves the highest rating any book can obtain. The author, Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen Buddhist monk and teacher ( nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967) has retold the ancient story of Kinh Tam (a young woman who joined a monastic order and who suffered innumerable hardships) in order to show us how to live with compassion and understanding. He teaches us that our true home is within ourselves and that it is...more
Picked this up off a recomendation shelf at a locally owned bookstore in Boulder when I was there. Enjoyed the tale but also learned a lot reading about the author at the end.
3 stars for the story, but there is a significant political history of the author's background in the last third of the book that cannot be given a star rating.
It was an interesting book and I enjoyed it, but it was a very simply written stories without many details and was very straight to the point. This makes sense, seeing as how it's a book about Buddhism, but in the novel sense, I felt it was lacking.
B Interesting story - a young woman desperately wants to be a monk - about her journey to do that, and how she interacts and lives. Beautiful parable.
A true story! Again along the line of The Concubine's Daughter and Pope Joan. What a woman will do to follow what she believes to be her calling!
I don't compare good books, but I have to say that this is truly the best book I have ever read. Highly recommend, especially the epilogue.
1 like · like · see review
A seemingly simple tale that stays with you. The essay on it's contemporary significance that follows is helpful and eye-opening.
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Thích Nhất Hạnh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who now lives in southwest France where he was in exile for many years.
Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary...more
More about Thich Nhat Hanh...
Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary...more
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The Universal Dharma door is open,
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Mar 22, 2013 03:05pm
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