Plum Village: An Artist's Journey: Finding Inner Peace at Thich Nhat Hanh's Buddhist Monastery

by Phap Ban, Alejandro Inarritu (Foreword)

Discover the life-changing spiritual world of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village in this poetic and inspired graphic memoir.

This one-of-a-kind graphic novel is at once a touching memoir, a reflection on the beauty of life in all its most surprising and awe-inspiring aspects, and a tribute to Plum Village, the meditation center founded by world-famous spiritual master Thich Nhat Hanh in the South of France. Through his inspired storytelling and graceful paintings, author Phap Ban tells the story of his journey in pursuit of happiness and self-acceptance, from successful Disney artist and writer to monk at the Plum Village international community of spiritual seekers and peace activists. Visually striking and deeply poetic, each page of Plum An Artist's Journey is a beautiful guide to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and a testimony to his profound spiritual legacy as seen through the eyes of a devoted disciple.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Memoir, Art

132 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2019

Reviews

[Mary Phung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly delightful, beautiful, and poetic work of art that perfectly captures the essence of Plum Village and the sense of happiness and peace gently radiated by the nuns and monks there.

As I flip through its pages, I’m reminded again and again of the simple yet powerful teachings of Master Thich Nhat Hanh—how to be mindful in everyday life, appreciate the little things, and accept all of my emotions with compassion.

[Mind the Book]

Något mer, graphic novel-formatet, tror jag, fick mig att ta med den här hem från byteshyllan på en tågstation i västra London. Bra förord av filmregissören Alejandro G. Iñárritu.

Resten handlar om en f.d. anställd hos italienska Disney Studios (= därmed genomgående vackra och kreativa illustrationer) och hans beslut att bli buddistmunk. Det är också en hyllning till "huvudbrodern", grundaren av Plum Village.

Glad att jag läste den, dessutom under arbetsdagen igår under olika mikroraster på en bänk. Då känns det som man lurar systemet! Men det är en bok som ska cirkulera, så jag tar med den till vår närmaste charity shop i veckan.

Föregående ägare hade markerat en mening med överstrykningspenna, "It takes a lot of courage to be happy." Själv blev jag motiverad att ta reda på mer om gårdsklockans betydelse på munkklostret.

[Leslie Rawls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, insightful art and poetry. A book filled with reflections and to me, reminders of the beauty of practice in Plum Village and with the Sangha. The last half of the book, “Thanks,” encourages me to look around with clear presence—so much to be grateful for.

[Chris Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely and creative approach to the dharma, with fun illustrations