Learning True Love: Practicing Buddhism in a Time of War [Paperback]

Sister Chan Khong (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 26, 2007

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.

Editorial Reviews

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of 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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Parallax Press; Revised edition (April 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888375671
• ISBN-13: 978-1888375671
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, July 9, 2003

By 

Adam Chen (Mercer Island, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Learning True Love: How I Learned and Practiced Social Change in Vietnam (Paperback)

I totally disagree with the "library journal" review. Not only was this book inspiring, heartwarming, and unique, it told a tale of a woman who defied so many odds by transforming her suffering into the desire to help others move forward into peace. I have read many books by Buddhist scholars before, but none as simple and biographical as this. It was heartbreaking at times; hearing about killings, learning about lost loved ones, learning true love, all of this is conveyed in such a way that you feel you're actually there.

There is no broken English in this book, I don't know what the review is talking about. There's only one typo that I found in the entire book, and it was typing error, not a grammatical one. This book should be on your priority list: if you give it a try, you'll find that you want to keep it in your collection forever. It's a priceless concentration of thoughts that move and inspire you, both to touch suffering and not to despair when faced with challenges.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very fine autobiography, November 6, 2002

By 

Wyote (Seoul) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Learning True Love: How I Learned and Practiced Social Change in Vietnam (Paperback)

This is the autobiography of a Vietnamese Buddhist nun who spent her life trying to help people whose lives were devastated by the wars. Because of her close association with Thich Nhat Hanh, it is to some degree an informal history of his activities as well. One of the most interesting aspects of the book is her frustration with the American peace movement. Her life (and his) are both quite inspiring, so this is a challenging and uplifting book. I would happily recommend this book to anyone interested in Vietnamese Buddhism, the war and the peace movements, or Vietnam in general.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, beyond words, September 13, 2007

By 

Jeannine Otchis "orchid angel" (Kihei Maui, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Learning True Love: Practicing Buddhism in a Time of War (Paperback)

Sister Chan Kong is truly a living bodhisattva. Her selflessness, generosity, and meritous actions shine through the words of her autobiography. In adversity, she tirelessly sought to improve the conditions of others and ease their suffering. The book left me wanting to know more of her life. Each picture that I have been able to find of her is a face of serenity, peace, and calm. I have a greater understanding of the suffering of the Vietnamese people.