The Novice: A Story of True Love - Hardcover

Thich Nhat Hanh

4.06

1,399 ratings by Goodreads

9780062005830: The Novice: A Story of True Love

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0062005839 ISBN 13: 9780062005830

Publisher: HarperOne, 2011

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This is the renowned Buddhist teacher's timeless parable about the first Buddhist nun. Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Novice" explores the four key aspects of love in the Buddhist tradition: lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and freedom. Born to an aristocratic family in rural Vietnam, Kinh Tam's uncommon beauty and intelligence were obvious from an early age. As a young woman, she was drawn to the teachings of Buddha and the monastic life. But to please her family, she agreed to walk the traditional path of marriage. Despite her noble efforts, Kinh Tam's union couldn't overcome the fear and unhappiness of her new husband's family. She was cast out of her marriage for a mere misunderstanding. Suddenly, Kinh Tam realized that she must follow her heart. Unfortunately Buddhism was still quite young in Vietnam and convents for women did not yet exist. There was simply no path possible for this young girl. Thus Kinh Tam had no choice. Shielding her identity, she joined a monastery as a man and became a virtuous novice for many years. Kinh Tam's identity remained hidden and her life content until one day when everything changed. A local pregnant girl, not knowing Kinh Tam's secret, accuses the novice of impregnating her. Kinh Tam is then faced with a life altering choice: reveal her identity to expose the fraudulent accusation or deny culpability and take the punishment. This is a compelling new form of teaching for Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and with "The Novice", he brings us closer to understanding the beauty of the true compassion that lies within us all.

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Review:

"Thich Nhat Hanh is more my borther than many who are nearer to me in race and nationality, because he and I see the exact same way."--Thomas Merton

"Thich Nhat Hanh writes with the voice of the Buddha."--Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

"Among Buddhist leaders influential in the West, Thich Nhat Hanh ranks second only to the Dalai Lama."--New York Times

"Thich Nhat Hanh is a holy man, for he is humble and devout. He is a scholar of immense intellectual capacity. His ideas for peace, if applied, would build a monument to ecumenism, to world brotherhood, to humanity."--Martin Luther King, Jr., in nominating Thich Nhat Hanh for the Nobel Peace Prize

"Thich Nhat Hanh shows us the connection between personal, inner peace and peace on earth."--His Holiness the Dalai Lama

"Thich Nhat Hanh is a real poet."--Robert Lowell

"One of our most treasured spiritual teachers tells a story that will touch your heart. So beautiful."--Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love

"Thich Nhat Hanh has given us a luminous book. The Novice is both instructive and haunting. Its heroine holds a lantern for all seekers."--Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way

From the Back Cover:

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 monastic life, but to please her family she agreed to walk the traditional path of marriage.

Throughout her marriage, Kinh Tam's mind was devoted to her husband but her heart never waivered from her true calling. She wanted to be a monk. And yet Buddhism was still new to Vietnam and temples accepted only men for ordination. Making a decision that would forever change her life, Kinh Tam left town, disguised herself as a man, and joined a monastery as a novice.

Despite the many challenges of living as a man, Kinh Tam thrived and became a beloved member of the community. Years of profound joy and peace passed until a local woman accuses the novice of fathering her unborn child. Kinh Tam is torn between two impossible choices: keep her secret and endure brutal punishment or reveal the truth that would prove her innocence but put an end to her spiritual path.

Facing the unbearable with the boundless heart of Buddha, her choice forever changes her life, her country, and her faith.

In spare, elegant prose, Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that we, too, face our own injustices and suffering, and by connecting with love, we can, like Kinh Tam, discover a mind and heart that are peaceful, happy, and free.

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