About the Author:
For a long time, I have been trying to search for the original English version The Mani Stones that was written by Alan Havey and published by Dharamsala Press in 1990. Unfortunately, I have had no success hitherto. Its Vietnamese adapted version entitled Hoa Sen Tren Tuyet (HSTT)-literally "lotus on the snow"-released by the Van Nghe publishing company in 1991 has disclosed that Nguyen Phong has directly derived HSTT from The Mani Stones. In HSTT, Nguyên Phong has clearly revealed that Alan Havey-a physician who graduated from the University of Michigan but practiced his medical profession in Chicago, Illinois-currently works with the International Red Cross in refugee camps along the Tibetan-Afghanistan border. Together with Michael Goodman-an anthropologist, they have been compiling many documents to denounce barbarous actions that the Chinese Communists have imposed on the Tibetans. Regardless of whether The Mani Stones is out of print or scarce, it is extremely difficult, or even impossible, to find a copy of it. HSTT is one of the very few bestsellers that have touched many hearts, not only compassionately but also spiritually, since its first publication. Being one of the readers who are tenderly moved by its openhearted contents, I hereby would like to share with you a wonderful, affectionate story via its English adaptation-Lotus on the Snow. With an apparently unusual experience in spiritual life and a unique style of writing, the author-Nguyen Phong-proficiently introduced his readers to archetypal characters. Nevertheless, these typical characters have not only remarkably reflected his practical, realistic yet untouchable personality but also extraordinarily manifested his self-effacing, subservient yet staggering disposition. He is neither a wealthy physician nor industrialist, but he takes actions as if he is. He is neither an anthropologist nor psychologist, but he acts as if he is. He is neither a Buddhist monk nor religious preacher, but he thinks as if he is. Most noticeably, he is not an authentic Dalai Lama, but he speaks as if he is. The conversations among different characters throughout the entire book will help the readers realize what is real, what is essential, and most importantly, what is meaningful in life. This striking story is just the tip of the iceberg of an abundant spiritual treasure residing in this unusually modest, secretive author.
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