My Master's Robe: Memories of a Novice Monk

Although not a manual of meditation, it's a wonderful text desribing memories of a beloved Zen master as a teenage novice monk in mid-1940s Vietnam. He shares his very personal reflections and conversations with his brother monk. Even though the book was written nearly half a century ago when Thich Naht Hanh's ideas were not as mature as today, his words and thoughts reveal a prospective great master and all his later refined concepts seem to be already present.He describes his daily chores and tedious routines which from his perspective seem to be wonderful and important practices. We are also introduced to his friends, monastic brothers and teachers described as compassionate bodhisattvas. We find out a lot about traditional koan training as well as other practices. One of the most moving moments of the book is his encounter and friendship with a young French soldier - an experience that must have inspired him as a future peace activist.I'd recommend this book to all those interested in Thich Nhat Hanh teching and practice. Additionally, although very concise it seems to be one of his best narrative stories. Its Vietnamese title "Humanity" is porbably the best summary of the contents and the spirit of the book.

I really enjoyed reading this short book It is written in teach not on usual Friendly style Pictures are beautiful And there is something about the story that gives me peace

For those of us who have read Thich Nhat Hanh's other work it is a pleasure to get to know him as a person rather than a teacher. It is also interesting to understand how monk's were living. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Thich Nhat Hahn has lived an exemplary life and reading his books has given me much help in understanding how to improve my daily actions. I enjoyed reading about how he trained for what he accomplished in life. It has helped me go back to the beginning in my life and see what changes I must make to improve my foundation in Buddhist practice.

this book was and is a worth a read. very good lessons to learn from.

Simply wonderful. A great read.

"Tin Nguoi" is the Vietnamese title of this little book. It means "humanity," and humanity is precisely what Nhat Hanh reflects on in it. What it means to be human, what it means to seach for one's true self, what it means to live in community with other humans: each of these questions are explored through a series of short story-like reflections on Nhat Hanh's years as a young Buddhist monk.At first reading, the book seems slight. But like most of Nhat Hanh's books, it's better thought of as simple rather than simplistic. We make the world too complicated with our rushing about and our efforts to master everything. Nhat Hanh's prose offers a simpler, slower, more meditative approach to reality, and thus mirrors the points he wishes to make.So his stories about memorizing large books as part of his novice training, or of being assigned to look after the cattle (kept by the monks solely for their manure), or his delightful sketches of fellow-novice Brother Man or monastic cook Aunt Tu, generally aim to teach a lesson about what it means to follow the Buddha's path. They are parables, and as such will provoke any number of reflections on the part of the perceptive reader. The chapter dealing with koans is one of the most insightful treatments of the subject I've ever read. It alone is worth the price of the book.

It's a lovely little book, telling a brief story of Thich Nhat Hanh's life as a novice monk in a peaceful monastery in wartime Vietnam.It tells of the friendship between himself and fellow novice monk called Brother Tam Man, they spend time together working and talking about Buddhism, the war and the daily rituals within the monastery; you get a look into what makes the Zen master tick (pardon the pun) his sense of homour and his strong sense of right from wrong.The story spends very little time mentioning the war, it is all about Thich's own memories of his life in the monastery and the affection for his Brothers, this masters and the staff within the monastery.If you're looking for fast adventure, thrills and spills then this book isn't for you, but anyone who has an interest in Buddhism, monastic life or friendship then this could well be just right for you.Having read this book I would dearly love to meet Thich Nhat Hanh, he is such a warm, kind and good humoured man.

Excellent

In this book Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) shares memories of his days as a young monk. The book gives us greater insight into his youth and into Vietnam's war torn past. It was a delight reading about Aunty Tu and her valiant attempts to learn the Shurangama Dharani. It has been my belief that one must have been the recipient of great love for his mind to turn towards enlightenment. The chapter in which Thich Nhat Hanh's teacher mends his robe so Thay could wear it has further confirmed my belief. Such great love could have only taken Thay in one direction - towards enlightenment and Buddhahood.