BIOGRAPHIES
MONKS AND NUNS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
All of the monastics can speak to the practice of mindfulness, the monastic life, Buddhism, community-building, deep listening, mindful speech, and the inner transformations that can take place as a result of mindfulness. Their specific areas of interest and experience are described below.
BrotherPhap Nguyen(Brother True Vow)
ThichNhatHanh's attendant and calligraphy assistant
Br Phap Nguyen can share his experience of being ThichNhatHanh’sattendant and at his side as he creates calligraphies. He can talk about when, where, and how ThichNhatHanh creates the calligraphies, about the atmosphere in the room, his inspiration, and so on. He can share about where he sources the ink, paper and brushes for ThichNhatHanh to use – the brushes are actually both Eastern and Western.
Sister Chan Khong (Sister True Emptiness)
ThichNhatHanh's lifetime student and the eldest nun in the Plum Village Tradition
Sister Chan Khong joined ThichNhatHanh in Vietnam and can speak about the love ThichNhatHanh invests in his calligraphies; about his inspiration to support the poor and needy through his humanitarian projects and what those projects are; about the early days in Vietnam, the beginning of Plum Village, and the roots of Engaged Buddhism.
Sister HienNghiem (Sister Dedication)
Media co-ordinator from Plum Village
Sister Dedication is originally from the UK. She can speak about the connection between ThichNhatHanh’s calligraphies and his teaching, and his delight in inventing new calligraphy phrases; also about what is so special about these calligraphies and why so many people want one in their home.
Sister An Nghiem (Sister Peace)
Sister Peace is originally from Washington DC. She can speak about the popularity of ThichNhatHanh’s calligraphies and exhibitions across the world, and why his art touches so many hearts. As an African American, she can also address how the practice of mindfulness has impacted her experience of race and racism. She is also fluent in French, Spanish, x, x and x.
Sister TraiNghiem (Sister Purification)
Calligraphy sales co-ordinator
Sister Purification has sold Thay's calligraphies on tours in North America, Europe, and Asia. She can speak about how it feels to handle Thay's calligraphies, to frame them, and help people choose the right one for them – the kind of calligraphy that will help them practice mindfulness. She may have some funny stories about unusual sales or people who want a particular phrase!
From Blue Cliff Monastery, New York
Sister Dang Nghiem (Sister D)
Sister D moved to California from Vietnam at the age of x where she went on to study to become a doctor. She is the author of the book Healing: A Woman’s Journey From Doctor to Nun. Sister D likes to talk to teenagers and young adults, and can address how mindfulness can help women and men heal from sexual abuse and feelings of suicide. She can also address topics related to health and healing.
Sister The Nghiem(Sister True Vow)
Sister Theis the abbess of Blue Cliff Monastery and grew up in Pennsylvania New York. She is a musician and can share how music is used in the practice. She can talk about the history of Blue Cliff Monastery, parenting, children, handling strong emotions, community building, and suicide prevention.
Brother PhapKhoi
Brother PhapKhoigrew up in x He can talk about community building, gardening, working with youth, and the activities on offer at Blue Cliff Monastery.
Brother PhapVu
Brother Phap Vu hails from California. He can address the history of Blue Cliff Monastery, community building, the role of lay people in the community, and the practical and logistical challenges of converting a New York bungalow resort colony into a functioning retreat center!
Brother Phap Man
Brother Phap Man grew up in Hawaii. He is interested in youth, community outreach, the role of lay people in the community, technology, and the Wake Up movement.
Sister Lang Nghiem
Sister Lang Nghiemis from California. She can address mindful consumption, handling strong emotions, mindfulness in schools, technology and the practice, community building, working with children, and the role of lay people.
Brother PhapChieu (Brother Shiny)
Brother Shiny grew up in California. An active member of the Wake Up movement, he can share the joys of sharing the practice with other young people, community building, and the role of lay people. As the exhibit co-organizer in the US, he can also talk about how the relationship with ABC Carpet and Home evolved and became a reality.
For interviews with ThichNhatHanh and senior spokespeople (monks and nuns), please contact Lorna Chiu, , (310) 200.8388 or Stephanie Davies (845) 733.4959 ext. 21.
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