Master Tang Hoi: First Zen Teacher in Vietnam and China

by Thich Nhat Hanh, Annabel Laity (Translation)

Master Tang Hoi explores the life and teachings of Tang Hoi. The earliest known Buddhist meditation master of Vietnam, Tang Hoi's teachings are as insightful and valuable today as in the third century.

Genres: Buddhism

150 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who then lived in southwest France where he was in exile for many years. Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary family name used by all Vietnamese monks and nuns, meaning that they are part of the Shakya (Shakyamuni Buddha) clan. He was often considered the most influential living figure in the lineage of Lâm Tế (Vietnamese Rinzai) Thiền, and perhaps also in Zen Buddhism as a whole.

Reviews

[Zara O.W Macnab · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the teachings of Tang Hoi, one of the first Buddhist teachers of Vietnam. With commentary from Thich Nhat Han.

One of the most insightful buddhist texts I have read. There is repetition, but even with this - I will need to read this again carefully, to further understand the teachings. It is interesting to see how Buddhist psychology from 100s of years ago, centred around the nature of the mind - is still relevant today.

[Kathy Mcconkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tang Hoi, writing in only the second century of the C.E, is the earliest known Buddhist meditation master of Vietnam. Thich Nhat Hanh holds him in particular esteem and many of the meditative practices of Thay's Plum Village tradition are based on the writings of Tang Hoi. I cannot say I closely followed the history presented in the Introduction, but the remaining parts which expanded and explained Tang Hoi's meditation writings and guidance is excellent. I'm amazed at how these early Buddhists had such a deep understanding of human psychology.

[Pro Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful to go back to the roots and earlier versions of some key Buddhist texts. And to know the depth of wisdom transmitted in Vietnam over many centuries.