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The Coconut Monk
In a war-torn world filled with images of violence, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh offers young readers reassurance and a reminder that peace can be found through empathy. Based on a talk given directly to children, this timely book uses the image of a cat and a mouse and their smiling friend the Coconut Monk as metaphors for overcoming seemingly unconquerable divides of nature, nation, and belief. Teaching equanimity, compassion, and perseverance, the book includes full-color oil paintings by Vietnamese-American painter Vo-Dinh Mai that further enhance the author’s message.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2006
3 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Thich Nhat Hanh
982 books12.9k followersThích 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.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 20, 2020
Yes, even cats and mice have started living together in peace like as it is in this story written years ago during the Vietnam war.
And we can see numerous such videos at various social media sites including YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Only we humans cannot do that.
It's puzzling how we the so called most advanced animal is still thinking of wars at this age and era. I mean we are so dumbfreakingly clueless and hence we remain sad.
Those who think of peace and understanding are regarded as hopeless and far behind the so called human race.
Aptly called the human race because we are all in a race to make ourselves sad and troubled.
And we can see numerous such videos at various social media sites including YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Only we humans cannot do that.
It's puzzling how we the so called most advanced animal is still thinking of wars at this age and era. I mean we are so dumbfreakingly clueless and hence we remain sad.
Those who think of peace and understanding are regarded as hopeless and far behind the so called human race.
Aptly called the human race because we are all in a race to make ourselves sad and troubled.
April 23, 2022
The Coconut Monk is a story told by Thich Nhat Hanh based on the true story of Dao Dua. A summary of his heroic life included in the back of the book.
As one reviewer on Amazon points out this is a story that may not be appropriate for young children. I’d like to add, out of context.
Young children like myself at seven remember a poster at school with a pile of bodies in Vietnam. Looking back am not certain why this was on display.
This book could have helped me understand war in a way using the familiar books creatures of a cat and mouse. Such as growing up with Tom and Jerry or even Sylvester and Tweety Bird on television.
The book cat and mouse in story are relatable in a similar way though always get along despite the challenges like hunger in prison.
The illustrations feel appropriate to the pain the monk suffers during war. They’re not cheerful digital illustrations. They’re drawn to the mood and tone of the tale.
The story takes a dark turn. The monk is put in prison for his peaceful ways attempts to persuade the president of Vietnam. In jail there wasn’t much food and yet the cat did not eat the mouse is a meaningful space to discuss with children how challenges make us want to react in anger or fear. What other decisions could we make? Would this be difficult or easy?
Discussing ethics, empathy, and encouraging these ideas is a great way to plant seeds for children to mature into healthy adults with considerate views during challenging times.
“Preventing war is much better than protesting against the war. Protesting the war is too late.”
Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace
This quote is a deeply meaningful way of contemplating peace and communication prior to life becoming too much or out of hand.
Comparing and contrasting the ideas are a Q&A for children and adults alike. Depending on maturity create open ended questions appropriate for the person. Conflict happens at all ages. These moments and preparing for them are helpful to calm results often.
This book can be a tool toward peaceful results as a means for healthy discussions and deep listening opportunities.
To a mature person this is impactful. If children experience hunger or need can find ethical pieces even if not mature enough to relate. Especially with a supportive adult.
This book is very relevant since it’s publication. Even though this takes place during Vietnam, in 2005 the world has war at time of publication. Today, at this very moment in Asia Russia and Ukraine suffer as the world watches.
The unique point of view of this book is from people who lived through war and exile. Very relatable to others who suffer from direct contact to the current war and people watching in media or those making decisions how to engage or their view of help.
I’m thankful to have practiced at the Beacon Theater in NYC with Thay (meaning teacher to those who practice his teachings) the author during his last visit there. Shortly after he had a stroke and his life changed. I cherish having been a part of a call to world compassion.
Now, a call to world peace.
Before Thay’s death in January selected Peace as my word for 2022. Was expanding my library beyond books collected since buying Happiness: Essentials in Mindfulness at the Beacon Theater that afternoon in 2014.
Little did I know on January 22 Thay would die and shortly there after Russia would head to Ukraine.
Before thay’s death or the new war began had already started reading Creating True Peace: Ending Violence in Yourself, Your Family, Your Community, and the World. Highly recommend it for locating personal calm during this moment in history. Partners well with content to use during the reading of The Coconut Monk.
One inspiration from these readings in a neighborhood I help with voted to rename a small green space Peace Corner. A new local church began hosting peace marches last year despite the pandemic. I found out their office is Peace House a block away. These books and the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh like The Five Mindfulness Trainings encourage me to take small actions creating huge impact.
Reading with children this book encourages relating to world peace through personal peace. Encourages deep listening. For children, ideas of how to accept what we have control of and deal with unfair treatment calmly.
For me this is a five star in terms of context.
The illustrations can inspire children to draw their own view of pain and suffering in regards to what they hear about the war in Ukraine or even for their own daily struggles. This can encourage family discussions toward new ways of deep listening and happiness.
This may not be a book for others. My hope is the review helps make the choice prior to purchase what is best for you and your family or teacher.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
As one reviewer on Amazon points out this is a story that may not be appropriate for young children. I’d like to add, out of context.
Young children like myself at seven remember a poster at school with a pile of bodies in Vietnam. Looking back am not certain why this was on display.
This book could have helped me understand war in a way using the familiar books creatures of a cat and mouse. Such as growing up with Tom and Jerry or even Sylvester and Tweety Bird on television.
The book cat and mouse in story are relatable in a similar way though always get along despite the challenges like hunger in prison.
The illustrations feel appropriate to the pain the monk suffers during war. They’re not cheerful digital illustrations. They’re drawn to the mood and tone of the tale.
The story takes a dark turn. The monk is put in prison for his peaceful ways attempts to persuade the president of Vietnam. In jail there wasn’t much food and yet the cat did not eat the mouse is a meaningful space to discuss with children how challenges make us want to react in anger or fear. What other decisions could we make? Would this be difficult or easy?
Discussing ethics, empathy, and encouraging these ideas is a great way to plant seeds for children to mature into healthy adults with considerate views during challenging times.
“Preventing war is much better than protesting against the war. Protesting the war is too late.”
Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace
This quote is a deeply meaningful way of contemplating peace and communication prior to life becoming too much or out of hand.
Comparing and contrasting the ideas are a Q&A for children and adults alike. Depending on maturity create open ended questions appropriate for the person. Conflict happens at all ages. These moments and preparing for them are helpful to calm results often.
This book can be a tool toward peaceful results as a means for healthy discussions and deep listening opportunities.
To a mature person this is impactful. If children experience hunger or need can find ethical pieces even if not mature enough to relate. Especially with a supportive adult.
This book is very relevant since it’s publication. Even though this takes place during Vietnam, in 2005 the world has war at time of publication. Today, at this very moment in Asia Russia and Ukraine suffer as the world watches.
The unique point of view of this book is from people who lived through war and exile. Very relatable to others who suffer from direct contact to the current war and people watching in media or those making decisions how to engage or their view of help.
I’m thankful to have practiced at the Beacon Theater in NYC with Thay (meaning teacher to those who practice his teachings) the author during his last visit there. Shortly after he had a stroke and his life changed. I cherish having been a part of a call to world compassion.
Now, a call to world peace.
Before Thay’s death in January selected Peace as my word for 2022. Was expanding my library beyond books collected since buying Happiness: Essentials in Mindfulness at the Beacon Theater that afternoon in 2014.
Little did I know on January 22 Thay would die and shortly there after Russia would head to Ukraine.
Before thay’s death or the new war began had already started reading Creating True Peace: Ending Violence in Yourself, Your Family, Your Community, and the World. Highly recommend it for locating personal calm during this moment in history. Partners well with content to use during the reading of The Coconut Monk.
One inspiration from these readings in a neighborhood I help with voted to rename a small green space Peace Corner. A new local church began hosting peace marches last year despite the pandemic. I found out their office is Peace House a block away. These books and the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh like The Five Mindfulness Trainings encourage me to take small actions creating huge impact.
Reading with children this book encourages relating to world peace through personal peace. Encourages deep listening. For children, ideas of how to accept what we have control of and deal with unfair treatment calmly.
For me this is a five star in terms of context.
The illustrations can inspire children to draw their own view of pain and suffering in regards to what they hear about the war in Ukraine or even for their own daily struggles. This can encourage family discussions toward new ways of deep listening and happiness.
This may not be a book for others. My hope is the review helps make the choice prior to purchase what is best for you and your family or teacher.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
January 16, 2024
Quyển sách “Ông Đạo Dừa” (The Coconut Monk) của thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh mình vừa đọc bản tiếng Anh trên Libby có cả tranh minh hoạ của Võ Đình Mai. Câu chuyện có ba nhân vật là ông Đạo Dừa, hai người bạn của ông - Mèo và Chuột và chuyến hành trình tìm Hoà Bình An Lạc (peace) cho quê hương giữa buổi chiến tranh!
Hai chục năm trước (trước 2008), mỗi lần đi phà về miền Tây mình đều được bà con chỉ hướng đảo ông Đạo Dừa Nguyễn Thành Nam vậy mà hông ngờ một ngày đầu năm 2024 mình lại đọc một quyển sách ngăn ngắn về ông.
Hai chục năm trước (trước 2008), mỗi lần đi phà về miền Tây mình đều được bà con chỉ hướng đảo ông Đạo Dừa Nguyễn Thành Nam vậy mà hông ngờ một ngày đầu năm 2024 mình lại đọc một quyển sách ngăn ngắn về ông.
June 15, 2009
I used this book in Dharma School to demonstrate Sila Paramita, or ethics. It's a true story of a monk who lives with a cat and a mouse during the Vietnam war. He truly embodies an ethical life.
I also used this book to exemplify Manjusri Bodhisattva.
I also used this book to exemplify Manjusri Bodhisattva.
February 19, 2017
This story should have been better. Set in Vietnam, based on the life of a monk ... it sounded promising. But there's not enough here to make a story.
September 18, 2020
It's a very short book about how a monk Dao Dua, advocated peace and unity during veitnam war.
Read
November 20, 2019I loved the paintings so much!
June 10, 2022
Pretty sure this is based on someone's real life.
November 11, 2023
Buy only if you appreciate physical copy
there is only a single short story in this book. It is shorter than an article online. Can avoid buying it.
there is only a single short story in this book. It is shorter than an article online. Can avoid buying it.
October 4, 2024
Short story with some nice ideas.
I wish I had just 5% of the patience this coconut monk has.
I wish I had just 5% of the patience this coconut monk has.
July 20, 2011
Beautiful tale and beautifully told
July 25, 2011
goofy kid book
May 6, 2024
Great lesson
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews