{"product_id":"2940170093489","title":"The Novice: A Story of True Love","description":"\u003cp\u003eBest-selling author and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh transforms an ancient folktale into a timeless parable of a young woman who dares to risk her life for her faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBorn to an aristocratic family in rural Vietnam, Kinh Tam¿s uncommon beauty and intelligence were obvious to all she encountered. From an early age she was drawn to the teachings of Buddha and the rewards of a monastic life, but to please her family she agreed to walk the traditional path of marriage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThroughout her marriage, Kinh Tam¿s mind was devoted to her husband but her heart never waivered from her true calling. She wanted to be a monk. And yet Buddhism was still new to Vietnam and temples accepted only men for ordination. Making a decision that would forever change her life, Kinh Tam left town, disguised herself as a man, and joined a monastery as a novice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite the many challenges of living as a man, Kinh Tam thrived and became a beloved member of the community. Years of profound joy and peace passed until a local woman accuses the novice of fathering her unborn child. Kinh Tam is torn between two impossible choices: keep her secret and endure brutal punishment or reveal the truth that would prove her innocence but put an end to her spiritual path.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFacing the unbearable with the boundless heart of Buddha, her choice forever changes her life, her country, and her faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn spare, elegant prose, Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that we, too, face our own injustices and suffering, and by connecting with love, we can, like Kinh Tam, discover a mind and heart that are peaceful, happy, and free.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA HarperAudio production.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins Publishers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47098248429808,"sku":"2940170093489","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940170093489_p0.jpg?v=1763701703","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940170093489","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}