The River in Me Verses of Transformation

Find refuge and wisdom with a student of Thich Nhat Hanh in the pages of this poignant poetry collection that speaks to the heart of overcoming life’s adversities, Zen style

This profound poetry collection, written by a disciple of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, charts a journey from turmoil to tranquility. In this deeply personal work, Sister Dang Nghiem, known for her insightful and compassionate teachings, unveils a journey of transformation and healing that bridges two pivotal phases of her life: the years prior to her monastic ordination and the profound insights gained thereafter. This unique compilation, divided into two distinct parts, illustrates Sister Dang Nghiem's evolution not just as a poet but as a spiritual practitioner. 

• The first half, spanning 1989-1999, offers a glimpse into her pre-monastic life, filled with yearnings for reconciliation and liberation yet entangled in suffering and attachments. 

• The latter half, encompassing her writings from 2000 to 2023, reflects a stark transformation, imbued with the wisdom and tranquility of her Zen practice. 

Not just a display of poetic prowess, but also a testament to Sister Dang Nghiem's resilience and spiritual growth, these poems resonate with honesty and vulnerability, providing readers with a candid testament to the life-altering power of healing through mindfulness and deep community. The River in Me offers a path toward inner peace and wholeness for those navigating the complexities of life and is an essential read for anyone seeking solace and understanding.

Includes 17 black and white photographs prior to and after monastic ordination.

Sister Dang Nghiem, a Vietnamese-American Zen Buddhist nun born in 1968 in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, is a disciple of the revered Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and a prominent figure in contemporary Buddhist practice. Her journey as the daughter of a Vietnamese mother and an American soldier is marked by profound personal losses and challenges, which she transformed into the foundation of her spiritual path. She lost her mother at the age of twelve and immigrated to the United States at the age of seventeen with her brother. Living in various foster homes, she learned English and went on to earn a medical degree from the University of California - San Francisco. After suffering further tragedy and loss, she quit her practice as a doctor to travel to Plum Village monastery in France founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, where she was ordained a nun in 2000. She is the author of three books: a memoir, Healing: A Woman's Journey from Doctor to Nun (2010), Mindfulness as Medicine: A Story of Healing and Spirit (2015), and Flowers in the Dark: Reclaiming Your Power to Heal from Trauma with Mindfulness (2021). Her work focuses on the intersection of personal healing and spiritual growth, drawing from her unique experiences as a physician, a nun, and an individual who has navigated diverse worlds. Sister Dang Nghiem's ability to articulate the complexities of human suffering and the path to inner peace makes her a resonant voice in modern spirituality.