Budding Lotus in the West: Feminists

Budding Lotus in the West: Buddhism from an Immigrant's Feminist Perspective

Author Nhi Yến Đỗ Trần has 5.0 out of 5 stars with 15 ratings. "[This is a] fiery debut... [Tran's] perceptive textual criticism and willingness to call out bias are refreshing. [This book] is a valuable contribution to the literature on Buddhism." —Publishers Weekly

​"A refreshingly frank, critical, yet ultimately loving analysis of Buddhism, challenging interpretations shaped by patriarchal views.

"This well-researched page-turner references early Buddhist texts to explore today's hot-button issues, such as abortion, gun rights, LGBTQIA+ identity, and gender equality. [Tran] weaves deeply personal experiences throughout with notable vulnerability and humor, making this book equally compelling as a memoir." — Lion's Roar

Budding Lotus in the West (p.1)

Born into a family legacy of Buddhist spirituality in Việt Nam, Nhi Yến Đỗ Trần immigrated to the US at age 10.

Budding Lotus in the West follows her journey and unveils the complexities of Buddhist teachings woven into American fabric. With raw authenticity, Trần combines personal narratives, scholarly insights, and critical analysis to share her experiences with Buddhism and provide a fundamental understanding of key Buddhist concepts and traditions.

Examining the interplay between ancient wisdom and contemporary challenges, she invites spiritual seekers and curious minds to relate these principles to their own lived realities.

Budding Lotus in the West (p.1)

For example, what would the Buddha say about abortion, gun, and LGBT rights, prejudice, discrimination, and gender equality?

How can Buddhist practitioners more skillfully navigate romance in their sangha (spiritual community)? Whether one is a longtime Buddhist practitioner or just beginning to explore the practice, Budding Lotus in the West offers wisdom, inspiration, and a path toward an evolving, authentic, and inclusive spirituality in the modern world. More

Wake Up Seattle 🌸 | On Friday May 2, 2025, Cherry Blossom Sangha hosts Brother Chan Phap Nguyen (“Brother Aspiration”) to lead us in meditation | Instagram

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR.

Seattle 🌸 Cherry Blossom Sangha

Nhi Yến Đỗ Trần (kneetran.com) immigrated with her family from Vietnam to the US at age 10 through the Humanitarian Operation Program [Express].

Now residing in Seattle, she cofounded the Cherry Blossom Sangha, a mindfulness community dedicated to fostering inner serenity, mutual understanding, and universal compassion.

AmeEx

Her diverse exploration of Buddhism, from Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions to secular applications, has been enriched by Buddhist pilgrimages to India and Nepal and a residential internship at a Zen monastery.

Her book, Budding Lotus in the West, reflects these experiences, focusing on gender equality and social change. She is also a devoted patron of Tu Viện Giác Hải, a monastery in Khánh Hòa founded by her great-uncle, Venerable Thích Viên Giác.

Where's the Cherry Blossom Sangha? Map

She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Seattle University and enjoys exploring culinary delights from around the globe, always with a side of sriracha or chili pepper hot sauce. She is represented by literary agent Leticia Gomez (Savvy Literary Agency).

• Budding Lotus in the West: Buddhism from an Immigrant's Feminist Perspective | Goodreads
• Cherry Blossom Sangha: Northwest Dharma Association
• Cherry Blossom Sangha - Wake Up International
• Cherry Blossom Sangha | Seattle WA | Facebook
• Wake Up Seattle 🌸 | Third Mindfulness Training: True Love
• Miss World Vietnam 2023
• Nhi Yến Đỗ Trần (amazon.com, Oct. 1, 2024); Bio (goodreads.com); CC Liu, Amber Larson, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly