Born into a family legacy of Buddhist spirituality in Viet Nam, Nhi Yen Do Tran immigrated to the US at age ten. Budding Lotus in the West follows her journey and unveils the complexities of Buddhist teachings woven into the American fabric. With raw authenticity, Tran 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.

For example, what would the Buddha say about abortion, gun, and LGBTQIA+ rights? Or about prejudice, discrimination, and gender equality? How can practitioners more skillfully navigate romance in the sangha community? Whether you are a longtime Buddhist practitioner or just beginning to explore the religion, Budding Lotus in the West offers wisdom, inspiration, and a path toward an evolving, authentic, and inclusive spirituality in the modern world.

Budding Lotus in the West: Buddhism from an Immigrant's Feminist Perspective, Nhi Yen Do Tran, Broadleaf Books, Hardcover, 266 pages, $25.99

Nhi Yen Do Tran immigrated with her family from Viet Nam to the United States at age ten through the Humanitarian Operation Program. Now residing in Seattle, she cofounded Cherry Blossom Sangha, a mindfulness community dedicated to fostering inner serenity, mutual understanding, and universal compassion. Her diverse exploration of Buddhism, from Theravada and Mahayana traditions to secular applications, has been enriched by pilgrimages to India and Nepal and a residential internship at a Zen monastery. She holds a master's in public administration from Seattle University.