Budding Lotus in the West

“[A] fiery debut. . . . [Nhi’s] perceptive textual criticism and willingness to call out bias are refreshing. It’s a valuable contribution to the literature on Buddhism.” 
—Publishers Weekly

“Budding Lotus in the West provides a deep dive into the Buddha’s teachings, blending them with engaging stories of his disciples and Nhi’s insightful, occasionally hilarious personal anecdotes. Equally instructive and entertaining, it addresses modern issues like abortion, marriage equality, and racism. This book is needed for our world, and everyone—Buddhist or not—would benefit from reading and reflecting on its many helpful and timely lessons.”  
—Vu Le, creator of NonprofitAF.com and founding board member of Community-Centric Fundraising 

“Nhi Yến Đỗ Trần gives us a precious gift: clarity that is born of her deep spiritual practice, scholarship, and humanity. She reveals a spirituality in its purest form—stripped of the same toxic additives that the Buddha rejected. Nhi welcomes us into her own uneasy journey toward enlightenment and compels us to see clearly by removing our egos—the egos that have, over centuries, extinguished many aspects of the female form. Whether you are curious about Buddhism or a devout follower, this book will motivate your desire to seek truth in everything.” 
—Inger Piena Brinck, staff to President Bill Clinton’s Advisory Council on Ending Violence Against Women; speaker at World Bank Women’s Peace Conference; former cabinet member of Washington governor Jay Inslee 

“Nhi Yến Đỗ Trần examines centuries of Buddhist doctrine through a contemporary feminist lens. With intelligence, compassion, and wry wit, she interprets the Buddha’s teachings as they relate to current issues such as abortion, gun rights, and gender equality. Nhi combines scholarly analysis with personal experience and a dash of skepticism, handling her topics with both the firm hand they warrant and a light touch that makes for compelling and approachable reading.”  
—Lisa Manterfield, author of All Our Lies Are True 

“A timely look at modern issues and concerns in light of traditional Buddhism, illuminating Buddhism from a personal and cultural perspective. Nhi intertwines her personal story of being raised in a traditional Buddhist family with a necessary new understanding of ancient Buddhist texts and teachings.”  
—Eileen Kiera, Dharma teacher and founder of Mountain Lamp Community 

“Regardless of your familiarity with Buddhism, Budding Lotus in the West brims with smart insights and a nuanced analysis of a globally revered religion. Nhi’s perspective is a breath of fresh air—firm yet kind, imbued with the heartfelt sincerity of a dedicated Buddhist.”  
—Julie Pham, PhD, creator of the 7 Forms of Respect; CEO of CuriosityBased.com; co-owner of Northwest Vietnamese News 

“Nhi’s rich experience and personal accounts add a unique dimension, bridging traditional Buddhist practice with the contemporary American context. Her approach of treating ancient wisdom as hypotheses to be validated through individual experiences offers a refreshing perspective.” 
—Jeremy Sherman, member of Cherry Blossom Sangha and former Buddhist monastic aspirant 

“A reckoning on the hypocrisy and sexism in Buddhist organizations. Nhi offers brave insight and practical solutions while exposing the underbelly of this beloved tradition.”  
—Susan Lieu, author of The Manicurist's Daughter 

“A gentle yet firm reminder of women’s equal place in Buddhism and life. Women have been integral to religious traditions since time immemorial, yet their contributions have often been overlooked. Following the actionable steps and practical ideas outlined in this book paves the way for us to collectively redress this historical under-recognition and under-appreciation.” 
—Erin Okuno, creator of Fakequity.com and principal at Okuno Consulting 

“Nhi Yến Đỗ Trần’s writing exhibits a deep courage—both in her critical examination of the contradictions within Buddhist philosophy across all major lineages, and in sharing her complex, personal journey on the path to liberation. Western Buddhist communities stand to gain much from Nhi’s insights.”  
—Nathan Bombardier, Cherry Blossom Sangha co-facilitator 

• National and online publicity campaign to Buddhist media, spirituality media, and Asian American media
• Trade and spirituality advertising
• Social media and digital campaign targeting Buddhists, Asian Americans, and spiritual seekers
• Podcast tour
• Promotional opportunities such as International Women's Day, AAPI Month, Lunar New Year, and significant Buddhist holidays
• Promotional material development such as discussion guide and video content
• Book award submissions
• Influencer outreach