A Chant to Soothe Wild Elephants

by Jaed Coffin

Book Overview

Six years ago at the age of twenty-one, Jaed Muncharoen Coffin, a half-Thai American man, left New England's privileged Middlebury College to be ordained as a Buddhist monk in his mother's native village of Panomsarakram--thus fulfilling a familial obligation. While addressing the notions of displacement, ethnic identity, and cultural belonging, A Chant to Soothe Wild Elephants chronicles his time at the temple that rain season--receiving alms...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0306815265
• ISBN13: 9780306815263
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Pyromaniacs seek elsewhere

The honesty with which he recounts his time in Thailand is why we should care about this book. That he reveals to the reader his experience as self-serving yet non-transcendent demonstrates his commitment to seeing life as a slow, deliberate journey towards discovering peace, and his very clear understanding of Buddhist themes. It is a humble snippet of a life, delivered in a time when we expect stories of self-discovery to be accompanied continuously by soundtracks, tears, and explosions of light.

It's an involving gem of a read.

This blend of memoir, cultural observation and travelogue follows the journey of a half-Thai American man who left his privileged New England college to become an ordained Buddhist monk in his mother's native Thai village. His spiritual and social journey comes to life in this account of a young man caught between two cultures and very different worlds. To call it a 'memoir' is too simple: to limit it to travel sections of libraries is too confined. It's an involving gem of a read. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Gripping, honest, and filled with candid emotion

Jaed Coffin brings the reader along while he is at a pivitol point in his life. He gives a full access account of his thoughts, passions, and even doubts about his place in this world. The honesty and raw emotion that Coffin writes with pulls you in this well written first novel. I was amazed that this author has been through so much at such a young age. He is truly going to be one to watch.

A Terrific Read About the Beauty of Southeast Asia

Excellent! A well written and high engrossing read. Part autobiographical, part travelogue, and a highly adventerous recollection of Jaed Coffin's experience as a Buddhist monk. Jaed writes with pure honesty and an exacting recollection of his thoughts while undergoing his explorations. Required reading for anyone interested in better understanding Southeast Asian culture and ways! Highly recommended.

Fascinating, honest memoir of a brave young man's exploration of his culture

In a world where many find time for introspection only when we mistakenly leave our BlackBerrys in the car while we queue up at Starbucks, we could learn a lot by reading this fascinating book about a young man's quest to honor his culture and discover his values. It takes a unique drive to leave a preppy New England school to become a monk in Thaliand - and it takes courage to write about the emotions of the experience candidly. This book is a treat to read - honest and succinct. Strongly recommended.