New Books in Religion · New Books Network
Sara Ann Swenson, "Near Light We Shine: Buddhist Charity in Urban Vietnam" (Oxford UP, 2025)
January 15, 2026·1 hr 4 min·5 clips
A Buddhist charity group in Vietnam splintered when a leader came out as queer, revealing deep divides over morality and inclusion.
As heard by us
A careful look at how Buddhist charity becomes community, ethics, and belonging in urban Vietnam.
Sarah Swenson's account of Buddhist charity in urban Vietnam frames care as a collective practice, shaped by groups, projects, and the search for belonging.
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You want a thoughtful interview on Buddhist charity in urban Vietnam, with the human stories kept front and center.
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