7311B SOUTH VIETNAM : THE COCONUT MONK

(15 Mar 1973) 7311/B: SOUTH VIETNAM: THE COCONUT MONK
9 mins 30 secs (English synch: Nil)
Phoenix Island, lying 70 miles south of Saigon in the
Mekong Delta, is an island of peace. Since 1968, it has
been occupied by a religious community led by
Nguyen Than Nam, a Daoist mystic, known as the
Coconut Monk. Than Nam has a vision of synthesising
the world's religions and leading a movement for
world peace. His community of 6000, many of whom
are deserters from both the Viet Cong and the South
Vietnamese Army, have taken vows of chastity and
have sworn to keep up a day and night vigil of prayer
until all the fighting in Vietnam has ceased.
SHOWS:
Map South Vietnam showing Mekong Delta. Mekong
River. Phoenix Island with pier. Pier and ornate metal
globe. People up pier steps. Temple area with ornate
carvings and decorations. Plaque of Christ and
Buddha together. Shrine with people. Nguyen Than
Nam (Coconut Monk) peeling vegetables. Spokesman
addresses audience. Monks. Buddhist monk with
necklace. Monkey and bear in cage. Bear romps on
mat. Village scenes with people. 1969 file film jet
overhead, helicopter overhead, prayer service,
Coconut Monk watches from tower, conference table.
Same table today with Indo-China map in centre. Girl
tourists have pictures taken by monk. Craftsmen
making pottery. Huge ornate pot. Monks pray.
Silhouette view of pier and island. Sunset.
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