The article “The monk wrote a book to heal the soul” will tell about special authors. They wear bright brown robes and study the Buddha’s way of liberation, so they have a meditative and awakened view of life. Their works can be a “medicine” to help readers overcome obstacles and afflictions in life, work, love or personal difficulties through deep feeling and practice.
In three books by Buddhist nun Thich Hanh Duc (pen name Suoi Thong). Let go of sadness (Culture and Arts Publishing House) has published its 10th edition with about 100,000 printed copies. That is a dream number for any author in this era.
Sharing with VietNamNet, author Suoi Thong said that the remaining two books are Live a peaceful life fourth edition and Renew the garden of the mind (Dan Tri Publishing House) after the launch ceremony, it printed copies and reprinted the first edition.
“I feel surprised and happy with this result. Grateful for the enthusiastic reception from readers, grateful for the dedicated support of the publisher so that the book can be widely spread,” said Sister Suoi Thong.
From “Weekend Sharing” to bestseller
– She just released the 3-book series Suoi Thong. What is the consistent content of these works that makes their circulation reach such admirable numbers?
Talking about the 3-book series, these are all short articles about life philosophy, relationships, and gentle behavior in life. The first book Let go of sadness are articles that suggest the spirit of letting go, leading to an awakened lifestyle, not being dependent or too attached to something, especially emotions.
Live a peaceful life Includes articles that focus on helping and supporting the cultivation of personal qualities, such as patience, dissolving anger, practicing independence…
The third book came out last year, titled Renew the garden of the mind is a synthesis of the previous two works, plus the theme of recognizing and promoting good qualities from individuals, constantly renewing to make every day fresh and interesting.
– When did you start writing and translating books?
I started practicing writing in my last years of high school, and had a few articles published in Giac Ngo newspaper, the program Youth literature of the People’s Voice of Ho Chi Minh City… As for the translation, it’s been since 2015, when I was studying the language in China. Having the opportunity to read articles about life philosophy, very profound in content, concise and balanced language in a parallel style, I found it interesting so I started translating it and posting it on my personal Facebook under the name Share this weekend. Regularly like that for nearly 2 years, the posts increased and people received them very enthusiastically. Some copied it into notebooks, others asked for manuscripts to photocopy for relatives to read, which made me think about printing it into a book to spread it to more readers. Just like that, three books were born one after another.
– It is true that social networks have contributed to creating writers. So which of your books do you like the most?
People often say “civilization is the wife of another”, I feel it makes a lot of sense. At least for the things I write or translate, I appreciate them. The birth of each book and each article is the result of labor, marking many personal memories. I also “grew up” from it, so I find it meaningful.
– Do you spend your book revenue on volunteer activities?
Usually so. Because I am a monk, my personal needs are not many, nor do I make money, but I often encounter occasions or people who need to share. Instead of asking for support from others for volunteer activities or donations, I use royalties Books are always convenient.
– To write a book, especially a book with awakening and healing content, how does the writer need to train and cultivate himself?
Writing a book, or doing any work, I often remember the saying: We cannot pass on to anyone what we do not have. When wanting to include awakening or healing content in a book, the writer needs to have those elements, or at least have an interest in it, so that what he writes and conveys will be received. empathize more easily.
– What about translations with content that helps transform the human soul? Can the translator be “healed”?
I have been able to persevere with the translations and later continue to explore and write more for the past 10 years, partly thanks to the encouragement and enthusiastic reception from relatives and readers. The rest is equally important, which is that we ourselves are healed from those translations/articles. Troubleshooting, positive thoughts, advice to let go… all come from translations and pens.
When thinking about finding suitable words to describe, then reading and re-reading to edit, its meaning permeates you without realizing it and helps a lot in the process of practice and transformation.
There is a line of spiritually nourishing books
– In your opinion, why are there so many books on healing and applying Buddhism to life today?
There are many healing books today, reflecting the needs of readers. In Vietnam, works translated from Japanese are the most, followed by English, Chinese, Korean… forming a line of therapy books.
Because it is used to treat mental states, Buddhist ideas applied in daily life are also included in this book line.
Humanity is living in modern times, where everything is convenient and fast, so patience has no opportunity to be trained. Many times, even with relatives and loved ones in the family, we do not have the patience to listen to the whole story to resolve or comfort our feelings. Each person has their own world and spins around it. So when a problem appears and you don’t know who to confide in, at this time books are considered a precious friend, helping people solve their own problems. I think this is also a positive way to solve the problem.
– Will you continue to write in the near future?
Sure. Writing and translating is my practice and also my joy, so I will always maintain it.
– Do you spend time reading books?
When I was a novice at the temple, my main joy was reading books, reading books about the life of Buddha, stories and philosophy in Zen. Sometimes reading old books and magazines or buying a certificate still makes me feel happy and interested in the lessons therein. Nowadays, work is busier and I don’t have as much time to read as before, but I always take advantage of it. Every time I go somewhere, I always have a new book in my bag so I can read it right away when I have free time. I am happy with this habit and get a lot of benefits from it.
– What advice do you have for young people’s reading and writing?
I don’t dare give “advice”, but I often recommend a few meaningful books to young people who have the opportunity to meet or work with. For many people who are not familiar with reading, I would suggest starting with books or stories they like, gradually growing their interest, seeing the benefits from it, and having more motivation to look for more books.
People say that in books there are good teachers, great friends, and even flawless beauties. If you are exposed to books for a long time, you will grow from awareness to the will to persevere. If a problem arises in life, you will be able to face it gently and overcome it much more easily.
(Photo: NVCC)
Osho’s ‘Zen’ or story cannot be explained in words
Osho’s book ‘Meditation’ gives an in-depth look at meditation, a path that is not always easy to explain in words.
Summer with strangers
‘Summer with Strangers’ by author Taichi Yamada is likened to a song of sadness and loss, but without falling into the feeling of sadness.
Enjoy a glorious old age
‘Brilliant Old Age’ is not a book sharing secrets to help us live longer, but a profound and meaningful journey to discover how to enjoy life to the fullest.
