(Note: I use AI to help me translate my stories from Japanese to English.)
The author of this book is Haemin Sunim, a Korean Zen monk.
I have read two of his previous books, and I loved both of them. So when I found this book, I was excited to read it.
He has a gift for writing about the essence of life. Whenever I read his books, I am both surprised and inspired by his insights.
In this book, he writes about being criticized by many people in public, as well as other experiences from his life.
When he was publicly criticized, he was deeply hurt. It reminded me that even a Zen monk experiences pain and emotional suffering.
He also writes about leaving his job as a professor because he felt that his introverted personality prevented him from becoming a good teacher. Afterward, he founded a nonprofit organization called The School of Broken Hearts.
In the last part of the book, he tells a story about enlightenment. I found it fascinating because it helps readers understand what enlightenment might be like.
The book also introduces a wonderful quote by Nelson Mandela:
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela
Don’t you think this quote is simple yet powerful?
Among all the sayings by the author in the book, the following one left the strongest impression on me:
“When we understand our parents not as our parents but as people who can make mistakes, only then do we become adults.”
When we are children, our parents often seem perfect. However, as we grow older, we begin to see them as ordinary people who have strengths as well as weaknesses.
Throughout the book, the author honestly shares his suffering, inner conflicts, and doubts. I learned that even a renowned Zen monk struggles with pain and uncertainty.
If you are going through a difficult time or carrying emotional pain, I highly recommend this book. It may bring you comfort and help you see life from a new perspective.