Haemin Sunim, South Korean author of international bestselling books and regarded as one of the most influential Zen Buddhist monks in the world, visited Manila on a tour to talk about his latest work last Jan. 24 at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.
The book, “When Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times,” guides readers on how to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
Haemin emphasized the intrinsic value and worth of every individual regardless of their background, achievements, or circumstances during his talk at the UP Asian Center. He also signed his books during the event.
“Rather than thinking that you are insufficient or inadequate, you have to realize that it’s not true,” he said. “You don’t have to achieve something great to feel worthy. You are already worthy.”
Haemin was educated at the University of California in Berkeley, Harvard University and Princeton University in the United States and received monastic training from Haein monastery in South Korea. He taught Asian religions at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, for seven years and now resides in Seoul.
His first book, “The Things You Can Only See When You Slow Down,” is a guide to mindfulness and a call to slow down amid the overwhelming demands of modern life. It has sold over three million copies and has been translated into more than 35 languages.
His second, “Love for Imperfect Things,” published in 2020, challenges the need for perfection, and argues that it is only through acceptance of one’s flaws that someone can experience compassionate and fulfilling relationships.
Haemin said life challenges and setbacks are opportunities for self-discovery and act as stepping stones for better things in life.
He also expressed his delight in visiting the Philippines and shared that it was his first time to eat bibingka, a local rice delicacy. He said he was excited to visit UP Diliman as one of his friends who studied at the university had told him great things about it.
He was welcomed by UP Korea Research Center’s Dr. Kyung Min Bae, UP Asian Center’s Dean Noel Moratilla and Prof. Michelle Palumbarit. Ingrid de Jesus, philosophy professor, served as moderator of the event.
The book tour was made possible by Fully Booked, in collaboration with UP Korea Research Center and UP Asian Center. —ROCHELLE LEONOR
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