buddhism
Slow Down: A Buddhist Monk Shares His Path to Happiness
In an era marked by constant motion and an insatiable pursuit of happiness, Haemin Sunim, a prominent Buddhist monk and meditation teacher, offers a simple yet profound antidote: slow down. Sunim, the author of The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, a bestseller with over three million copies sold worldwide, advocates that true contentment comes from taking life at a more deliberate pace. His message has resonated widely, particularly as the pressures of modern life intensify. The book, which topped bestseller lists in Korea for an impressive 41 weeks, has since become a global guide for well-being, addressing key areas such as relationships, love, and spirituality. Sunim’s rise as a voice of modern Buddhist wisdom is notable. A former professor at a small arts college in Massachu...
The Divine in Sight: How Sacred Images in Asia Come Alive
Walking into a restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee, I was immediately greeted by the serene gaze of a golden Buddha statue. Its gemstone eyes sparkled as I passed, and though the scents of Thai curries filled the air, I found myself lingering on those eyes, their glint suggesting more than just a decorative presence. Sacred objects are everywhere—gracing museum galleries, adorning homes, or even standing in yards. Some shine with bejeweled splendor, while others carry the patina of generations of devotion. Often, it feels as if these sacred images are looking back at us. The ways in which sacred objects convey divine presence in many Asian cultures offer a fascinating glimpse into how the material world intersects with the spiritual. My research focuses on this intersection, exploring how s...
