Jhon Dave Cusipag

Zen Buddhist teacher and author Haemin Sunim 

Zen Buddhist teacher and author Haemin Sunim holding his latest book “When Things Don’t Go Your Way.”

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Juliet Seva

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173797894106920250127110136_1776f946-3614-4a7b-9740-ddf2ecc79f9e.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Zen Buddhist teacher and author Haemin Sunim holding his latest book “When Things Don’t Go Your Way.”"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Zen Buddhist teacher and author Haemin Sunim holding his latest book “When Things Don’t Go Your Way.” </span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- The key to being happy in life involves a lot of reading and being authentically present, according to world-renowned Zen monk and bestselling author Haemin Sunim during his visit in Manila on Saturday, January 25.</p><p>Not just for the main reason that he is a writer, Sunim believes that dipping into books can lead to one’s blissfulness. He says that “we become happier when our minds expand” because it teaches us to connect more with ourselves, other people, and nature.</p><p>People’s limited experiences in the world can be extended through books, which help us “live different lives vicariously,” according to Sunim.</p><p>The habit of reading alone also allows people to have a sense of wholeness, the South Korean Zen monk adds.</p><p>During his visit to UP Korea Research Center on Friday, a bookworm who’s also battling cancer came up to Sunim and shared how his books helped them in their healing journey. For the South Korean author, being of help to his readers is what drives him the most to continue his work.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFPYzz2Toen/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=485&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A23497117.799999997%2C%22ls%22%3A564288.5%2C%22le%22%3A564622.599999994%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1161" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>In Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the Zen Buddhist teacher started his book signing event by leading his readers to an afternoon meditation. </p><p>He also taught his Filipino readers some practical tips on how to not be caught by difficult emotions and instead relax one’s mind.</p><p>According to Sunim, if you have five seconds, the fastest way to lighten up your day is to smile and allow your body to relax. Alternatively, you can also try to laugh or say “HA” up to ten times.</p><p>If you have one minute, properly breathe in and out three times. </p><p>If you have 30 minutes, take a walk.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyaqCkNpJvH/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=485&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A23442345.799999997%2C%22ls%22%3A564288.5%2C%22le%22%3A564622.599999994%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1633" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Sunim had his first writing experience in 2000 when a local newspaper asked him to publish an article. His work received a lot of attention until he was asked to produce the story as a book. That article has been expanded to the now-popular self-help guide, “The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down.”</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE9Dk4mS7HC/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=485&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A23411095.799999997%2C%22ls%22%3A564288.5%2C%22le%22%3A564622.599999994%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="886" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Sunim’s latest work, “When Things Don’t Go Your Way,” gives readers a guide on how to improve their mental well-being and how to develop emotional agility in the face of challenges. </p><p>His other self-help books, “Love for Imperfect Things” and “The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down,” are also highly regarded; in fact, more than three million copies of the latter have already been distributed.</p><p>His other self-help books, “Love for Imperfect Things” and “The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down,” are also highly regarded; in fact, more than three million copies of the latter have already been distributed. All of Sunim&#x27;s works are available in physical stores and on the website of the bookstore chain Fully Booked. </p><p>Despite being a Zen monk, Sunim clarifies that his books only talk about general values and not fixed religious beliefs that might raise the eyebrows of others who differ in religion.</p><p>Without giving away too many details, Sunim revealed that he is planning to publish soon his new and fourth book, which will carry the main lesson of contentment.</p>

<p>The key to being happy in life involves a lot of reading and being authentically present, according to world-known Zen monk and bestselling author Haemin Sunim.</p>

The key to being happy in life involves a lot of reading and being authentically present, according to world-known Zen monk and bestselling author Haemin Sunim.

Finding bliss in pages: How reading produces happy people

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Finding bliss in pages: How reading produces happy people

Juliet Seva,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 27, 2025 04:09 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 31, 2025 11:26 AM PHT

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