Within a Tree, There Is a Flower. Within a Rock, There Is a Flame
Synopsis "Within a Tree, There Is a Flower. Within a Rock, There Is a Flame"
'Within a tree, there is a flower. Within a rock, there is a flame' is a beautiful and attractive title given by Senior Venerable Thich Nguyen Tang for his new book. He is the Abbot of the Quang Duc Buddhist Monastery in Melbourne, Australia, and has written many books and Dharma articles with the great intention of propagating the Buddha's noble teaching worldwide. This is another remarkable, outstanding, and meaningful book, his 21st, which he presents for his valuable worldwide readers.He is a prolific author, having written many books and articles on many different subjects. This book is a collection of articles written by him regarding various topics. The themes selected by the author are outstanding and deserve readers' attraction. The presentation style of those articles is very simple, but the content is very profound. All articles that have been written by the author are based on common and individual experiences that he had through events in his monastic life. One who reads these articles will experience 'Bodhi Citta' - the consciousness of enlightenment, since that concept is emphasized in every article. Moreover, they show us the author's penetrative knowledge, wisdom, understanding, inner potentiality, positive energy, and inner cultivation.The letter of complaint to the National Gallery of Victoria shows us his bravery, steadfastness against, and intolerance of injustice. Furthermore, some articles, like 'Nirvana is Eternal Peace', reveal his philosophical and rational view, as well as the vision and profound understanding of the Mahayana School. While other articles, like 'A Tribute to Mother on Ullambana Day', expose his sensitive and soft heart.His faith and respect towards his beloved mother are commendable. Its narration is extremely beautiful. I strongly believe that all readers will be in touch with their heart while reading this very particular article. He has made an effort to bring forward the main historical and remarkable Buddhist characters of the monks (figures) who have done tremendous service for the blossoming of Buddhism. He has intended to introduce such great persons for the new generation of the Buddhist world through his writing.He conveys a very clear message for the modern hectic society through his writing. The article, named 'Who could memorize the Sutra would be my husband', is relevant for married life. This article presents the story in order to get the attention of the modern younger generation. Meanwhile, the author has made an effort to encourage the youth into practicing Buddhism by giving the message that the one who cultivates Buddhism well, would be able to have a happy wedded life with a beautiful wife. 'Buddhist View on Death and Rebirth' and 'Karma and Changing the Karma' are two articles that are related to Buddhist philosophy (principles).These articles show his skill of explaining such a profound philosophical topic in a very simple andappropriate way. The relationship of the teacher and the disciple in the Buddhist monastic order is so important and significant. Though the Buddha became enlightened by himself without any instructions of other teachers, he considered the noble teaching as his teacher. Moreover, he advised his disciples to consider noble teaching as their own teacher, after his Great Parinibbana - passing away. Buddhism evolved based on the lineage of the teachers and disciples......Master Thich Nguyen Tang contributes his positive energy, knowledge, wisdom, creativity, skill, thinking power, and knowledge of modern technology for the sake of Buddhism in every possible way. He is the future of Buddhism. Therefore, I would like to wish him a long life and good health. "May he obtain physical and mental peace, harmony, energy, and strength to keep on his noble service for the blooming of the Buddhist teaching worldwide."Dr. Bokanoruwe Dewananda
