Zen to the rescue of modern society

Tibetan Buddhist scholar Sodargye reveals in his new book some tips to help people deal with their fast-paced lives.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Sodargye, a well-known Tibetan Buddhist teacher, recently released a new book in Chinese.

Titled Ni Zai Mang Shenme (What Are You Busy Doing?), it offers tips on how to apply the wisdom of Buddhism to fast-paced lives in today's world.

Born in Garze county of the Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province, Sodargye spent his early years reciting Buddhist sutras while herding cattle in the mountainous area in southwestern China.

Now, his Sina Weibo micro-blog account is followed by nearly 2 million users. He explains the Buddhist philosophy in a layman's language on social media.

"Nowadays, everyone is busy doing things, not only in the physical world but also inside a person's mind. But few know what they are really busy with," Sodargye, 53, writes in the preface to his book.

"Therefore, it is more important to seek wisdom for a peaceful mind. This wisdom is everywhere in Buddhism."

During an interview with China Daily through e-mail, he recalls his younger days on the mountains, saying that his main activity back then was to take yaks to graze on the grass. The setting, he adds, was of blue skies and white clouds.

"All my worries would go away, ... I remember the delight nature and a peaceful mind always brought me."

At the age of 23, Sodargye went to study Buddhism at Larung Buddhist Institute in a nearby county and became a student of its founder Jigme Phuntsok, who is considered an influential Tibetan Buddhist master in the country.

Through learning, debating and writing, Sodargye soon became a khenpo, the title for a senior Buddhist monk with high discipline.