Interview With Author Quang Trí
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an American Buddhist monk at the Phuoc Hue Buddhist Temple of San Antonio. I am one of the senior Dharma and meditation teachers at the temple and give regular workshops, classes, and lectures to the community (schools, prisons, interfaith events, conferences, etc.). I’ve written two books: The Buddha Journey: Questions & Answers for the Awakening Mind, and Meditations: Aspirations & Reflections for a Happier Life.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Buddha Journey: Questions & Answers for the Awakening Mind (2nd edition). I first wrote this book (the 1st edition) many years before ordaining as a monk. I always knew I wanted to rewrite it from my now monastic perspective. After almost seven years of being ordained, I finally got around to rewriting it! The original book was inspired by my blog that I had at the time with the same name. It first started as a place to express my journey and experience as I seriously started with my practice. Over the years, people online started asking me questions (especially on Tumblr) and it pretty much took off from there. The first section of the book is a basic history of Buddhism, the Buddha, and his fundamental teachings. I expanded this section in the second edition. Section two of the book are all the questions and answers, over 100 in all. Many of them are questions I borrowed from the first edition, but most are new questions. It is my hope that this book will inspire and shed light on some questions many new or curious minds might have on Buddhism.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No? Maybe. I’ve loved writing for as long as I can remember. I was an editor at my college’s newspaper and aspired to become a writer or journalist in my early college years. Though, I never became a journalist, I still had many great opportunities in many roles during my working career that allowed me to write and edit.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve never had any “favorites” of anything. Having a favorite something seems too limiting. So I can’t exactly answer who or what is my favorite or what influenced me. But generally speaking, the lack of this type of book (a book just full of Q&A’s) in the Buddhist genre is lacking, so that alone was my biggest influence.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on another meditation book. My other book, Meditations: Aspirations & Reflections for a Happier Life, is a very basic, quick book on meditation. It lacks real in-depth insight and instruction on meditation. So, I really want to write an expansive meditation manual type of book next.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth and social media! I doubt I will ever be a “world famous” author or anything, and that’s not really my aspiration. Instead, my books are simple and applicable resources for anyone, regardless of religion, belief, age, location, gender, etc.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing a book is hard! But don’t give up. The hardest part of writing the book is starting it! Once it’s done and you have the finished product in your hands, it’s an amazing feeling and makes all the challenges and struggles worth it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The formula for being unoffendable. If someone is trying to offend you or insult you, simply ask yourself: “Is it true?” If it’s true, then you know and they know it, so why are you offended? If it’s not true, then you know it and they also probably know it, so why are you offended? Other people’s opinions and perceptions of you is none of your business.
What are you reading now?
Lots! I have a bad habit of reading multiple books at a time, which causes me to sometimes take forever to finish a book!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue writing, of course! I will never stop writing for as long as I can still type.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Excellent question! 1) The Dhammapada. 2) The Lotus Sutra. 3) The Expanse (series). 4) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
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