'Into the Unknown,' a memoir by Indian Buddhist monk and scholar Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche, written over 5 years, was recently launched in Hanoi on 8/12.

Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche was born into a prosperous Brahmin family. He described having a peaceful, sheltered life with a predetermined future path. However, at 6 years old, recurring dreams of a mysterious mountain peak and robed, shaven-headed men compelled young Tenzin to seek out 'the unknown realm.'

At 10 years old, he ran away from boarding school, taking trains and buses until he arrived at the very Buddhist monastery from his dreams. Although his family found him and brought him home after two weeks, Tenzin remained determined to pursue a spiritual path, despite his parents' objections.

Indian Buddhist monk and scholar Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche at the book launch event in Hanoi. Photo: Openasia

In the book, readers are guided through the author's real experiences working in Japanese temples, studying Tibetan Buddhism, and exploring various religions. Throughout the work, encounters with extraordinary masters, including the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Mother Teresa, inspired him with integrity, compassion, and the challenges of faith. The author also shares the realization that joy is central to spiritual practice.

Ultimately, this spiritual journey led Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a renowned American research center, where he earned an integrated honorary scholar degree in philosophy, physics, and religion. He became a bridge between science and religion, spirituality and academia – seemingly disparate worlds.

Monk Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche with the editorial team of the book 'Into the Unknown'. Photo: Openasia

Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche explained that 'Into the Unknown' is his way of answering those around him about why he became a monk and how his monastic journey unfolded. The idea to write a memoir about his life, journey, and the people he met emerged when he was 25 years old. However, it took 10 years for him to begin writing the book. Beyond his busy schedule with work, teaching, and travel, his main concern was what to include in the book.

The author did not want the book's content to focus solely on himself. 'Into the Unknown' begins with Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche's life but then recounts the lessons he learned from his teachers, mentors, and advisors, as well as stories from their lives.

The book 'Into the Unknown' was written over 5 years. Photo: Openasia

Throughout the 5 years of writing the memoir, Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche carefully selected what he felt he could share with everyone. 'I didn't want to write a book about Buddhism, meditation, or exclusively for Buddhist readers, but rather a book for everyone. It helps and inspires readers to reflect on life, on mysteries, and many other things,' the author stated.

The monk noted that when the book was released, it coincided with the height of the pandemic, preventing promotional events. Despite this, readers sought it out. He received many letters from people sharing how the book helped them overcome difficult times during the pandemic or prompted them to reflect on their lives. This made him feel useful.

He believes that people tend to be confident in what they know, fear separation from familiarity, and always want to control everything. Therefore, the author hopes people can open their hearts to explore life's 'mysteries' without fear. 'That's why I left home at just 10 years old to seek out the unknown realm, to understand mysteries, and places I hadn't yet known,' he explained.

Monk Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche stated that 'commitment, mystery, and fearlessness' are the three words he wishes to convey to Vietnamese readers through this book. 'Simply be curious. Be open to life. Do not be afraid. Do not live a life in fear. And be open to embracing mysteries and what you do not yet know,' he added.

Tenzin Priyadarshi currently serves as the founding president and Chief Executive Officer of the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), an interdisciplinary research center focused on developing human ethics and global ethics.

He is a monk, philosopher, and educator. On one hand, he possesses a deep religious foundation, having been ordained by the Dalai Lama and studied Indian-Tibetan and Japanese Buddhist traditions. On the other hand, he has profound secular academic knowledge. Parallel to his spiritual path, Tenzin pursued a rigorous academic journey. In addition to being an honorary scholar at MIT, he completed a graduate program in comparative philosophy of religion at Harvard University. This enables him to teach worldwide on diverse subjects, from philosophy, science, and ethics to socio-political thought.

The monk also participates in numerous humanitarian and interfaith activities. Beyond his role at MIT, he is the founder of the Prajnopaya Foundation and Institute, a global humanitarian organization dedicated to developing health, education, and social welfare projects in many countries. Concurrently, he is an active interfaith dialogue proponent, having represented Buddhism in meetings with Pope John Paul II and engaged in dialogue with leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Yen Chi