Vietnamese readers explore a monk's journey in Running Toward Mystery's new translation

A new Vietnamese translation of Running Toward Mystery, the memoir by Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche, has been released by Nhã Nam Publishing House. The book traces his extraordinary path from a Hindu Brahmin childhood in India to life as a Buddhist monk and scholar. Alongside this, his photography exhibition Solivagant was displayed in Hà Nội last November, offering viewers a contemplative visual experience.

Born into a Hindu Brahmin family, Tenzin Priyadarshi experienced vivid visions as a child. At just ten years old, he followed a dream of monks meditating on a mountain, eventually finding a monastery that matched his vision. Though his parents initially brought him home, his sense of calling persisted, leading him to embrace Buddhism despite its unfamiliarity.

His memoir, Running Toward Mystery, recounts this journey in detail. It explores how mentors like the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Mother Teresa shaped his spiritual and intellectual growth. Robert A. F. Thurman, a professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, praised the book as 'utterly amazing, told with honesty and elegance,' calling it a source of inspiration for those searching for meaning.

Beyond writing, Tenzin Priyadarshi serves as President and CEO of the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at MIT. His work there emphasises spirituality as an active force for societal good, rather than a retreat from the world. In November 2024, his photography exhibition Solivagant was shown in Hà Nội, inviting audiences to reflect on perception and inner exploration.

Since his 2020 photography collection In Varying Degrees of Focus, no major new exhibitions or shifts in his artistic approach have been reported. His creative and philosophical work remains consistent, rooted in themes of introspection and ethical engagement.

The Vietnamese edition of Running Toward Mystery is now available, offering local readers insight into Tenzin Priyadarshi's transformative life story. His memoir and recent exhibition continue to encourage self-reflection and dialogue on spirituality's role in modern society. The book's themes and his ongoing work at MIT reinforce the idea that inner exploration can shape broader positive change.