“Even Though the Snail is Slow, It’s Not Late” by Ven. Jeongmok

February 7, 2024 119 Views

When it comes to books written by monks, they often contain comforting phrases that resonate with life. The sentences are concise yet profound, making them easy to read, which is an advantage. However, the simplicity and readability of the sentences do not mean that this book is “lightweight.” Rather, it is a deep book that manages to “lighten” the heart.

“One who knows how to control the mind will not be troubled by anything.”

Reading the phrases in the book one by one gives a sense of comfort. It feels like the monk’s heart is being conveyed through the words. At the same time, there is a feeling as if the monk is personally reading the book.

The book is filled with short and concise but gem-like phrases. However, among them, there is a phrase that resonates a little more:

“Death is not something that ends or drops the curtain, but merely a form that changes.”
“Only those who have felt despair due to meaninglessness, despair, and frustration about where they are heading can eventually find the right direction.” – U Jotika Sayadaw (Myanmar) –

“The Vitamin Called Pain”

In the middle of the book, there is a phrase, “The Vitamin Called Pain,” which is both fresh and amusing. Comparing pain to a “vitamin” feels like something encountered for the first time. While we often want to avoid momentary pain, likening it to a “vitamin” suggests that pain can be a catalyst for growth, making it a profound analogy.

Below are some of the phrases introduced in the book:

”Enemies are like fragile flower petals,
Do not waste your life fighting them!
Family, relatives, and friends are temporary guests in our lives.”

Among the golden sayings of Native American Indians from the mainland United States is a passage about “friendship,” which goes as follows:

“Friendship is the most severe test of character.
Friendship provides spiritual help and encouragement rather than pleasure and mutual understanding.
The purest union of human to human is friendship.”

There is also a brief description of “soulmates,” which goes as follows:

”Soulmates do not try to possess each other,
They do not try to win,
Without feelings of superiority or inferiority,
They can understand each other,
They do not hinder each other’s freedom,
They are friends of the heart.”

“Peace Begins with Me”

Additionally, there are several other good quotes to be found. Particularly, quotes emphasizing agency, such as “Peace begins with me,” resonated with me. Ultimately, one could say, “The peace of my mind depends on my determination.”

Finally, the book ends with a poem by Jean-Luc, a French poet and filmmaker, titled “Even Though the Snail is Slow, It’s Not Late.”