Happy year of the tiger! It feels as if we have been celebrating non-stop since Christmas, new year, then lunar new year. I’m not complaining. The last two years have taught me that every moment is a moment worth celebrating.
I’m extremely proud that Rén, The Ancient Chinese Art of Finding Peace and Fulfilment was released on 3rd February and is now available in all good bookshops and online. Writing the book played a very big part of my life through the pandemic as it anchored my focus and gave me a strong purpose outside of my family. Looking back, it’s hard to remember the details—humans are resilient like that—but there were many low moments where writing, or even family couldn’t hold my spirits (even with deadlines looming). Instead, focusing on my Rén practice and giving myself space to just be—by acknowledging the situation and the fact that we were doing our best—helped me get through the most difficult times.
Though Covid-19 is very much still a part of our lives, we’ve come through so much that it would be impossible to ignore our strength and growth—individually and together. In the spirit of Rén 仁, I want us to celebrate this as a time for togetherness.
Book blurb
The Chinese character for Rén 仁 combines the word for 'person' 亻and the number 'two' 二, representing human connection. And in the teachings of ancient philosopher Confucius, Rén is the study of our relationship with those around us.
In this accessible and beautiful book, Yen Ooi explains the various facets of Rén and explores how this philosophy applies to everything from our relationship with ourselves and the people in our lives, to how we relate to society and the wider world.
She shows us how, using the basic principles of Rén and through simple changes to our lives, we can connect better with friends, family and colleagues, become helpful members of society and find fulfilment in ideas of community, justice, morality and compassion.
Lunar new year is a time for families to get together, and though my family are scattered all over the globe, I’m grateful for their good health and safety during these times. And thank goodness for living in the 21st century—when technology has kept us connected and sane. With that, I would love to invite all of you to our online book celebration event.
Join us directly on Zoom on the day, or register on Eventbrite for the chance to win one of three signed copies of the book.
Confucius’s teachings are re-imagined for the modern age in this book where we are encouraged to constantly self-assess, judge fairly and direct our energies to what we can control. The book explores Eastern philosophical concepts of balance and harmony, credited to the ancient Chinese philosopher who was born circa 551 BCE, and lays a groundwork on how they can be applied to our everyday lives. This is an informative and grounding read and one that anyone would benefit from keeping as a reference whenever a moment of clarity is needed.
I hope that Rén will find a place in your life as it did mine, and would love to hear your thoughts about the book and/or your practice. Write me at info@yenooi.com.
The learned are supportive, encouraging and personable.
The Analects 13:28