“Ultra-Translated Words of the Buddha” is a book that concisely presents the core teachings of Buddhist scriptures in a way that fits the daily lives of modern people. In early 2024, sales surged after Jang Won-young, a member of the girl group IVE, recommended the book on Instagram. Subsequently, it maintained a top spot on bestseller lists at online bookstores for several weeks, and a large-print edition was also released. Therefore, it is a suitable choice for busy modern individuals who want to approach Buddhist doctrines without feeling burdened.
Why “Ultra-Translated Words of the Buddha” Became a Bestseller After Jang Won-young’s Recommendation, and How to Read It
1. Why is “Ultra-Translated Words of the Buddha” popular?
Rather than translating the original texts verbatim, this book selects key sentences from Buddhist scriptures and rewrites them in everyday language. Each chapter consists of one or two sentences, making it easy to read during a commute or while having a cup of coffee. As a result, readers can develop the habit of calming their minds by reading just a few lines a day, without needing time to open up lengthy scriptures.
“Ultra-Translated Words of the Buddha” conveys the Buddha’s teachings through short, everyday expressions.
2. Who especially recommends this book?
In the spring of 2024, Jang Won-young of IVE posted a photo of “Ultra-Translated Words of the Buddha” on her personal SNS, introducing it as a “must-read for mindfulness.” Fans immediately purchased the book from bookstores, and it trended in real-time searches on online bookstores, with sales increasing threefold compared to the previous week. The publisher stated that they released a large-print edition to reflect demand for gifts for parents with weak eyesight.
Recommendations from idols and the large-print edition expanded the reader base.
3. How to read this book effectively?
Reading one page aloud in the morning with a glass of water is a good way to settle your mind at the start of the day. In the evening, developing the habit of flipping through the book and writing down the emotions you felt that day in a memo can help reduce stress. It is also a good idea to set a timer to ensure you do not read for more than five minutes a day, avoiding reading too much at once.
Reading in short sessions and taking notes makes it easier to apply the teachings to real life.
4. What should you be aware of when purchasing?
Currently, there are two versions available for sale: the standard edition and the large-print edition, both published by Forest Books in 2024. The standard edition costs 12,000 KRW, and the large-print edition costs 15,000 KRW. Stock availability can be checked at major online and physical bookstores. If stock runs out, the publisher has planned additional print runs, so it is recommended to set up a restock notification.
Choose the edition that suits your purpose (standard or large-print) and use restock notifications.
5. How does it differ from other adapted works?
Adapted works by Schopenhauer or Seneca interpret Western philosophy in modern language, whereas “Ultra-Translated Words of the Buddha” focuses on Eastern Buddhist scriptures. Therefore, it provides more direct application examples for readers interested in meditation or practicing compassion. In contrast, adapted works on Western philosophy deal with ethical or ontological questions.
“Ultra-Translated Words of the Buddha” is differentiated by providing practical, Buddhism-centered teachings.
6. What to do right now
Pick up “Ultra-Translated Words of the Buddha” at a bookstore and open the first page. After reading, write down one line about what you felt in a memo, and decide on a small action to apply during the day. This way, the book becomes part of your life rather than just something to read.
Start with small practices to apply the book’s teachings to your daily life.