Interview with Bhante Sujatha

Author of Sitting on the Toolbox: Buddha’s Wisdom for a Joyful Life

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am from Sri Lanka. Now live in Crystal Lake IL

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I am traveling Buddhist monk. I travel all over the world and help people find happiness.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

To help people find peace and happiness.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Practical guidelines for happiness and joy in everyday life.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Men and women of all ages, especially young teens through adults.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I learned there are so many ways to help people.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I am very happy with the entire journey and process.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as I can.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

I have really enjoyed the experience.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strength is marketing. As founder of and head monk at the Blue Lotus Temple and Meditation Center outside Chicago, I am blessed with a wonderful congregation. I also founded a Buddhist temple in my home country of Sri Lanka, plus I frequently travel the world, speaking to and teaching thousands of people. In fact, I created this book as a way to reach the people who know and my work as well as the many people who I can’t meet in person no matter how much I travel. I am regularly in touch with my followers through my websites, my Facebook pages, and Instagram.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness is definitely writing. I am much more naturally a speaker and storyteller (plus English is my third language), which is why I hired my writing partner and collaborator, Stacey Stern, to write and publish the book with me.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Don’t know yet.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self-published.