Publisher’s partner says book about ‘barefoot monk’ hasn’t received approval

Read a version of this story in Vietnamese

A publisher hasn’t received government approval to release a book about Thich Minh Tue, the “barefoot monk” who became an internet sensation earlier this year after his ascetic lifestyle attracted a following as he traveled by foot across Vietnam, a business partner said.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Information received a request for a publishing permit and a deposit in September for the book, which is based on Tue’s discussions on YouTube about Buddhism, according to Hoang Nhon, the director of Khai Tam Culture Co. Ltd.

The ministry’s Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution should have issued a decision to release the book – entitled “The Fragrance Going Against the Wind” – within 14 days. But two months have gone by without any notification, Nhon said on Facebook on Dec .12.

In early June, authorities dispersed Tue and a group of followers while they were on a cross-country pilgrimage in Thua Thien Hue province in central Vietnam.

At the time, several influencers had been documenting his pilgrimage on TikTok and other social media platforms. He amassed legions of supporters who were drawn to his simple lifestyle and humble attitude.

(AFP)

Tue sported a shaved head, patched robe and a rice cooker as an alms bowl. He isn’t officially a monk because he’s not recognized by the state-sanctioned Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, or community. He also hasn’t claimed to be a monk – only a man trying to live out Buddha’s teachings.

‘Why are they afraid?’

Khai Tam Culture Co. partnered with Da Nang Publisher on the book project soon after Tue’s pilgrimage.

When Nhon called the publisher last week to check on the book’s status, a company representative said it wasn’t permitted to be released, Nhon said.

Nhon told Radio Free Asia on Monday that he was still waiting for an official letter from the publisher detailing the reasons why the release of the book was rejected.

“Honestly, I don’t know who or which agency has the authority to ban the book,” he said. “This matter has exceeded the authority of the publisher and even that of the Authority of Publication, Printing, and Distribution.”

Nhon said he has collaborated with many publishers on multiple book projects since Khai Tam Culture Co. was established in 2021. However, this was the first time that a book’s release was prohibited even though it had already been printed, he said.

“Why are they afraid of a citizen learning and practicing the Buddha’s teachings?” Nhon asked. “Why are they afraid that his stories will reach readers and resonate with society?”

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Authorities in Vietnam are almost always wary of social movements outside of the control of the ruling Communist Party.

Since the June raid, Tue has disappeared from public view for extended periods.Last month, a letter purported to be written by Tue said he had renounced his vow of poverty, although supporters questioned its authenticity.

In late November, he embarked on a walking pilgrimage to India. He crossed into Laos last week.

A Buddhist resident who requested anonymity for personal safety told RFA last week that the government may have wanted him to leave the country to keep him out of sight domestically.

A Vietnam-based observer who has closely followed Tue noted that there has been almost no state-owned media coverage of the pilgrimage to India.

RFA was unable to reach the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution or the Vietnam Government Committee for Religious Affairs for comment about the book. Da Nang Publisher was also unavailable for comment.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Matt Reed.