Jag kan ha fel och andra visdomar från mitt liv som buddhistmunk

Jag kan ha fel och andra visdomar från mitt liv som buddhistmunk I May Be Wrong

In his mid-twenties Björn Lindeblad goes from pursuing a promising career as a business executive, to uprooting his life and giving away all his possessions to become a Buddhist forest monk in the jungles of Thailand. There he is given his monk name, Natthiko, meaning “one who grows in wisdom.” Seventeen years of monastery life later, he returns to his native Sweden. Lost, unemployed and with no money to his name, he crashes headfirst into a depression. But owing to his learnings and generous surroundings, he discovers a new path forwards and became a much beloved public speaker and meditation instructor. In 2018, Björn was diagnosed with the incurable disease ALS.

In I May Be Wrong, Björn shares his hard-won insights into how one can live a more free and present life, improving one’s mental well-being in the process. Finding hope and beauty in the face of unfavorable odds, and drawing from his experiences of monastery life, where death was ever-present, he also reflects on what stands out as most important when things are coming to an end. Besides brimming with eye-opening perspectives, this life-affirming book further outlines helpful hands-on exercises we can use in our daily lives to find our inner peace.

I May Be Wrong became 2020’s No. 1 bestselling non-fiction title in Sweden.

“With our potential to maintain a peaceful state of mind, it is possible to remain optimistic in the face of difficulties. Björn Natthiko Lindeblad, a former forest monk in Thailand, relates his experience of training to properly direct his thoughts which can benefit all.” – His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Awards

Bookseed (Book of the Year) South Korea 2023
YES24 (Book of the Year) South Korea 2022
The Nextory E-book Award (Best Biography or Reportage) Sweden 2022
Shortlisted for Storytel Awards (Best Non-Fiction) Finland 2022
Sound Award (Voice of the Year) Sweden 2021
Adlibris Award (Best Non-fiction) Sweden 2020
Storytel Awards (Best Non-fiction) Sweden 2020
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Reviews

  • “This is beautiful, just extraordinary. Bjorn details his life experiences, his decision to become a monk, the deep wisdom he absorbed living as a forest monk and the lessons he used as he faced the knowing that he was nearing the end of his life. If you read one book this year, make it this.”

    Deliciously Ella, UK

  • “[Björn Natthiko Lindeblad] is rather good at giving the impenetrable darkness what it deserves. /…/ [He] knows how to twist and turn his prose in order to call our attention to things, and sort of make them new all together.”

    Göteborgsposten, Sweden

  • “[Björn’s words] are so wise, so filled with insight, so beautiful, so fragile – and at the same time, so unbearably painful. /…/ It’s so important, so vulnerable and so filled with emotion and wisdom. It’s impossible to guard against.”

    Aftonbladet, Sweden

  • “Every now and then a self-help book comes along that genuinely stays with you – and this is one such book . /…/ It will encourage you to let go of the small stuff, accept the things you cannot control and open your heart and mind to a more happy and peaceful life.”

    Woman & Home, UK

  • I May Be Wrong offers practical wisdom and profound solace. /…/ Björn shares his journey in a very relatable and honest way. He invites you into his world and keeps you interested because you want to know how it all ended up.”

    Happy Mag, Australia

  • “[Natthiko Lindeblad] knows what truly matters when the days are limited and how we can find hope, beauty and inner peace against all odds. ”

    Usinger Anzeigenblatt am Wochenende, Germany

  • “A book that is an asset to every library!”

    Bibliotheksnachrichten, Germany

  • “An enlightening read.”

    DONNA, Germany

  • I May Be Wrong is a very emotional read that tells the lifestory of Björn Lindeblad – his spirituality and wisdom is down-to-earth and authentic.”

    Buecherplaza.de, Germany

  • “In a book in which the spiritual path is intertwined with an extraordinary personal story, Björn Natthiko Lindeblad, former forest monk and master of wisdom, reminds us that practicing humility is a fundamental principle for a happy life, a true anchor of salvation in dark times. Taking life lightly – but not superficially – he teaches us that living is always, in any case, a wonderful gift to be enjoyed to the last drop.”

    Food Mood Mag, Italy

  • “A book to read before you go to sleep, to take on the daily challenges with more lightness and a less heavy heart.”

    Donna Moderna, Italy

  • “What a wonderful title! If reading lots of books teaches you anything, it’s that everyone thinks they’re right pretty much all of the time. So how magnificently disconcerting of this Swedish former forest monk to admit to doubts, even profound ones, first off. His book is a multiple prize-winner across Europe, and you can quickly see why. /…/ I May Be Wrong is no self-help book, but it contains more wisdom and will do more people more good than the complete works of Paul McKenna. /…/ [Lindeblad] just accepts his bad luck as he accepted his previous good luck when it came. He comes over as a wondrous man who has lived a good life, and what better can be said for anyone? /…/ This is a book of some brilliance, although, of course, I May Be Wrong.”

    The Daily Mail, UK

  • “An exciting tale. /…/ The most poignant and enchanting pages of Björn’s tale are precisely the ones in which he tells us, with the most poetic imagery, what it really means to make peace with oneself.”

    Il Giorno, Italy

  • “With this book, written after the diagnosis of a terminal illness, [Natthiko Lindeblad] retraces his own spiritual path. In doing so he manages to remind us that if we all lived life with humility and lightness (which does not mean superficiality) it would make everyone happier.”

    Corriere Salute, Italy

  • “A book that exudes calmness and wisdom makes me want to start over immediately after reading it. /…/ Lindeblad’s story is a strong and humane speech in favour of goodness.”

    ★★★★★

    Kulttuuritoimitus, Finland

  • “Forget Björn Borg and ABBA-Björn. Sweden’s true gift to us Nordic hectic people is the former forest monk Björn Natthiko Lindeblad. /…/ When Björn conveys the most important insight from his monk life, ‘Don’t believe your every thought’ I feel the Björnianism spreading.”

    Helsingin Sanomat, Finland

  • “This is a human, wise and peaceful guide to having a good life. /…/ The wisdom radiating from the book’s pages never seems artificial, but rather formed through a long and difficult life experience. /…/ [I May Be Wrong] is definitely worth reading!”

    Kirjavinkit, Finland

  • “When I got my hands on this novel, a light work of 200 pages, it seemed to immediately send a wave of peace, lightness, reconciliation and security over me. Just looking at the cover itself, where the meditating author is depicted, evoked (and still does) these feelings in me. What’s more, when you immerse yourself in the text, it’s a real caress for the soul. [Natthiko’s] kind words, humility and pure humanity not only confirmed these initial feelings of mine, but also strengthened them. This unique story, which Björn reveals chronologically through short chapters, was therefore very easy and fast to read. /…/ There are few such beautifully written and humanely presented books out there. Adding to that, with a topical mission that highlights the power of the mind and the skill of working with our thoughts, which is invaluable, liberating and also more than necessary in today’s fast-paced age. I have nothing to fault [I May Be Wrong]. That’s why I give it full points and wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone! It will open your eyes and likely the gateway to your mind and soul.”

    Booxy, Czech Republic

  • “This is a deeply human story, answering many questions about the lives of people who leave the beaten tracks of the Western world on the way to find themselves. /…/ I May Be Wrong is a comprehensive and detailed source of information, capable of answering even the most intimate questions in a humorous and concise manner. /…/  Those who are trying to understand the seemingly illogical choices of their loved ones will find great strength in the book. (…) Björn Natthiko Lindeblad shows that the secret of spiritual development lies not in what we subscribe to, what we do or don’t do, but in authenticity, listening to ourselves, deep humility and endless and ever-repeating failures. Even a Buddhist monk gets angry, afraid and cries. His lifelong mission was to be kind to himself and others and to look at the world with friendly humor. At the very least, this book is a nice stroke of the soul for people who don’t just want to survive life, but rather live it to the fullest.”

    iLiteratura, Czech Republic

  • “When I had finished reading [I May Be Wrong], I thought to myself that this is not a book to put away, but rather to share and keep rereading – which is why I suggest to you now to read it. /…/ What you find in the book will depend on what you are looking for. Personally, I found a genuine story, which in turn made me think about who I am and the way I live. I felt that Björn Lindeblad wanted the readers to understand through his book the importance of thoughts in their lives and how they can inflict psychological suffering, hurt and limit one’s actions. After becoming aware of the power of thoughts, Lindeblad wants the reader to free themselves and for this result he shares his experience and tools. This is a book where the reading should be savored, over time and and to which you return and keep revisiting several times over.

    7Margens, Portugal

  • “Björn Natthiko Lindeblad draws on his personal story to reflect, in a lighthearted and humorous way, about contemporary and timeless issues. /…/ [I May Be Wrong] is a short and enjoyable book to read (I myself read it in one sitting). /…/ The author’s empathy that characterizes his writing has won over an eclectic audience around the world by going beyond the religious focus of Buddhism to talk about difficulties that all people face, regardless of context, culture or age.”

    O Folha de Minas, Brazil

  • “A beautiful testimony about living an accepting life, act in spite of fear, be open to change – even difficult changes such as terminal illness – and it all enfolded me in a sense of peace. A great read for difficult times.”

    Opetani Czytaniem, Poland

  • “[An] extraordinary life. /…/ A book that, improbably, mixes elements of profundity and sweetness in equal measure. I read it, turning down the corners of those pages where I wished to refer back to something, and marking certain passages with a pencil. By the end, almost every page was folded and marked.”

    The Telegraph, UK

  • “[W]ill change your life. /…/This is particularly helpful for those who are tempted to run when the path we so desperately wished for is going in completely the opposite direction. If you sweat the small stuff, and want to learn how not to, this one’s for you. ”

    Belfast Telegraph, UK

  • “I have few books that are truly close to my heart, but this autobiographical book written by Björn Natthiko Lindeblad is one of them. The author tells with humour and ease about his journey. /…/ The book is for those who wants a life-affirming reader’s experience and an insight into how even the most harmonious individuals take on the highs and lows of life. A book that inspired me to encounter myself and others with love and humbleness.”

    Elle Magazine, Sweden

  • “The book contains so many wisdoms that tie in with the big issues that the world wrestles with today. /…/ Heart-rending, yet at the same time so beautiful.”

    Nyhetsmorgon, Sweden

  • “[I May Be Wrong] is wise, beautiful, warm – and written with humour.”

    Femina, Sweden

  • “Beautiful and moving.”

    Hela Gotland, Sweden

  • “It’s an astounding life story. /…/ Björn Natthiko Lindeblad talks with vulnerability about the one thing we all know for certain: that at some point, we will all die. /…/ Why, he wonders, does our culture’s narrative about death talk only of battle, resistance and denial? /…/ A different perspective on a dilemma that is admittedly timeless, but also unusually present this particular year.”

    Dagens Nyheter, Sweden

  • “All of us have faced uncertainties and nasty surprises at some point in our lives. Former forest monk turned bestselling author, the late Björn Natthiko Lindeblad’s book, I May Be Wrong, is one of those rare finds that will help you overcome the ‘wrongs’ and give you the courage and guidance to make all the ‘right’ choices in life. /…/ The chapter “It Starts With You” is an eye-opener. There are moments, you feel the author is talking about your life experiences in the book. /…/ The last chapter of the book strikes an emotional chord as the author talks about his struggles of returning to a ‘normal’ life. (…) The everyday experiences and wisdom resonate with people from all walks of life. No wonder I May Be Wrong is a bestseller!


    Deccan Chronicle, India

  • “In this international bestseller, former forest monk Björn Natthiko Lindeblad draws on his humbling journey towards navigating uncertainty – helping you, with kindness and good humour, too. ”

    The Seedling, UK

  • I May Be Wrong by Björn Natthiko Lindeblad was probably the best book I read last year. (…) Björn’s words taught me to question everything I thought I already knew, and how to accept things we simply cannot control. While I’m not planning on escaping to the jungles of Thailand and becoming a forest monk anytime soon, reading about Björn’s experiences was captivating beyond measure. The wisdom he imparts from his learnings and journey through Buddhist education is profound and would serve anybody in any walk of life enormously. Everybody should read this book. ”

    HELLO! Magazine, UK

  • I May Be Wrong is a thought-provoking and insightful book. /…/ The book is a Sunday Times bestseller and for good reason as it is a well-written and engaging read, which offers a unique perspective on the so-called human experience. The author’s writing style is clear and concise, making the book easy to follow and understand, thus sharing his personal experiences and knowledge in a way that is understandable and inspiring. /…/ One of the book’s strengths is its ability to challenge readers’ preconceptions about spirituality and the human experience. Lindeblad encourages readers to challenge their beliefs and explore new ways of thinking, while offering practical advice on how to live a more fulfilled life and how to find inner peace. Overall, I May Be Wrong is an excellent book, worth the read. It is a thought-provoking and inspiring book, leaving readers with a new perspective on life. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in spirituality, personal growth, or simply wanting to live a more fulfilling life.

    Newshub Magazine, Greece

  • “Comfort in Words. /…/ This is a lovely little easy read. ”

    NewsFour, Ireland

Author
Björn Natthiko Lindeblad
Published
2020
Genre
  • Non-fiction
Pages
192
Reading material

Swedish edition

English translation

Rights sold

Brazil, Intrinseca

Bulgaria, Kibea

China, Beijing ST (Simplified Chinese)

Croatia, Koncept

Czech Republic, Kniha Zlin

Denmark, Memoris

Estonia, Hea Lugu

Finland, Aula Kustannus

France, Ambre Éditions

Germany, Dtv

Greece, Minoas

Hungary, Cartaphilus

Israel, Modan

Italy, Vallardi

Japan, Sunmark

Korea, Dasan

Latvia, Zvaigzne ABC

Lithuania, Balto

Mongolia, Buteelch Publishing

Netherlands, Het Spectrum

Norway, Publicom

Poland, Foksal

Portugal, Lua de Papel

Romania, Trei

Russia, Bombora

Serbia, Vulkan

Slovenia, Vida Zalozba

Spain, Ariel

Sweden, Bonnier Fakta

Taiwan, Prophet (Complex Chinese)

Thailand, Book Time

Türkiye, Dogan Egmont

UK, Bloomsbury

Vietnam, Vanvietbooks

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