In this episode of Book Circle Online, media personality Katerina Cozias interviews author and Tibetan monk Geshe Michael Roach about his new book “China Love You: The Death of Global Competition”, co-authored with Chinese businessman Dr. Eric Wu. The conversation explores the philosophical foundation of the book, Michael’s journey from a monastery to multi-million-dollar business, and an alternative to the global competition mindset.
Michael shares how, after 25 years in a Tibetan monastery and becoming the first Westerner in 600 years to receive the Geshe degree, he was sent to New York by his teachers to test Buddhist principles in the real world. With just $7 and no Western clothes, he co-founded a diamond company that later grew to $250 million in annual revenue and was acquired by Warren Buffett.
At the heart of the book is the Four-Step Method based on the ancient idea of planting “mental seeds” — a core concept from the Diamond Cutter Sutra:
- Step 1: Decide what you truly want (wealth, love, peace, health, etc.);
- Step 2: Find someone who wants the same thing;
- Step 3: Help that person, for free, at least one hour per week;
- Step 4: Each night before sleep, reflect on the good you did — this “watering” accelerates the seed’s growth.
Roach contrasts this philosophy with Western-style competition. He explains that helping others — even competitors — is the fastest way to success. It’s a concept he calls “intelligent altruism,” and he presents it as a peaceful alternative to the emerging cold war between the U.S. and China.
The interview also explores deeper topics, including cultural differences between Eastern collectivism and Western individualism, the rise of fast food in China, and how collaborative action is essential in the face of growing global population challenges.
Michael emphasizes that America has much to learn from China — including the value of philosophies embedded in the Diamond Cutter Sutra, the world’s oldest printed book. His bestselling works — “The Diamond Cutter,” “The Karma of Love,” “How Yoga Works,” and “The Garden” — apply these teachings to success in business, relationships, health, and meditation.
“China Love You” is more than a book about business or diplomacy. It’s a call for a new kind of global relationship — where one’s success is planted through contributing to the success of others. As Katerina sums it up: “This is a philosophy worth trying — whether you run a gas station in Missouri or dream of hosting on national TV in L.A.”
