Tricycle Talks Writing in Exile with Bhuchung D. Sonam
Aug 13, 2025
Bhuchung D. Sonam is an exiled Tibetan writer, poet, and founder of TibetWrites, dedicated to amplifying contemporary Tibetan voices. He shares how writing has been a lifeline in exile, transforming pain into art. The discussion covers the importance of ordinary Tibetan stories, literature as a cultural bridge, and storytelling as a form of resistance against oppression. Sonam also reflects on the nuanced influences of Buddhism in Tibetan literature and reads poignant poems, exploring themes of exile and identity.
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Writing Heals Exile Pain
- Bhuchung D. Sonam says writing eased the loneliness and trauma of exile and helped him stay grounded.
- He turned frustration into poetry, essays, and stories to communicate exile experiences to wider audiences.
Eat, Sleep, Read The Language
- To master a new language, Bhuchung recommends immersing yourself by thinking, sleeping, and reading in it.
- He credits extensive reading for deep fluency beyond classroom instruction.
Translation As Cultural Bridge
- Translation builds bridges between Tibetans in exile, writers inside Tibet, and international readers.
- Bhuchung sees translators as essential connectors for cultural and political continuity.