As someone who did not resolve to become a monk as a result of difficulties in my life, there are a number of things I have to say regarding what motivated the book's protagonist, Tu Mei-hui to become a nun. Entering monastic life is something for people of true character; even generals and ministers cannot do it.
對於書中主角杜美慧與另一位女居士王慧蓮的出家因緣，我這個沒有經過任何打擊而毅然決然出家的人也有幾句話非說不可：出家乃是「大丈夫之事，非將相能為也」。