In the rush of modern life, we tend to lose touch with the peace that is available in each moment. World-renowned Zen master, spiritual leader, and...
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Sep 09, 2007
Sarah
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I first read this book in college, when my friend Maran told me it was her favorite book ever. It's a little book, and I finished it quickly, and while I really liked it, not much of it stuck with me. It wasn't until I read it again that I realized how genius it really is. I'm never going to be a Buddhist monk, or even a proper Buddhist, but Thich Nhat Hanh talks about slowing down, connecting with the moment, and how to deal with stress and negative emotions in such a loving, gentle way that it
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Aug 01, 2007
Gretchen
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I can't tell if he sounds "pop" because pop-buddism followed him or if he is advocating "buddism lite." He ideas are certainly beautiful and his personal history is amazing (though a few less references by his followers to his nomination for a nobel peace prize would be welcome). My problem comes from the fact that I'm not sure I could be around him or those who follow him for long without going batshit crazy. Maybe i am not that peaceful
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Feb 17, 2009
K
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This book was given to a yoga workshop I joined and I was reluctant to read it, not being interested in a Buddhist superstar. I could never really get into HH Dali Lama and figured TNH was very similar. I have read and listened to Alan Watts for many years and preferred his style.
Also I had a boyfriend in high school whose dad was into TM and TNH's Lotus book so I wanted nothing to do with that bad history trigger stuff.
As I read a few of his books, I've noticed he repeats hi More...
Also I had a boyfriend in high school whose dad was into TM and TNH's Lotus book so I wanted nothing to do with that bad history trigger stuff.
As I read a few of his books, I've noticed he repeats hi More...
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Apr 12, 2010
PlatKat
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This book is full of beneficial guidelines for living a mindful, peaceful life and helping those around you do the same. Even if it confirms what you already know, it is a pleasurable read and a beautiful inspiration to actively appreciate the positive aspects of living.
Like most other Buddhist works, it is centered around living in the present. I wasn't expecting him to devote a section to the idea of hope as an obstacle, but it made good sense. It's very easy to keep looking tow More...
Like most other Buddhist works, it is centered around living in the present. I wasn't expecting him to devote a section to the idea of hope as an obstacle, but it made good sense. It's very easy to keep looking tow More...
Sep 02, 2008
Maureen
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Some of Thich Nhat Hanh's writings are mostly informational, like Old Path, White Clouds, his biography of the Buddha. Others, like this book, are meant to be experienced.
In each short section of this book, Thich Nhat Hanh tells a story, or seeks to describe an experience to which the reader may relate. Some of them, like washing the dishes, deal with being in the present moment, and being deeply involved in whatever one is doing solely for the joy of having that experience. Oth More...
In each short section of this book, Thich Nhat Hanh tells a story, or seeks to describe an experience to which the reader may relate. Some of them, like washing the dishes, deal with being in the present moment, and being deeply involved in whatever one is doing solely for the joy of having that experience. Oth More...
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Oct 22, 2007
Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is deceptive in its subtlety. He'll go on and on with stories about tree-hugging or metaphors involving raw potatoes; he'll tell you how to eat mindfully, even how to breathe and walk; he'll suggest looking closely at a flower and to see the sun as your heart. As the Zen teacher Richard Baker commented, however, Nhat Hanh is "a cross between a cloud, a snail, and piece of heavy machinery." Sooner or later, it begins to sink in that Nhat Hanh is conveying a dep
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Nov 26, 2011
Mark
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I have only recently begun reading this book and have already found it to be very helpful. I have been worrying an awful lot about my future and I have been experiencing some pretty serious back and neck pain. Through the principles of mindful breathing, staying in the present, and being grateful for the little things I have already begun to see some benefit.
I'll use today for an example. As I have said, I have been experiencing a lot of back pain. It has caused referral pain to More...
I'll use today for an example. As I have said, I have been experiencing a lot of back pain. It has caused referral pain to More...
Oct 06, 2011
Arizona
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Thich Nhat Hanh writes this as if we were completely without any knowledge of Buddhism. He could have called it Simple Meditation Made Easy. I have studied meditation and it is normally taught by people who complicate the process so they can teach you the "proper" way to do it. Hanh teaches that simple breathing is the key. He teaches mindfulness in walking, driving, housework, any occasion and makes it so simple anyone, including me can follow and successfully be enjoying deep meditat
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Apr 09, 2011
James
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I am a Christian and typically do not look to other religious traditions for Spiritual counsel or advice. I live in fidelity to Jesus happily drinking the water from my own cistern, but still all truth is God's truth. I had this book kicking around and since I feel like North America's biggest religious challenge comes from the East I read it and in itI encountered wise counsel and good advice about being present in the moment and practicing life mindfully.
Thich Nhat Hanh advocates th More...
Thich Nhat Hanh advocates th More...
Feb 16, 2010
laura
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'when you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. you look into the reasons it is not doing well. it may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. you never blame the lettuce. yet if we have problems with our friends or our family, we blame the other person. but if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well, like lettuce. blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and arguments. that is my experience. no blame, no r
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Sep 01, 2009
Justin
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This is a wonderful, inspiring little book about simple living, meditation, and opening yourself to deeper compassion and self-reflection. Thich Nhat Hanh is a world-renowned Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, and the work is really just a collection of speeches he's made, anecdotes he's told, and ideas he's scribbled. Hanh's language is not complex, but there is beauty in his prose, as evidenced by this passage:
I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other le More...
I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other le More...
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Nov 13, 2011
Evelyn
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A subtle, worthwhile book. Read it, I encourage you.
I haven't internalized everything this book offers yet, but it's not due back to the library until the end of the month so I'm not in a rush. I have a feeling that, like In the Forest of Forgetting, I'm going to find it whenever I'm at the library just to reread passages. Remind myself of what needs reminding.
"When you begin to see that your enemy is suffering, that is the beginning of insight." This line helped me More...
I haven't internalized everything this book offers yet, but it's not due back to the library until the end of the month so I'm not in a rush. I have a feeling that, like In the Forest of Forgetting, I'm going to find it whenever I'm at the library just to reread passages. Remind myself of what needs reminding.
"When you begin to see that your enemy is suffering, that is the beginning of insight." This line helped me More...
Aug 07, 2011
Iona
rated it:
This is a simple, easy to read, down-to earth book about how to achieve peace in our individual lives and thus in the world as a whole through learning to be in the now.
I usually try to rush through the various books I read, but that was not possible with this book, as the author's wise words calmed me, slowed me down and brought me into the now.
The book is composed of short passages, which makes for enjoyable, relaxed reading. Thich Nhat Hanh advises us about how to obtain m More...
I usually try to rush through the various books I read, but that was not possible with this book, as the author's wise words calmed me, slowed me down and brought me into the now.
The book is composed of short passages, which makes for enjoyable, relaxed reading. Thich Nhat Hanh advises us about how to obtain m More...
Jun 20, 2011
Shaun
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For cultivating inner peace, this is a good practical guide. I have read and enjoyed it personally, as well as sharing it with some students who have serious behavior issues. It's simple, light, direct and a breath of fresh air.
Quotes
Our smile will bring happiness to us and to those around us. Even if we spend a lot of money on gifts for everyone in our family, nothing we buy could give them as much happiness as the gift of our awarenss, our smile. And this precious gift costs us More...
Quotes
Our smile will bring happiness to us and to those around us. Even if we spend a lot of money on gifts for everyone in our family, nothing we buy could give them as much happiness as the gift of our awarenss, our smile. And this precious gift costs us More...
Feb 02, 2010
L-Melissa
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Nhat writes about how to obtain mindfulness which is within each person. He speaks of the frivolousness of "things" and how they will never make us mindful of ourselves and our actions. He uses simple metaphors and basic descriptions to teach psychology and the Buddhist way. If you were sitting at a table with a bowl of soup in front of you, Nhat would encourage you to savor the properties of the meal - the smell, the taste, the feeling of warmth, the colors, the bowl, the utensil,
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May 27, 2009
Visha
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I would recommend this book to everyone. It contains meditations for each day of the year, every aspect of life - whether it's cooking potatoes or taking a walk. The focus is MINDFULNESS, a mental state, characterized by calm awareness of one's body functions, feelings, content of consciousness, or consciousness itself are occuring within mind. The writing is simple and subtle, yet the meaning behind each meditation is complex and life-changing. Literally, the book will help you achieve mindful
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Feb 15, 2010
Greg
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Thich Nhat Hanh's older book that I've read about six times. Although it is light in content, and a quick read, and covers subjects such as cooking potatoes, the book is purposefully driving the message that we all are inter-connected and that we should strive to live our lives for others and away from the 'me-driven' ego that western society is so caught up in.
Peace Is Every Step reminds me of Dr. Albert Schweitzer's (medical missionary in Congo and recipient of the Nobel Peace Pri More...
Peace Is Every Step reminds me of Dr. Albert Schweitzer's (medical missionary in Congo and recipient of the Nobel Peace Pri More...
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Jan 16, 2012
Lisa
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Thank you Tracy Arakelian for giving me this book so long ago. I was in a different place then, wallowing, not living mindfully and not ready to receive, listen, find stillness. Thich Nhat Hanh's guidance is so simple and brilliant. I smile as I read this book, a lot.
Thich Nhat Hanh on Thinking Less:
"While we practice conscious breathing, our thinking will slow down, and we can give ourselves a real rest. Most of the time, we think too much, and mindful breathing helps us More...
Thich Nhat Hanh on Thinking Less:
"While we practice conscious breathing, our thinking will slow down, and we can give ourselves a real rest. Most of the time, we think too much, and mindful breathing helps us More...
Oct 26, 2009
Bernadet
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Thich Nhat Hanh's Peace is Every Step is by far my favorite of all the books written by gurus and thinkers. This book has changed my perspective on my perspective. He has, through his compassionate and down-to-earth dialogue, allowed me to understand and be compassionate toward my own Catholic faith, myself, and everyone around me.
This isn't a book filled with buzzwords nor is it a book that preaches. Thich Nhat Hanh does not offer techniques or ideologies, he simply presents the wo More...
This isn't a book filled with buzzwords nor is it a book that preaches. Thich Nhat Hanh does not offer techniques or ideologies, he simply presents the wo More...
Feb 26, 2008
Darlene
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This is my all time favorite book by Thich Nhat Hanh who is a Vietnamese monk living in Paris, France. It is all about mindfulness and bringing peace to the world starting with your self.
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Sep 21, 2011
Lynn
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Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is deceptively simple. Through personal stories and essays on mindfulness, he creates a profound paradigm shift. Gradually he builds his philosophy of "interbeing," the notion that none of us is separate, but rather that we "inter-are" with everything else in our universe. This is a philosophy that is profoundly supported by the natural and social sciences, as I understand them. It is simple, yet fundamental to our very existence, and profoundly imp
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Mar 06, 2011
Kaylee
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While I agree with others' comments that this feels like "Buddhism Lite", I appreciated how the ancient practices of meditation and mindfulness were adapted for a modern, end-of-the-20th-century world.
Even though this book isn't very long, I found I was savoring it throughout the week. Full of short, simply-stated blurbs that feel like meditations themselves, it was the perfect thing to read upon waking up or when I was winding down for the evening. Some of the sections a More...
Even though this book isn't very long, I found I was savoring it throughout the week. Full of short, simply-stated blurbs that feel like meditations themselves, it was the perfect thing to read upon waking up or when I was winding down for the evening. Some of the sections a More...
Sep 27, 2011
Dante
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Again, the message that Thich Nhat Hanh spreads is so powerful, and real. This book is great, if gives wonderful activities, and solutions to our everyday problems. He continues to find ways to help us come back to the moment and live mindfully rather than in suffering. I feel like this book a long with many others of his are not just for Buddhists but for everyone, everyone who has ever been frustrated and not sure what to do, or stressed and overwhelmed.
One of my favorite things abo More...
One of my favorite things abo More...
Oct 01, 2011
jeff
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this is a good book to knock out in one afternoon, but i wouldn't regard it as an ultimate guide to life or peace or anything really unless you're some kind of motorcycle riding, chain whipping addict who lives in the greater la area or is somehow otherwise really not a civilly thinking human being~. thich nhat hanh wrote this book in the early 90s, when the world needed to hear something like it because nobody was a civilly thinking human being but entirely total monsters worldwide-- but the am
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Jul 12, 2011
Pat
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I first read this book in 2001, a year after I had an intracerebral hemorrhage. I'd returned to work, my brain was (sometimes) a stranger and (often) nothing like the brain I used to rely on, and I had to confront and deal with the idea that my death via a second stroke could happen at every time. Thich Nhat Hanh's writing helped me focus hard on mindfulness, until it became an integral part of my life. I re-read this book often, whenever I need a reminder that finding my way is as simple as shu
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Feb 05, 2011
Maria
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Every word I read makes me feel more peaceful!
I am especially taken with the idea of living in the moment - although I am not always successful, I try not to worry about the past or think about the future too much but rather enjoy the moment. About seven or eight years ago, I had a really hard time grasping this concept. I was full of anxiety and rushing to who knows where. However, over the last several years different things have happened to me that have helped me to slow down - t More...
I am especially taken with the idea of living in the moment - although I am not always successful, I try not to worry about the past or think about the future too much but rather enjoy the moment. About seven or eight years ago, I had a really hard time grasping this concept. I was full of anxiety and rushing to who knows where. However, over the last several years different things have happened to me that have helped me to slow down - t More...
Feb 20, 2011
Purcell
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For me at least, this is the sort of book to read through once and regularly come back to and read a few sections to get back in the right mindset. It is basically a compilation of short contemplations or commentaries on life and little things we can do to practice mindfulness.
Some of the suggestions are incredibly difficult for me, but things that I see as being worth working on. Having true compassion for all and constantly being able to see all sides of a situation and discussion is More...
Some of the suggestions are incredibly difficult for me, but things that I see as being worth working on. Having true compassion for all and constantly being able to see all sides of a situation and discussion is More...
Sep 28, 2011
I can't rate this book because I don't know if I should be passing judgment on a Buddhist monk who promotes peace and gives only good advice. I could easily give the book any number of stars..but I can't really relate this book to the other books I read.
I have a feeling that if I COULD follow all the advice of Thich Nhat Hanh, I would enjoy life more and be a better person. The question is, "Can I practice his advice without studying and practicing with monks?" I think yes More...
I have a feeling that if I COULD follow all the advice of Thich Nhat Hanh, I would enjoy life more and be a better person. The question is, "Can I practice his advice without studying and practicing with monks?" I think yes More...
Oct 04, 2010
Stephanie
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This book is a great intro to Buddha-type thinking and quick and easy ways to become mindful. Our thoughts become words and our words become action... we get so caught up with daily life, the past, and tomorrow that it is so important for us to remember to return to the present moment, right this second. Breathe, relax... in and out. Even during those difficult times when we want to snap, just feel the feeling of anger, really feel it, do not act on it or speak from it, just notice it and transf
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Feb 06, 2009
Cbryan
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This is one of the books I need to have wherever I go. I gave away my copy before moving to Dubai and I missed it terribly. My mom brought me hers just recently and I'm so happy to page through the book again.
This is a meditation/ spiritual book written in short chapters. It discusses mindfulness in daily life. I love it for its simplicity and easy accessibility. I'm thinking of reading parts of it to my 6th grade English class as journal prompts.
But, seriously, it is More...
This is a meditation/ spiritual book written in short chapters. It discusses mindfulness in daily life. I love it for its simplicity and easy accessibility. I'm thinking of reading parts of it to my 6th grade English class as journal prompts.
But, seriously, it is More...
