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Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise
We can spend a lot of time looking for happiness when the world right around us is full of wonder. But our hearts and minds are so full of noise that we can’t always hear the call of life and love. To hear that call and respond to it, we need silence.
In his beautiful new book, Buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh explains how mindfulness is the practice that stops the noise inside. With gentle anecdotes, simple Buddhist wisdom and practical exercises, he shows us how to live mindfully so that all the internal chatter ceases and we are left with the eloquent sound of silence. Now, at last, we can answer the call of the beauty around us. Through silence, Thich Nhat Hanh reveals, we are free to hear, to see - and just be.
In his beautiful new book, Buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh explains how mindfulness is the practice that stops the noise inside. With gentle anecdotes, simple Buddhist wisdom and practical exercises, he shows us how to live mindfully so that all the internal chatter ceases and we are left with the eloquent sound of silence. Now, at last, we can answer the call of the beauty around us. Through silence, Thich Nhat Hanh reveals, we are free to hear, to see - and just be.
189 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 2015
2080 people are currently reading
9501 people want to read
About the author
Thich Nhat Hanh
967 books12.8k followersThích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who then lived in southwest France where he was in exile for many years. Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary family name used by all Vietnamese monks and nuns, meaning that they are part of the Shakya (Shakyamuni Buddha) clan. He was often considered the most influential living figure in the lineage of Lâm Tế (Vietnamese Rinzai) Thiền, and perhaps also in Zen Buddhism as a whole.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 825 reviews
December 22, 2014
Powerful. Life-changing.
My favorite of all the Thich Nhat Hanh work I have read.
3 mindful breaths truly can change everything.
I recommend this highly to anyone who is sick and tired of being sick and tired (unfulfilled, stuck, apart from their true nature).
My favorite of all the Thich Nhat Hanh work I have read.
3 mindful breaths truly can change everything.
I recommend this highly to anyone who is sick and tired of being sick and tired (unfulfilled, stuck, apart from their true nature).
February 13, 2015
I adore Thich Nhat Hanh and have read 13 of his books, with The Art of Communicating as my favorite, followed by Fear and Reconciliation.
One thing to know about his books is that he frequently uses the same material in multiple books, told in slightly different ways. These anecdotes and the related bits of wisdom are combined to form a rough narrative around the topic - e.g. "Fidelity" has a lot in common with "The Art of Communicating" and "True Love", though "The Art of Communicating" is a much better book. The same for "Fear" and "Anger" - a lot of material in common, but "Fear" is presented with a much better narrative, a more cohesive flow, and better editing.
This book is ok, but I'd suggest reading any of his other books on mindfulness instead. "Peace is Every Step" would be a much better choice.
One thing to know about his books is that he frequently uses the same material in multiple books, told in slightly different ways. These anecdotes and the related bits of wisdom are combined to form a rough narrative around the topic - e.g. "Fidelity" has a lot in common with "The Art of Communicating" and "True Love", though "The Art of Communicating" is a much better book. The same for "Fear" and "Anger" - a lot of material in common, but "Fear" is presented with a much better narrative, a more cohesive flow, and better editing.
This book is ok, but I'd suggest reading any of his other books on mindfulness instead. "Peace is Every Step" would be a much better choice.
November 22, 2022
Some years ago I used to walk my dogs with audiobooks in my ears, P.G. Wodehouse especially. It was great fun, though I think I must have looked a little strange laughing my head off while walking down the street with my dog on a lease. Then I started to leave the audiobooks behind. Why? Because I realised that I wasn't really there, I wasn't noticing my surroundings, not the birds, the flowers, or hardly even my dogs. That's in a way what this book is about, our need to fill every minute with noise, and why silence may sometimes be better. Perhaps not Thich Nhat Hanh's best book, but pretty good just the same. It seems like I can always find something in everything he wrote.
July 29, 2025
I like Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings – they always exude calm & compassion. This is another good book which discusses the power of silence.
There are these striking two lines early in the book which set the tone for the subject:
“I have the impression that many of us are afraid of silence. We're always taking in something: text, music, radio, television, or thoughts - to occupy the space.”
And that is true, most people are uncomfortable with silence. There are many stories & concepts as part of the book, all of which I liked. The one about Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of deep listening is especially beautiful & meaningful. Avalokiteshvara can hear 5 sounds – the wonderful sound of all of life & nature; the sound of listening; the divine sound Om; the sound of the rising tide (voice of the Buddha) and the sound that transcends all sounds (the sound of impermanence). Silence has always had a vital place in mindfulness teachings.
While the writing is simple, there are also some deep passages which provoke further thought. If you are early in your mindfulness journey, this is an excellent book.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
There are these striking two lines early in the book which set the tone for the subject:
“I have the impression that many of us are afraid of silence. We're always taking in something: text, music, radio, television, or thoughts - to occupy the space.”
And that is true, most people are uncomfortable with silence. There are many stories & concepts as part of the book, all of which I liked. The one about Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of deep listening is especially beautiful & meaningful. Avalokiteshvara can hear 5 sounds – the wonderful sound of all of life & nature; the sound of listening; the divine sound Om; the sound of the rising tide (voice of the Buddha) and the sound that transcends all sounds (the sound of impermanence). Silence has always had a vital place in mindfulness teachings.
While the writing is simple, there are also some deep passages which provoke further thought. If you are early in your mindfulness journey, this is an excellent book.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
January 16, 2021
The author's words are like water that flows and refreshes me daily. I have been reading this for 10 days. I tried to silence my mind as it suggests, and it was equally difficult as doing a plank. Indeed this is a discipline and an exercise i must learn as a habit. As i want to nourish my body, my mind and soul needed much more silence than i thought as i learned that i must be preoccupied.
I wake up and I smile for the another 24 hours today. I breath in and breath out. I enjoy listening to the birds. I breath in and breath out. What a gift to live one more day.
I wake up and I smile for the another 24 hours today. I breath in and breath out. I enjoy listening to the birds. I breath in and breath out. What a gift to live one more day.
May 29, 2021
El maestro TNH nos hace respirar. Inspirar y exhalar para lograr con plena conciencia el silencio que nos permita evitar los pensamientos constantes.
Nos sugiere buscar nuestra isla interior, siguiendo el camino de Buda.
Diícil, pero lo importante es el camino como dijo el maestro Tabarez
Nos sugiere buscar nuestra isla interior, siguiendo el camino de Buda.
Diícil, pero lo importante es el camino como dijo el maestro Tabarez
June 10, 2025
“With the sun of awareness shining in you, you can avoid most dangers, and you will experience the stream being purer, the music more harmonious, and the soul of the artist completely visible in the film.”
“Because of all this noise, it’s rare that we pay attention to our true desire. We act, but we don’t have the space or the quiet to act with intention. If we don’t have any purpose feeding us, we are just drifting.”
“To fully experience this life as a human being, we all need to connect with our desire to realize something larger than our individual selves.”.
“Whether we’re conscious of it or not, we are continually watering one thing or another in our mind. Things that we almost certainly will consume again later on. What we water and consume unconsciously may show itself to us in our dreams, it may manifest as something we blurt out in conversation and then we wonder “where in the world did that come from?” We can do a lot of damage to ourselves and to our relationships when we don’t pay attention to what we’re taking into ourselves and cultivating in our mind.”
“I feel connected to you because I am truly myself.”
“anytime we do things not from our true desire but out of habitual fear or ingrained notions and ideas, we’re not free.”
“Without silence we are not living in the present moment, and this moment is our very best chance to find happiness.”
“We can’t find the piece of silence without stopping.”
“Silence is not a deprivation, an empty void. The more space we make for stillness and for silence, the more we have to give both to ourselves and to others” ♥️
“Because of all this noise, it’s rare that we pay attention to our true desire. We act, but we don’t have the space or the quiet to act with intention. If we don’t have any purpose feeding us, we are just drifting.”
“To fully experience this life as a human being, we all need to connect with our desire to realize something larger than our individual selves.”.
“Whether we’re conscious of it or not, we are continually watering one thing or another in our mind. Things that we almost certainly will consume again later on. What we water and consume unconsciously may show itself to us in our dreams, it may manifest as something we blurt out in conversation and then we wonder “where in the world did that come from?” We can do a lot of damage to ourselves and to our relationships when we don’t pay attention to what we’re taking into ourselves and cultivating in our mind.”
“I feel connected to you because I am truly myself.”
“anytime we do things not from our true desire but out of habitual fear or ingrained notions and ideas, we’re not free.”
“Without silence we are not living in the present moment, and this moment is our very best chance to find happiness.”
“We can’t find the piece of silence without stopping.”
“Silence is not a deprivation, an empty void. The more space we make for stillness and for silence, the more we have to give both to ourselves and to others” ♥️
April 17, 2021
I’m a Christian who believes “all truth is God’s truth”. In other words, there is beauty, truth and wonderful things to learn from all sorts of people.
Even Buddhist monks.
Maybe especially Buddhist monks?*
This book has been my “spiritual” reading for the last few weeks, as I read a couple of pages in the evening before sleep. Its a nice practice and usually I’ve been reading works by Christian saints but I came across this one on sale and thought, why not? Now, reading a few pages each night means I never caught any over-arching flow of the book. But every night there was some paragraph or sentence to think about.
The world is a loud place. Our inner world, full of fleeting thoughts and cluttered ideas, is itself a loud place. This book is all about being mindful - clearing the space in our minds and worlds through silence to be the people we were meant to be.
I suppose the best thing about this book is that it is practical. I’ve noticed that lots of the books I’ve read by Christian saints of ages past tend to be written for people living as monks. And more contemporary books on Christian living are so shallow as to be useless. This book is written by a Buddhist monk, but it has spiritual depth and is written for normal people. There are Christian books that do combine depth with practicality (two recent ones are Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren and Embracing the Other by Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill) and I’m sure other religions have their own spiritual garbage as well. Overall, I found this book thoughtful.
*I made the comment above “maybe especially Buddhist monks.” As an often cynical Christian, I feel despair at looking at the way nationalism and white supremacy have infected so much of Christianity in America. We drape the cross in the flag with no realization of our own idolatry. For too many (and again, apologies for being cynical) Christianity is reduced to a set of beliefs. So we believe Jesus rose from the dead and think this belief puts us in some special, God-favored group. Theological conservative Christians are quick to argue Jesus is not “just” a teacher, which I would agree with. Yet, he is ALSO a teacher. We’re called not just to “believe” (as in assent) but to “follow”.
All that to say, what if Buddhist monks (and others) are living more Christ-like lives than Christians are? Jesus noted that those seen as religious outsiders by his fellow first-century Jews were entering God’s presence ahead of them. The times and labels have changed, but what if the principle is the same? What if whole swaths of Christians are patting themselves on the back for defending their rights and possessing right belief (and never reading a Buddhist book!) while totally missing the way of Jesus?
I’m fully on a tangent now (and kind of thankful no one will read this). Thankfully, God is love and even loves hypocritical Christians who don’t get it. And to be honest, the older I get, the less I think I “get it” too. But, I like books like this that make me think and change.
Even Buddhist monks.
Maybe especially Buddhist monks?*
This book has been my “spiritual” reading for the last few weeks, as I read a couple of pages in the evening before sleep. Its a nice practice and usually I’ve been reading works by Christian saints but I came across this one on sale and thought, why not? Now, reading a few pages each night means I never caught any over-arching flow of the book. But every night there was some paragraph or sentence to think about.
The world is a loud place. Our inner world, full of fleeting thoughts and cluttered ideas, is itself a loud place. This book is all about being mindful - clearing the space in our minds and worlds through silence to be the people we were meant to be.
I suppose the best thing about this book is that it is practical. I’ve noticed that lots of the books I’ve read by Christian saints of ages past tend to be written for people living as monks. And more contemporary books on Christian living are so shallow as to be useless. This book is written by a Buddhist monk, but it has spiritual depth and is written for normal people. There are Christian books that do combine depth with practicality (two recent ones are Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren and Embracing the Other by Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill) and I’m sure other religions have their own spiritual garbage as well. Overall, I found this book thoughtful.
*I made the comment above “maybe especially Buddhist monks.” As an often cynical Christian, I feel despair at looking at the way nationalism and white supremacy have infected so much of Christianity in America. We drape the cross in the flag with no realization of our own idolatry. For too many (and again, apologies for being cynical) Christianity is reduced to a set of beliefs. So we believe Jesus rose from the dead and think this belief puts us in some special, God-favored group. Theological conservative Christians are quick to argue Jesus is not “just” a teacher, which I would agree with. Yet, he is ALSO a teacher. We’re called not just to “believe” (as in assent) but to “follow”.
All that to say, what if Buddhist monks (and others) are living more Christ-like lives than Christians are? Jesus noted that those seen as religious outsiders by his fellow first-century Jews were entering God’s presence ahead of them. The times and labels have changed, but what if the principle is the same? What if whole swaths of Christians are patting themselves on the back for defending their rights and possessing right belief (and never reading a Buddhist book!) while totally missing the way of Jesus?
I’m fully on a tangent now (and kind of thankful no one will read this). Thankfully, God is love and even loves hypocritical Christians who don’t get it. And to be honest, the older I get, the less I think I “get it” too. But, I like books like this that make me think and change.
December 16, 2019
Bình thường, với một cuốn sách như thế này, ta chỉ có thể bày tỏ sự kính trọng trong im lặng sấm sét. Nhưng dù sao, đây là một cộng đồng, và một cuốn sách hay thì nên giới thiệu.
Mỗi lần đọc sách của thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh là một lần được khai tâm. Tôi quy y đã lâu nhưng gần đây mới đọc sách dẫn giải ngoài như thế này vì trước có ấn tượng không tốt. Từ cuốn đầu tiên của thầy Hạnh, với tôi, đây là người viết vĩ đại nhất của Việt Nam.
Càng đọc sách dẫn giải về Phật giáo, càng thấy có nhiều giao thoa với khoa hoc về sau. Trong cuốn này thì đặc biệt giao thoa với phân tâm học, cụ thể là về tiềm thức, tâm thức đám đông và "tội tổ tông".
Tôi may mắn là đọc nó trong chùa Linh Giác, giữa một Đà Lạt rất đẹp và bình yên nên vừa đọc vừa hành luôn :D Phần lớn khi đọc đều cười vì an lạc, có một vài chỗ khóc vì sự hùng tráng của nó.
Mỗi lần đọc sách của thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh là một lần được khai tâm. Tôi quy y đã lâu nhưng gần đây mới đọc sách dẫn giải ngoài như thế này vì trước có ấn tượng không tốt. Từ cuốn đầu tiên của thầy Hạnh, với tôi, đây là người viết vĩ đại nhất của Việt Nam.
Càng đọc sách dẫn giải về Phật giáo, càng thấy có nhiều giao thoa với khoa hoc về sau. Trong cuốn này thì đặc biệt giao thoa với phân tâm học, cụ thể là về tiềm thức, tâm thức đám đông và "tội tổ tông".
Tôi may mắn là đọc nó trong chùa Linh Giác, giữa một Đà Lạt rất đẹp và bình yên nên vừa đọc vừa hành luôn :D Phần lớn khi đọc đều cười vì an lạc, có một vài chỗ khóc vì sự hùng tráng của nó.
September 12, 2019
Audio from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWTx7...
Một chút sự biết ơn ít ỏi còn sót lại khi làm ở một nơi đầy rẫy thị phi, vẫn cho phép người làm công ăn lương được vừa làm vừa cắm tai nghe để vừa lặng lòng vừa át đi hết những lời nói qua lại sặc mùi "nghiệt"
Suốt mấy tháng qua mình vẫn không ngớt câu hỏi "Tại sao mình vẫn còn ở đây?" Nhưng mỗi nơi mình đến, mỗi con người mình gặp chắc phải có lý do gì đó. Những tháng qua, nhiều lúc cũng đã thấy bản thân "xù lông" lên, rồi tập có mặt như không tồn tại, mình phải luôn giữ được bản ngã và những giá trị của mình, tập thở và trở về với thân tâm, chọn lọc cả những "thức ăn" nữa...
Cứ thế nhé!
Một chút sự biết ơn ít ỏi còn sót lại khi làm ở một nơi đầy rẫy thị phi, vẫn cho phép người làm công ăn lương được vừa làm vừa cắm tai nghe để vừa lặng lòng vừa át đi hết những lời nói qua lại sặc mùi "nghiệt"
Suốt mấy tháng qua mình vẫn không ngớt câu hỏi "Tại sao mình vẫn còn ở đây?" Nhưng mỗi nơi mình đến, mỗi con người mình gặp chắc phải có lý do gì đó. Những tháng qua, nhiều lúc cũng đã thấy bản thân "xù lông" lên, rồi tập có mặt như không tồn tại, mình phải luôn giữ được bản ngã và những giá trị của mình, tập thở và trở về với thân tâm, chọn lọc cả những "thức ăn" nữa...
Cứ thế nhé!
March 5, 2023
This is another admirable book by Thich Nhat Hanh.
The author tells us that this is a beautiful world but if our mind and body are full of noise then we can’t hear beauty’s call.
He tells us there’s a radio playing in our head – Radio Non-Stop Thinking. Our mind is filled with noise.
Mindfulness is the practice that quiets the noise inside us. Breathing in and out mindfully, paying attention only to the breath, we can quiet all the noise within us.
The late author lived in a retreat centre in Southwest France, where they practised a kind of silence called “noble silence”.
If they ate, walked or worked, then they did just those things. They didn’t talk too. They did these things in “joyful noble silence”.
When Thich rang the bell of mindfulness, they breathed in and out mindfully and stopped thinking. Their collective silence generated a strong field of energy, This silence can be called ”thundering silence”.
Bodhisattva is the Buddhist term for someone with great compassion whose life work is to end people’s suffering.
There was a bodhisattva named Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Deep Listening. The name Avalokiteshvara means “the one who listen deeply to the sounds of the world”.
“The practice of mindfulness is very simple. You stop, you breathe, and you still your mind.”
Thich tells us that many of us are afraid of silence.
What are we so afraid of? We may feel an inner void, a sense of isolation, of sorrow, of restlessness, We feel desolate and unloved.”
Luckily, I’m not afraid of silence. I live in a very silent place opposite a wood. I don’t have many thoughts, which is helpful.
We are given a guided meditation, which we can practise when we sit or walk. With the first in-breath say the first line of the meditation below silently to yourself, and with the out-breath say the second line. With the following in- and out-breaths, you can use just the key words.
Breathing in, I know I’m breathing in.
Breathing out, I know I’m breathing out.
(In.Out.)
Breathing in, my breath grows deep.
Breathing out, my breath grows slow.
(Deep. Slow.)
Breathing in, I’m aware of my body.
Breathing out, I calm my body.
(Aware of body. Calming.)
Breathing in, I smile.
Breathing out, I release.
(Smile. Release.)
Breathing in, I dwell in the present moment.
Breathing out, I enjoy the present moment.
(Present moment. Enjoy.)
Walking is a wonderful way to clear the mind without trying to do so.You just walk, and while you’re focusing on the walking, joy and awareness come naturally.
Allow your mind to completely let go of any worry or plan. You can take one step with each in-breath and one step with each out-breath. If your attention wanders, gently bring it back to your breathing.
During the time of stopping your thinking, your body and mind are able to heal themselves.
When we eat, we practise giving all our attention to eating. “There’s no thinking: we just bring our awareness to the food and to the people around us.”
“Not talking, by itself, already can bring a significant degree of peace. If we can also offer ourselves the deeper silence of not thinking, we can find, in that quiet, a wonderful lightness and freedom.”
We should realize that silence comes from our heart and not from the absence of talk.
With regard to relationships, we are given four mantras:
The first is “”Darling, I am here for you”.
The second is “Darling, I know you are there, and I am very happy”.
The third is “Darling, I know you suffer: that’s why I am here for you”.
The fourth is “”Darling, I suffer: please help”.
All Thich Nhat Hanh’s books are wonderful, and this one is too. It contains much wisdom and practical advice about mindfulness.
Reading each of Thich’s books helps me greatly, and I recommend that you read this one too.
P.S. Thich wrote some verses he used in his practice of walking meditation.
“Let the Buddha breathe
Let the Buddha walk.
I don’t have to breathe,
I don’t have to walk.
The Buddha is breathing.
The Buddha is walking.
I enjoy the breathing.
I enjoy the walking.
There is only the breathing.
There is only the walking.
There is no breather.
There is no walker.”
The author tells us that this is a beautiful world but if our mind and body are full of noise then we can’t hear beauty’s call.
He tells us there’s a radio playing in our head – Radio Non-Stop Thinking. Our mind is filled with noise.
Mindfulness is the practice that quiets the noise inside us. Breathing in and out mindfully, paying attention only to the breath, we can quiet all the noise within us.
The late author lived in a retreat centre in Southwest France, where they practised a kind of silence called “noble silence”.
If they ate, walked or worked, then they did just those things. They didn’t talk too. They did these things in “joyful noble silence”.
When Thich rang the bell of mindfulness, they breathed in and out mindfully and stopped thinking. Their collective silence generated a strong field of energy, This silence can be called ”thundering silence”.
Bodhisattva is the Buddhist term for someone with great compassion whose life work is to end people’s suffering.
There was a bodhisattva named Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Deep Listening. The name Avalokiteshvara means “the one who listen deeply to the sounds of the world”.
“The practice of mindfulness is very simple. You stop, you breathe, and you still your mind.”
Thich tells us that many of us are afraid of silence.
What are we so afraid of? We may feel an inner void, a sense of isolation, of sorrow, of restlessness, We feel desolate and unloved.”
Luckily, I’m not afraid of silence. I live in a very silent place opposite a wood. I don’t have many thoughts, which is helpful.
We are given a guided meditation, which we can practise when we sit or walk. With the first in-breath say the first line of the meditation below silently to yourself, and with the out-breath say the second line. With the following in- and out-breaths, you can use just the key words.
Breathing in, I know I’m breathing in.
Breathing out, I know I’m breathing out.
(In.Out.)
Breathing in, my breath grows deep.
Breathing out, my breath grows slow.
(Deep. Slow.)
Breathing in, I’m aware of my body.
Breathing out, I calm my body.
(Aware of body. Calming.)
Breathing in, I smile.
Breathing out, I release.
(Smile. Release.)
Breathing in, I dwell in the present moment.
Breathing out, I enjoy the present moment.
(Present moment. Enjoy.)
Walking is a wonderful way to clear the mind without trying to do so.You just walk, and while you’re focusing on the walking, joy and awareness come naturally.
Allow your mind to completely let go of any worry or plan. You can take one step with each in-breath and one step with each out-breath. If your attention wanders, gently bring it back to your breathing.
During the time of stopping your thinking, your body and mind are able to heal themselves.
When we eat, we practise giving all our attention to eating. “There’s no thinking: we just bring our awareness to the food and to the people around us.”
“Not talking, by itself, already can bring a significant degree of peace. If we can also offer ourselves the deeper silence of not thinking, we can find, in that quiet, a wonderful lightness and freedom.”
We should realize that silence comes from our heart and not from the absence of talk.
With regard to relationships, we are given four mantras:
The first is “”Darling, I am here for you”.
The second is “Darling, I know you are there, and I am very happy”.
The third is “Darling, I know you suffer: that’s why I am here for you”.
The fourth is “”Darling, I suffer: please help”.
All Thich Nhat Hanh’s books are wonderful, and this one is too. It contains much wisdom and practical advice about mindfulness.
Reading each of Thich’s books helps me greatly, and I recommend that you read this one too.
P.S. Thich wrote some verses he used in his practice of walking meditation.
“Let the Buddha breathe
Let the Buddha walk.
I don’t have to breathe,
I don’t have to walk.
The Buddha is breathing.
The Buddha is walking.
I enjoy the breathing.
I enjoy the walking.
There is only the breathing.
There is only the walking.
There is no breather.
There is no walker.”
December 31, 2017
Sức mạnh của tĩnh lặng trong thế giới huyên náo
- Là cuốn sách thứ ba mình đọc của thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh. Vẫn là một cuốn sách tuyệt vời. Chúng ta mất rất ít thời gian để học nói nhưng có khi mất cả đời chỉ để học im lặng.
❤️Trước hết phải hiểu rõ tĩnh lặng là gì?
Có nhiều khi có một người không nói năng gì, ngồi im nhưng cũng không phải là tĩnh lặng chỉ vì trong đầu họ, trong tâm họ không tĩnh lặng. Họ thả trôi để cho lớp suy nghĩ này suy nghĩ nọ chồng chéo lên nhau như sóng biển. Đó cũng không phải là tĩnh lặng.
Khi chúng ta “tĩnh lặng”, chúng ta học cách tắt đi
đài radio đang hoạt động trong đầu ta, đó là đài NST (Non Stop Thinking) - đài suy nghĩ liên tục không ngừng.
❤️Vì sao chúng ta phải học tĩnh lặng?
Hay nói cách khác vì sao chúng ta sợ hãi? Vì sao chúng ta bất an và Không yên ổn?
Đơn giản thôi chúng ta chưa học được cách sống trong hiện tại, ngay tại khoảnh khắc này. Chúng ta đau khổ, tiếc nuối, buồn phiền cho những thứ đã xảy ra trong quá khứ. Ta hồi tưởng lại những ký ức, hồi tưởng lại những gì đã trải qua, để khổ đi khổ lại, để đau đi đau lại những niềm đau mà ta đã đi qua.
Chúng ta có thể thay đổi quá khứ ư? Tất nhiên là không rồi.
Chúng ta cũng có thể bị tương lai lôi kéo. Những người lo lắng, sợ hãi về tương lai cũng bị giam hãm trong tù ngục như những người bị quá khứ trói buộc. Sợ hãi, lo lắng, hoang mang ngăn cản ta, không cho ta nghe được tiếng gọi của hạnh phúc.
Chánh niệm là sự thực tập làm cho những tiếng ồn trong mình yên lắng lại.
❤️ Tĩnh lặng rất tuyệt vời vì:
Đã bao lâu chúng ta không dừng lại để ngắm vẻ đẹp của mưa rơi, của một bông hoa đang nở hay của một nụ cười trẻ thơ... đã bao lâu tim bạn còn không rung động vì cái đẹp hay vì yêu?
Chúng ta mất rất nhiều thời gian để đi tìm hạnh phúc trong khi đó thế giới quanh ta tràn đầy những mầu nhiệm. Những vẻ đẹp của đất trời đang gọi ta từng ngày, từng giờ nhưng hiếm khi ta nghe được. Điều kiện căn bản để chúng ta có thể nghe và đáp lại những tiếng gọi ấy là sự Tĩnh Lặng. Nếu không có sự tĩnh lặng trong tự thân, nếu thân tâm ta đầy sự ồn ào, náo loạn thì ta không thể nghe được tiếng gọi của vẻ đẹp ấy. Vì vậy ta không thể nghe được tiếng gọi của sự sống, tiếng gọi của tình thương. Trái tim ta đang gọi ta mà ta không nghe thấy. Ta không có thời gian để lắng nghe trái tim mình.
❤️ Làm thế nào để tĩnh lặng?
Tĩnh lặng cũng không cần phải trốn đi đâu cả, cũng không cần phải ở một mình cũng không phải là không nói năng gì. Chúng ta thực tập chánh niệm trong mọi hoạt động thường ngày.
Chúng ta học cách tĩnh lặng trong khi chúng ta ở một mình hay nhiều mình. Tức là giữa sự huyên náo của thế giới này chúng ta vẫn được tĩnh lặng.
Thế nên ngày cuối cùng của năm cũ rồi, mình chỉ mong học được cách để tĩnh lặng và dùng cả đời để học về sự tĩnh lặng đó💙
_31/12/2017_
#tinh_lang #suc_manh_cua_su_tinh_lang #thichnhathanh
- Là cuốn sách thứ ba mình đọc của thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh. Vẫn là một cuốn sách tuyệt vời. Chúng ta mất rất ít thời gian để học nói nhưng có khi mất cả đời chỉ để học im lặng.
❤️Trước hết phải hiểu rõ tĩnh lặng là gì?
Có nhiều khi có một người không nói năng gì, ngồi im nhưng cũng không phải là tĩnh lặng chỉ vì trong đầu họ, trong tâm họ không tĩnh lặng. Họ thả trôi để cho lớp suy nghĩ này suy nghĩ nọ chồng chéo lên nhau như sóng biển. Đó cũng không phải là tĩnh lặng.
Khi chúng ta “tĩnh lặng”, chúng ta học cách tắt đi
đài radio đang hoạt động trong đầu ta, đó là đài NST (Non Stop Thinking) - đài suy nghĩ liên tục không ngừng.
❤️Vì sao chúng ta phải học tĩnh lặng?
Hay nói cách khác vì sao chúng ta sợ hãi? Vì sao chúng ta bất an và Không yên ổn?
Đơn giản thôi chúng ta chưa học được cách sống trong hiện tại, ngay tại khoảnh khắc này. Chúng ta đau khổ, tiếc nuối, buồn phiền cho những thứ đã xảy ra trong quá khứ. Ta hồi tưởng lại những ký ức, hồi tưởng lại những gì đã trải qua, để khổ đi khổ lại, để đau đi đau lại những niềm đau mà ta đã đi qua.
Chúng ta có thể thay đổi quá khứ ư? Tất nhiên là không rồi.
Chúng ta cũng có thể bị tương lai lôi kéo. Những người lo lắng, sợ hãi về tương lai cũng bị giam hãm trong tù ngục như những người bị quá khứ trói buộc. Sợ hãi, lo lắng, hoang mang ngăn cản ta, không cho ta nghe được tiếng gọi của hạnh phúc.
Chánh niệm là sự thực tập làm cho những tiếng ồn trong mình yên lắng lại.
❤️ Tĩnh lặng rất tuyệt vời vì:
Đã bao lâu chúng ta không dừng lại để ngắm vẻ đẹp của mưa rơi, của một bông hoa đang nở hay của một nụ cười trẻ thơ... đã bao lâu tim bạn còn không rung động vì cái đẹp hay vì yêu?
Chúng ta mất rất nhiều thời gian để đi tìm hạnh phúc trong khi đó thế giới quanh ta tràn đầy những mầu nhiệm. Những vẻ đẹp của đất trời đang gọi ta từng ngày, từng giờ nhưng hiếm khi ta nghe được. Điều kiện căn bản để chúng ta có thể nghe và đáp lại những tiếng gọi ấy là sự Tĩnh Lặng. Nếu không có sự tĩnh lặng trong tự thân, nếu thân tâm ta đầy sự ồn ào, náo loạn thì ta không thể nghe được tiếng gọi của vẻ đẹp ấy. Vì vậy ta không thể nghe được tiếng gọi của sự sống, tiếng gọi của tình thương. Trái tim ta đang gọi ta mà ta không nghe thấy. Ta không có thời gian để lắng nghe trái tim mình.
❤️ Làm thế nào để tĩnh lặng?
Tĩnh lặng cũng không cần phải trốn đi đâu cả, cũng không cần phải ở một mình cũng không phải là không nói năng gì. Chúng ta thực tập chánh niệm trong mọi hoạt động thường ngày.
Chúng ta học cách tĩnh lặng trong khi chúng ta ở một mình hay nhiều mình. Tức là giữa sự huyên náo của thế giới này chúng ta vẫn được tĩnh lặng.
Thế nên ngày cuối cùng của năm cũ rồi, mình chỉ mong học được cách để tĩnh lặng và dùng cả đời để học về sự tĩnh lặng đó💙
_31/12/2017_
#tinh_lang #suc_manh_cua_su_tinh_lang #thichnhathanh
May 29, 2017
Хорошая книга о моей любимой практике осознанности и медитации. Много полезных упражнений.
Понравилась практика медитации во время ходьбы, такое я еще не практиковал. Нужно максимально замедлиться, на вдох делать один шаг и на выдох другой. В процессе такой сильно медленной ходьбы нужно разгонять из головы бесконечный хоровод мыслей, сосредоточиться на дыхании и ощущениях в теле. Не болит ли где что (у меня болит), не скрипит ли, не ноет (и скрипит и ноет). Почувствовать как ноги касаются земли, внимательно наблюдать как это происходит, какие мышцы напрягаются, какие ощущения возникают. Если в голову будут лезть посторонние мысли, а они будут, нужно спокойно вернуться к осознанию дыхания и тела.
Крутая штука, сегодня на прогулке в парке попробовал. Привык ходить быстро, ходить медленно было непривычно, переваливался с ноги на ногу как утка, а потом поймал ритм и дело пошло на лад. Чувствовал кожей холодный воздух, ощущал запахи травы и листьев, почувствовал где в теле наиболее зажатые места, над которыми сегодня стоит поработать горячим душем, массажем и йогой.
Купить книгу:
* Лабиринт http://www.labirint.ru/books/540053/?...
* Озон http://www.ozon.ru/context/detail/id/...
* Литрес https://www.litres.ru/nat-han-tit/tis...
Понравилась практика медитации во время ходьбы, такое я еще не практиковал. Нужно максимально замедлиться, на вдох делать один шаг и на выдох другой. В процессе такой сильно медленной ходьбы нужно разгонять из головы бесконечный хоровод мыслей, сосредоточиться на дыхании и ощущениях в теле. Не болит ли где что (у меня болит), не скрипит ли, не ноет (и скрипит и ноет). Почувствовать как ноги касаются земли, внимательно наблюдать как это происходит, какие мышцы напрягаются, какие ощущения возникают. Если в голову будут лезть посторонние мысли, а они будут, нужно спокойно вернуться к осознанию дыхания и тела.
Крутая штука, сегодня на прогулке в парке попробовал. Привык ходить быстро, ходить медленно было непривычно, переваливался с ноги на ногу как утка, а потом поймал ритм и дело пошло на лад. Чувствовал кожей холодный воздух, ощущал запахи травы и листьев, почувствовал где в теле наиболее зажатые места, над которыми сегодня стоит поработать горячим душем, массажем и йогой.
Купить книгу:
* Лабиринт http://www.labirint.ru/books/540053/?...
* Озон http://www.ozon.ru/context/detail/id/...
* Литрес https://www.litres.ru/nat-han-tit/tis...
January 4, 2020
If you’ve read any of Thích Nhất Hạnh’s books, then you’ll have a general idea of the kind of advice he gives. Stemming from his meditation and mindfulness, he offers powerful and yet extremely simplistic insight into how important it is to be in the moment, to tune in with the breath, to seek out the silence and just be. Although he often doesn’t change in what he is saying or offer different material, there is always something so soothing about reading his words. Even if we already know it and know what we have to do, that doesn’t mean we don’t need to read these lessons often and be reminded of them. If you’re looking for a little less noise in your life, I’d really recommend this book.
November 3, 2015
If your dreams aren't coming true, you might think that you need to do more, or think and strategize more. In fact, what you might need is less noise coming from inside and outside. Silence is a kind of magic formula that helps cultivate deep listening and mindfulness, transforming a situation and our lives on a breath. So much to love about this book.
Read
June 22, 2020This really gets at a lot of what I've been mulling over and moving my life toward during this pandemic.
August 14, 2020
'Time is life', this quote from the book will go up as a poster on my wall.
The book talks about how Silence is not its mundane definition - the lack of sound. It illuminates the reader's mind by introducing 'Real Silence', the kind that calms or stills your mind by creating a void of thoughts.
I love the author's use of the term, Radio NST (Non Stop Thinking), a problem that we are all are constantly plagued with. The act of NST loosens our grasp on both our physical self and consciousness.
We all have our own ways to be happy, however, the author enlightens us to a simple fact that breathing in and out while realising our breath brings us back to the present, making it the easiest way to be truly joyful.
This book is a quick read which will reveal some truths that will impact you deeply. Happy reading!
The book talks about how Silence is not its mundane definition - the lack of sound. It illuminates the reader's mind by introducing 'Real Silence', the kind that calms or stills your mind by creating a void of thoughts.
I love the author's use of the term, Radio NST (Non Stop Thinking), a problem that we are all are constantly plagued with. The act of NST loosens our grasp on both our physical self and consciousness.
We all have our own ways to be happy, however, the author enlightens us to a simple fact that breathing in and out while realising our breath brings us back to the present, making it the easiest way to be truly joyful.
This book is a quick read which will reveal some truths that will impact you deeply. Happy reading!
March 12, 2016
Thich Nhat Hanh's Silence is subtitled The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise. Just reading this book reminded me of the importance of taking time to sit in silence and stillness, and so I did.
March 8, 2023
I came across this book serendipitously and i knew within some chapters down the line that I'd need to reread this again.
It was an easy read with me understanding that my comprehension is likely occasional, hence rereading.
In a world that seems to feel like a highway too often, this is a good book to consider helping with the need to pause and appreciate.
It was an easy read with me understanding that my comprehension is likely occasional, hence rereading.
In a world that seems to feel like a highway too often, this is a good book to consider helping with the need to pause and appreciate.
December 24, 2015
Is it oddly ironic that I opted to listen to an audiobook recording of a book titled "Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise"? Regardless, Thich Nhat Hanh confirms what I was already aware of, but too "hooked" to let go of, and that is the fact that we - as individuals and as a society - are perpetually inundated by noise. Not just sound, but the "head traffic" of texts, emails, social media, alerts and reminders, and more. We're approaching a point when we are incapable of being comfortable with the notion of pure silence, now more agitated by the absence of noise than the presence of it.
This book serves as a gentle and positive reminder that silence is always available to us, and our best opportunity for reconnecting with True North, with a sense of sanity and goodness, is to unplug and be fully present.
The book is not just for Buddhist practitioners, by any means. Like much of Thay's work, it is designed for you to apply to any spiritual journey, or the lack of one. It's just a guidebook for embracing the discomfort of silence, so that it no longer remains uncomfortable. So that we can clear our minds and liberate ourselves from the distractions and detours that we allow and are imposed upon us.
It's a book that will make you want to experience a meal without the distraction of your favorite magazine or Facebook on your phone. It'll make you want to take a walk in nature without your iPod, and perhaps devote one full day - or at least a few hours each week - to Noble Silence, a practice which allows you to drop the shackles of society and social behaviors and just be present with yourself and the natural sounds around you, rather than the veneer of protection that our chosen distractions and noises so often represent.
This is an invitation to restore a bit of sanity into our 21st century lives. I hope to accept that invitation.
This book serves as a gentle and positive reminder that silence is always available to us, and our best opportunity for reconnecting with True North, with a sense of sanity and goodness, is to unplug and be fully present.
The book is not just for Buddhist practitioners, by any means. Like much of Thay's work, it is designed for you to apply to any spiritual journey, or the lack of one. It's just a guidebook for embracing the discomfort of silence, so that it no longer remains uncomfortable. So that we can clear our minds and liberate ourselves from the distractions and detours that we allow and are imposed upon us.
It's a book that will make you want to experience a meal without the distraction of your favorite magazine or Facebook on your phone. It'll make you want to take a walk in nature without your iPod, and perhaps devote one full day - or at least a few hours each week - to Noble Silence, a practice which allows you to drop the shackles of society and social behaviors and just be present with yourself and the natural sounds around you, rather than the veneer of protection that our chosen distractions and noises so often represent.
This is an invitation to restore a bit of sanity into our 21st century lives. I hope to accept that invitation.
January 2, 2023
4 ⭐️
I was ready for a good start to the year, but I have to say this book amazed me.
I find the description of the NST radio, always buzzing in the head, very apt. So relatable.
I think that reading this book in december/january is particularly appropriate, as the ending/beginning of the year is when we write down our New Year's resolutions and goals, and this book invites us to take a step back and consider whether perhaps we are not doing too many things together with the sole purpose of saying "done with this task, let's move on to the next one".
We must remember to stop and breathe to clear our minds and to fully enjoy each achievement.
I was ready for a good start to the year, but I have to say this book amazed me.
There is beauty calling to us every day, every hour, but we are rarely in a position to listen. The basic condition for us to be able to hear the call of beauty and repond to her it is silence . .. There's a radio playing in our head, radio station NST, non-stop thinking . Our mind is filled with noise and that's why we can't hear the call of Life, the call of Love.
I find the description of the NST radio, always buzzing in the head, very apt. So relatable.
I think that reading this book in december/january is particularly appropriate, as the ending/beginning of the year is when we write down our New Year's resolutions and goals, and this book invites us to take a step back and consider whether perhaps we are not doing too many things together with the sole purpose of saying "done with this task, let's move on to the next one".
We must remember to stop and breathe to clear our minds and to fully enjoy each achievement.
We need to learn to turn off radio NST, it's not good for our health to consume from our own consciousness.
December 1, 2021
¿Qué es saber estar en silencio? ¿Poder alejarse del mundo un instante? Thich Nhat Hanh, un maestro del budismo intenta conciliar el ajetreado mundo con la paz interior que cada una y uno de nosotros puede sentir si sabemos escuchar al silencio. En 7 capítulos nos va adentrando en la práctica y la necesidad de saber alejarse del mundanal ruido, y al término de cada uno de esos capítulos un ejercicio práctico para saber cómo encontrarnos con nuestros propios silencios. Esto para poder encontrase con los propósito más escondidos dentro de nuestras conciencias. Ha sido una lectura reveladora el descubrir el poder de la calma -incluso investigando en torno a la meditación- para ponerla en práctica en este final de año que tiene de todo menos de tranquilidad. Una lectura que permite reencontrarte, quizás. contigo misma o mismo y que nunca está demás hacerlo.
February 8, 2021
Với những cuốn như thế này, phải dành tất cả sự tôn trọng vì nó được viết để đem đến sự hiểu biết về các khía cạnh tôn giáo. Mà tôn giáo thì không có đúng/ sai, hay/ dở vì mỗi người sẽ có cái nhìn và niềm tin khác nhau
Với một đứa chưa có nhiều khái niệm về đạo Phật thì mình vẫn muốn tìm hiểu sâu hơn một tí, thực hành một tí rồi sau đấy mới nhận xét được những sách như này
Dù sao cũng đáng để đọc và tìm hiểu
Với một đứa chưa có nhiều khái niệm về đạo Phật thì mình vẫn muốn tìm hiểu sâu hơn một tí, thực hành một tí rồi sau đấy mới nhận xét được những sách như này
Dù sao cũng đáng để đọc và tìm hiểu
November 19, 2023
La nostra mente è attraversata continuamente da un chiacchiericcio formato dai pensieri, ricordi passati o preoccupazioni future che ci distraggono impedendoci di vivere pienamente il presente. Il silenzio a cui si riferisce Thich Nhat Hanh è quello spazio che consente di "spegnere" la radio dei nostri pensieri, semplicemente osservandoli per quello che sono, ancorandoci a quello che c'è qui ed ora, il nostro respiro.
May 11, 2020
Mindfulness but with examples and exercises from a man that exudes peace through the paper
April 30, 2021
This book had some useful tips for incorporating mindfulness into everyday life but he used a lot of the same stories from At Home in the World so the reading experience wasn’t as enjoyable.
August 27, 2016
In this book, Thich Nhat Hanh explains how important of silence, of solitude. Silence is very powerful sound. I will quote some my favorites sentences in this book. "If we can silence within ourselves, we can hear 5 true sounds: the sound of wonder of life; Sound of the One Who Observes the World - the sound of listening; the Brahma Sound - om; The sound of Rising Tide - voice of Buddha; the Sound That Transcends All Sounds of World." "How mindfulness is the practice that stops the noise inside so we could look deeply and find out who we are and what we want to do with our life. We have to give ourselves enough space and quite to become free. Silence allows for deep listening and mindful response, the keys to full and honest communication. If we haven't listened deeply to ourselves, we can't listen deeply to others."... You should read it, practice and experience by yourself. The hardest part for me to practice deep listening and right speech. Especially with my closest ones: my parents, my lover, my daughter, or the people I hate... I try practicing everyday, every moment; I will nourish the noble silence in my classes and in my work place. I think I want to buy a bell with pleasant sound to invite my daughter enjoy breathing with me. Two my favorite verses (I and my daughter usually read it aloud in mornings, I feel happy about that) and these are in English:
1. "Waking up this morning I smile.
Twenty-four brand-new hours are before me.
I vow to live them deeply
and learn to look at everything around me with the eyes of compassion."
2. "Breathing in, I see myself as a flower.
Breathing out, I feel fresh.
Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain.
Breathing out, I feel solid.
Breathing in, I see myself as still water.
Breathing out, I feel reflecting things as they are.
Breathing in, I see myself as a space.
Breathing out, I feel free."
1. "Waking up this morning I smile.
Twenty-four brand-new hours are before me.
I vow to live them deeply
and learn to look at everything around me with the eyes of compassion."
2. "Breathing in, I see myself as a flower.
Breathing out, I feel fresh.
Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain.
Breathing out, I feel solid.
Breathing in, I see myself as still water.
Breathing out, I feel reflecting things as they are.
Breathing in, I see myself as a space.
Breathing out, I feel free."
January 15, 2022
Some nuggets of wisdom, slightly repetitive and at times childish in style.
I've followed the author for several years and have a huge respect for his work, purpose and the practices he teaches. This book, despite the golden nuggets of Buddhist wisdom and reminders to practice mindfulness in our daily lives, challenged my concentration for the most part, as it felt quite repetitive. Some anecdotes escaped me and seemed a little disconnected from the point he was trying to make. His style, at times, felt somewhat childish and overly simplified.
Although I was recommended this book by close friends and meditation practitioners, this would not be my first choice when recommending a book by Thich Nhat Hahn.
I've followed the author for several years and have a huge respect for his work, purpose and the practices he teaches. This book, despite the golden nuggets of Buddhist wisdom and reminders to practice mindfulness in our daily lives, challenged my concentration for the most part, as it felt quite repetitive. Some anecdotes escaped me and seemed a little disconnected from the point he was trying to make. His style, at times, felt somewhat childish and overly simplified.
Although I was recommended this book by close friends and meditation practitioners, this would not be my first choice when recommending a book by Thich Nhat Hahn.
March 24, 2021
Dù khi không phát ra một âm thanh nào, nhưng trong đầu mỗi người luôn có một đài NST (non-stop thinking) đầy những suy nghĩ miên man và liên tục.
Mình cảm thấy sâu sắc về một nền văn minh thật sự chỉ đơn giản bằng việc thực hành hít thở. Nếu ai cũng có thể dừng lại một chút trước khi làm bất cứ điều gì, có lẽ mọi thứ sẽ khác khác lắm đây.
Mình cảm thấy sâu sắc về một nền văn minh thật sự chỉ đơn giản bằng việc thực hành hít thở. Nếu ai cũng có thể dừng lại một chút trước khi làm bất cứ điều gì, có lẽ mọi thứ sẽ khác khác lắm đây.
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