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Our Appointment With Life: Discourse on Living Happily in the Present Moment
Our Appointment with Life is a translation and commentary on the Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone, the earliest teaching of the Buddha on how to live fully in the present moment.
56 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1990
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1171 people want to read
About the author
Thich Nhat Hanh
969 books12.7k 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 46 reviews
November 24, 2013
An exorcism of sorts. Better living alone refers to living without your ghosts, the ghosts of regrets or better times past and future rewards or calamities. Not that the past or future are not considered but that they are considered with mindful observation rooted in the present moment. Identify less with the past and future and observe the internal formations that arise when triggered. Take care of the present and the future takes care of itself. Learn from the past to grow in wisdom in the present. Bottom line, better living alone is detaching from your triggers by actually seeing their impermanent and transparent nature.
January 28, 2018
I promise myself that I will enjoy every minute of the day that is given me to live.
February 7, 2016
This short book is simply translations of several variations on the brief sutas and gathas which refer to what Thich Nhat Hanh translates as “living alone.” That is living in the present moment. The Theranamo Sutta, th Bhaddekaratta Sutta, and a couple from the Chinese cannon.
The best part of the book is the translation in to English of the fragment which forms the basis for commentary.
Do not pursue the past,
Do not lose yourself in the future.
The past no long is.
The future has not yet come.
Looking deeply at life as it is,
in the very here and now,
the practitioner dwells
in stability and freedom.
We must be diligent today.
Tomorrow is too late.
Death comes unexpectedly.
How can we bargain with it?
The sage calls a person who knows
how to dwell in mindfulness
night and day
“one who knows
the better way to live alone.”
“Living alone” in Thich Nhat Hanh’s commentary refers to the ability to be in the moment even in the midst of life. Including being surrounded by people, activities and responsibilities.
The author is obviously very knowledgeable regarding his subject matter, and of course is a much loved Buddhist teacher. The text (about 49 pages) does make some very clear and interesting points regarding the usefulness of practicing present moment awareness. I did however feel that it was a bit simplistic, and instructional, but without giving any clear instructions to those new or only slightly familiar with the practice. I also felt it failed to address the core of the Buddhist project by sticking to a limited intellectual understanding of practice and its outcomes rather than expanding on or offering more than a superficial reference to what “understanding reality” means within the context of Buddhist practice.
Only two stars because it didn't really grab me.
The best part of the book is the translation in to English of the fragment which forms the basis for commentary.
Do not pursue the past,
Do not lose yourself in the future.
The past no long is.
The future has not yet come.
Looking deeply at life as it is,
in the very here and now,
the practitioner dwells
in stability and freedom.
We must be diligent today.
Tomorrow is too late.
Death comes unexpectedly.
How can we bargain with it?
The sage calls a person who knows
how to dwell in mindfulness
night and day
“one who knows
the better way to live alone.”
“Living alone” in Thich Nhat Hanh’s commentary refers to the ability to be in the moment even in the midst of life. Including being surrounded by people, activities and responsibilities.
The author is obviously very knowledgeable regarding his subject matter, and of course is a much loved Buddhist teacher. The text (about 49 pages) does make some very clear and interesting points regarding the usefulness of practicing present moment awareness. I did however feel that it was a bit simplistic, and instructional, but without giving any clear instructions to those new or only slightly familiar with the practice. I also felt it failed to address the core of the Buddhist project by sticking to a limited intellectual understanding of practice and its outcomes rather than expanding on or offering more than a superficial reference to what “understanding reality” means within the context of Buddhist practice.
Only two stars because it didn't really grab me.
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July 3, 2010Living alone right in society: My mother raised me. She worked diligently at a job that paid her less than a living-wage. Yet we lived. Mother worked hard and she worked a second-shift as mom: performing domestic work and trying to keep me from becoming a criminal and/or a substance abuser. Being raised as an only child by a single mother afforded me a great deal of alone time. I, like Thera (Elder) did many things alone growing up (some activities wholesome, others curious, and yet others downright antisocial). I am not uncomfortable being alone.
Now, as a husband and father, I mostly find myself with others. I first read this text as my wife pre-wedding co-ordinated for our friends' wedding. I had 3 hours to burn in a sweltering parking lot and I decided to read _Our Appointment With Life_. I felt ironic and figured 'why not read a book about being alone' prior to witnessing a marriage, a union of two into one. Thinking simply, I considered alone to mean: without human contact. Buddha (and Hanh) corrected my base thinking. In Buddha's words (to Thera, monk who thought he 'lived alone' because he avoided human contact): 'In observing life deeply, it is possible to see clearly all that is. Not enslaved by anything, it is possible to put aside all craving. The result is a life of peace and joy. This is truly to live alone,' (p. 4). I meditated on this gatha and altered my narrow definition of alone. Hanh fills this book with exhortations on how to live alone within society and the crux of the text focuses on the importance of mindfulness via living fully in the PRESENT MOMENT.
As a Sociologist, I especially enjoy Hanh's paragraphs on 'poor', 'unwholesome movies', and 'bad books' and how mindfulness can enlighten these topics.
This text contains three parts. 'The Sutras' contain translations of 'The Elder Sutra' and 'The Sutra on the Better Way to Live Alone'. These translations total 6 pages. 'The Subject Matter of the Sutras' consists of Thich Nhat Hahn's elaboration of the Buddha's sutras. Hahn utilizes various ancient Buddhist sources (_Dhammapada_, _Theragatha_, _Agamas_, _Majjhima Nikaya_, _The God of the Forest Hot Springs Sutra_, _Shakyan Hermitage Sutra_, etc.)in this section, yet he makes the material accessible to both non-Buddhists and devout Buddhists. As always, Hanh makes a concerted effort to simplify as much material as possible. This section is 11 pages in length. The third section is 'Putting the Teachings of the Buddha into Practice' and Hanh offers simple life advice. The text ends with translations of 2 Gathas.
Now, as a husband and father, I mostly find myself with others. I first read this text as my wife pre-wedding co-ordinated for our friends' wedding. I had 3 hours to burn in a sweltering parking lot and I decided to read _Our Appointment With Life_. I felt ironic and figured 'why not read a book about being alone' prior to witnessing a marriage, a union of two into one. Thinking simply, I considered alone to mean: without human contact. Buddha (and Hanh) corrected my base thinking. In Buddha's words (to Thera, monk who thought he 'lived alone' because he avoided human contact): 'In observing life deeply, it is possible to see clearly all that is. Not enslaved by anything, it is possible to put aside all craving. The result is a life of peace and joy. This is truly to live alone,' (p. 4). I meditated on this gatha and altered my narrow definition of alone. Hanh fills this book with exhortations on how to live alone within society and the crux of the text focuses on the importance of mindfulness via living fully in the PRESENT MOMENT.
As a Sociologist, I especially enjoy Hanh's paragraphs on 'poor', 'unwholesome movies', and 'bad books' and how mindfulness can enlighten these topics.
This text contains three parts. 'The Sutras' contain translations of 'The Elder Sutra' and 'The Sutra on the Better Way to Live Alone'. These translations total 6 pages. 'The Subject Matter of the Sutras' consists of Thich Nhat Hahn's elaboration of the Buddha's sutras. Hahn utilizes various ancient Buddhist sources (_Dhammapada_, _Theragatha_, _Agamas_, _Majjhima Nikaya_, _The God of the Forest Hot Springs Sutra_, _Shakyan Hermitage Sutra_, etc.)in this section, yet he makes the material accessible to both non-Buddhists and devout Buddhists. As always, Hanh makes a concerted effort to simplify as much material as possible. This section is 11 pages in length. The third section is 'Putting the Teachings of the Buddha into Practice' and Hanh offers simple life advice. The text ends with translations of 2 Gathas.
March 5, 2025
My English professor gifted this book to me during college ( 2009-10). The young version of me could not even read two pages of it and gave up.
Now after ten years when I have it another try, i realised how beautiful the content is.
The art of living alone is not living aloof but to live without worry. Not worrying about what has already happened or what is going to happen, keeps one content and satisfied.
Maybe the real awakening of self is to live freely and enjoy the beauty of nature.
A soothing book specially for people who are trying to find the meaning of life.
Now after ten years when I have it another try, i realised how beautiful the content is.
The art of living alone is not living aloof but to live without worry. Not worrying about what has already happened or what is going to happen, keeps one content and satisfied.
Maybe the real awakening of self is to live freely and enjoy the beauty of nature.
A soothing book specially for people who are trying to find the meaning of life.
January 2, 2023
Leer a Thich Nhat Hanh me inspira.
"Si vivimos en el momento presente de una forma despierta, ocupándonos de él con todo nuestro corazón, no haremos cosas que destruyan el futuro." (Pág.58)
Apliquen eso a sus relaciones, su trabajo, sus acciones, sus palabras, verán porqué es tan universal leer a un monje budista.
"Si vivimos en el momento presente de una forma despierta, ocupándonos de él con todo nuestro corazón, no haremos cosas que destruyan el futuro." (Pág.58)
Apliquen eso a sus relaciones, su trabajo, sus acciones, sus palabras, verán porqué es tan universal leer a un monje budista.
November 23, 2021
The distinction between being apart from others and from the ghosts of mind when apart or among others is helpful in understanding the life of solitude. I especially liked the reminder that as the present is shaped by the past, we are now shaping the future - which will be a present - by this present. Hence, anxieties of the future detract from creating a future present that can be much unlike our darksome mental prognostications.
Hanh aptly teaches Buddhist teachings, like karma, without focusing on those terms. For example, in this book he does not mention "karma," yet it is integral to the content.
As with all Hanh's works, I find this one hopeful... hopeful by being fully in this moment, not merely pining for a better tomorrow and, so, carried away into another time and place. Hanh focuses on our potential to better our lives and that of others now, regardless of the past. Hence, while being honest about suffering, Hanh, like the Buddha did, does not see suffering as the end-all. He sees suffering as the mud for the realization of a Lotus Heart and the fruition of all the positive seeds within us.
If one is of a theistic orientation, she might question the power of insight alone to free us from suffering. It seems Hanh, like most, if not all, Buddhists, does teach of grace - though in different terms; hence, grace arises from within life, not an outside source. Whatever our view of this, to be true to Buddhist wisdom, we agree that perceptions, so views, are all selfless and impermanent. Hence, even the terms "nontheism" and "theism" have no independent existence or permanence. Does this lead to nihilism? No, not necessarily. Yet, it can. Hanh addresses this potential of nihilism.
Last, I review as a lay practitioner of Buddhism and vowed to the contemplative life in Christianity. I find the Dharma to enrich and enhance my view of Jesus and the Gospels. I find the opposite, likewise, to be true. Hahn has written on these two traditions as worldviews that can complement each other.
Hanh aptly teaches Buddhist teachings, like karma, without focusing on those terms. For example, in this book he does not mention "karma," yet it is integral to the content.
As with all Hanh's works, I find this one hopeful... hopeful by being fully in this moment, not merely pining for a better tomorrow and, so, carried away into another time and place. Hanh focuses on our potential to better our lives and that of others now, regardless of the past. Hence, while being honest about suffering, Hanh, like the Buddha did, does not see suffering as the end-all. He sees suffering as the mud for the realization of a Lotus Heart and the fruition of all the positive seeds within us.
If one is of a theistic orientation, she might question the power of insight alone to free us from suffering. It seems Hanh, like most, if not all, Buddhists, does teach of grace - though in different terms; hence, grace arises from within life, not an outside source. Whatever our view of this, to be true to Buddhist wisdom, we agree that perceptions, so views, are all selfless and impermanent. Hence, even the terms "nontheism" and "theism" have no independent existence or permanence. Does this lead to nihilism? No, not necessarily. Yet, it can. Hanh addresses this potential of nihilism.
Last, I review as a lay practitioner of Buddhism and vowed to the contemplative life in Christianity. I find the Dharma to enrich and enhance my view of Jesus and the Gospels. I find the opposite, likewise, to be true. Hahn has written on these two traditions as worldviews that can complement each other.
May 29, 2017
To live alone doesn't mean to isolate oneself from society. It means to live in mindfulness. One who knows the better way to live alone can see clearly, even in a crowd of people. The Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone is the earliest teaching of the Buddha on living fully in the present moment; it is the basis for the enlightened life, and that can lead to awakened understanding and nirvana. According to the teaching of interbeing, the past makes the present, and the present makes the future.
February 23, 2020
A Buddhist Teaching
This was the first Buddhist teaching that I have ever read. It was light and easy reading and the teachings basic. I didn’t pick it up to read it for that reason, I didn’t know that’s what it was about. But I enjoyed learning the philosophy that the past and the future are like ghosts that can worry us unless we live mindfully in the present moment. A popular and right teaching, in my opinion. I also enjoyed the insight that the ghosts of the past and future (thoughts of) can be transformed by living in the present moment and living here fully.
This was the first Buddhist teaching that I have ever read. It was light and easy reading and the teachings basic. I didn’t pick it up to read it for that reason, I didn’t know that’s what it was about. But I enjoyed learning the philosophy that the past and the future are like ghosts that can worry us unless we live mindfully in the present moment. A popular and right teaching, in my opinion. I also enjoyed the insight that the ghosts of the past and future (thoughts of) can be transformed by living in the present moment and living here fully.
November 25, 2021
"It's just a pamphet," I thought. And as I read it, I felt it was repetitive as well. And yet Thich Nhat Hang is able to explain profound truths in simple, clear language that is eminently useful and helpful.
This particularly book gave me an insight into the author's scholarship (translating from the original Pali? From Chinese? In addition to the Vietnamese, French, and English he speaks? Amazing).
His commentaries on these short ancient texts are...enlightening. :-)
This particularly book gave me an insight into the author's scholarship (translating from the original Pali? From Chinese? In addition to the Vietnamese, French, and English he speaks? Amazing).
His commentaries on these short ancient texts are...enlightening. :-)
July 19, 2019
The Buddhist suttas should really be more widely read in the west, and not just the ones that focus on meditation. Thich Nhat Hanh offers beautiful translations of and commentaries on the primary texts of Buddhism and Your Appointment with Life is no exception. Anyone turned off by Hanh’s tendencies towards new agey sounding language shouldn’t find too much fault here as this short book manages to be down to Earth, practical, and inspiring. The Better Way to Live Alone is one of the suttas Tháy recommends reading daily, and while the whole book including commentaries mi be a bit long for that, the suttas themselves shouldn’t be as all three run to only a couple pages each.
July 24, 2021
Un libro pequeño de rápida lectura de Thich Nhat Hanh, en donde a través de lo sutras explica la idea de "Cómo encontrar la forma de vivir solo", refiriéndose a soledad como una vida libre de ataduras del pasado o del futuro, es decir, una vida en el presente.
Explica algunas de las enseñanzas del Buda referentes al vivir en el presente.
Explica algunas de las enseñanzas del Buda referentes al vivir en el presente.
September 4, 2023
Had a harder time connecting with the narrative style here however did appreciate the core message that life is rich in the present moment when we are able to release attachments to the past and future.
August 25, 2018
A short and insightful read. Must read for anyone on a spiritual journey towards a more happy and liberated life.
January 12, 2020
Thank you
Awesome! Amazing, enlightening and as always, thought provoking. I love this beautiful being, I have learned so much about life!
Awesome! Amazing, enlightening and as always, thought provoking. I love this beautiful being, I have learned so much about life!
August 16, 2020
This book is a good guide for setting a good attitude about life
March 16, 2022
Amazing insight!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2022
Thich's words are always of wisdom, kindness and peace
February 10, 2023
great advise
Very easy and fast to read. Great advise for beginners like me on how to get started in meditation practice. Easy to understand perspective on mindfulness.
Very easy and fast to read. Great advise for beginners like me on how to get started in meditation practice. Easy to understand perspective on mindfulness.
August 4, 2023
2.5
No es un mal libro pero es muy repetitivo y aunque solo son 60 páginas todo lo sustancial del libro se puede contener en una o dos páginas
No es un mal libro pero es muy repetitivo y aunque solo son 60 páginas todo lo sustancial del libro se puede contener en una o dos páginas
Want to read
May 31, 2024ملاحظة لي - لم اقرا الكتاب بعد
a buddhist monk
about being in the present moment (same to Eckhart Toll's book)
a buddhist monk
about being in the present moment (same to Eckhart Toll's book)
August 14, 2024
Great short story to relax with
August 23, 2021
It is a very short book. with many references to Buddhist texts, with which if you are not familiar, it is difficult to understand.
Want to read
March 9, 2017recommended by dcc
February 18, 2009
This is an excellent little book that manages to sum up the core of Buddhist philosophy with one sutra. Thich Nhat Hanh is always clear cut and easy to understand. This is the first discourse that I've read of his and, though it differs in style from Peace is Every Step and Living Buddha Living Christ, it in some ways spoke to me more than those two books did. When he writes "Our appointment with life is in the present moment. The place of our appointment is right here, in this very place", I had to really stop and think about that. On an intellectual level, of course, that's a basic Buddhist principle. But to put mindfulness into practice in everyday life is difficult, especially when I'm faced with work and drama of all sorts. To stop in the midst of the tornado and check in with myself, to say "here I am", it makes me a bit freaked out. When I read that passage, I was on the bus heading to a client's house and all of these questions just started coming up: what am I doing in this job? Am I in the right place? Am I associating with the kind of people I should be associating with?
I think it's far too easy to not check in with ourselves, especially with all the distractions of modern life. Change can be such a daunting thing, especially when talking about change from within. What I gleaned from this book is that it's all about babysteps - not the big "what ifs" that are so easy to get hung up on. In other words, stop worrying about the past and future and stop and look at what's happening right now.
Thanks a lot to my bff; that was some Christmas present!
I think it's far too easy to not check in with ourselves, especially with all the distractions of modern life. Change can be such a daunting thing, especially when talking about change from within. What I gleaned from this book is that it's all about babysteps - not the big "what ifs" that are so easy to get hung up on. In other words, stop worrying about the past and future and stop and look at what's happening right now.
Thanks a lot to my bff; that was some Christmas present!
January 13, 2017
The first book of 2017 was ALL about self-awareness. This quick read focused on traditional Buddhist teaching of being present. In full disclosure I'm Christian, so reading teachings about monks was different. The practice of meditation and being alone in some ways was in conflict of communal prayer and support. Even though at times I felt uncomfortable, I pushed forward and didn’t let that stop me from appreciating the message. This book highlighted the power of the mind and the need for alone time. As an introvert I revel in my space, but the teachings warned against using alone time to focus on the past or the future. Worrying about things that have already happened or hopes of things to happen prevents freedom. Wow, how simple, but powerful.
I gave this book 3 stars just because the first 3 chapters were translations of teachings, so as a reader there was only one chapter of content beyond the teaching. Normally, this format wouldn’t be a problem, but the last chapter felt like a summary rather than a full integration of teaching and practical application. Now, I have to admit that could be my Christianity peeking through i.e. the use of a parable to teach something followed by instruction. Either way, I think reading this book was a great way for me to start the year. I plan to the pledge to be more present!
I gave this book 3 stars just because the first 3 chapters were translations of teachings, so as a reader there was only one chapter of content beyond the teaching. Normally, this format wouldn’t be a problem, but the last chapter felt like a summary rather than a full integration of teaching and practical application. Now, I have to admit that could be my Christianity peeking through i.e. the use of a parable to teach something followed by instruction. Either way, I think reading this book was a great way for me to start the year. I plan to the pledge to be more present!
August 25, 2011
I've read this commentary and translation of these two suttas, Theranamo Sutta and Bhaddekaratta Sutta several times over the years, and this time I taught it to a group of students, both beginners and experienced, and went deeper than I'd ever done before. Simple, short, succinct as they are, they contain great wisdom, the core teachings of the Buddha, and very practical and pragmatic explication on what it means to "live in the present moment."
I am grateful to Thay Nhat Hanh for this simple book, and if conditions permit, I know I'll be sharing these profound teachings many times over!
I am grateful to Thay Nhat Hanh for this simple book, and if conditions permit, I know I'll be sharing these profound teachings many times over!
January 23, 2014
Book #5: Our Appointment with Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
The best way for me to describe this short book is to quote a few lines from page 42:
The best way of preparing for the future is to take good care of the present, because we know that if the present is made up of the past, then the future will be made up of the present. All we need to be responsible for is the present moment. Only the present is within our reach. To care for the present is to care for the future.
The best way for me to describe this short book is to quote a few lines from page 42:
The best way of preparing for the future is to take good care of the present, because we know that if the present is made up of the past, then the future will be made up of the present. All we need to be responsible for is the present moment. Only the present is within our reach. To care for the present is to care for the future.
November 28, 2015
The essential teaching of Buddhism is to free oneself from all anxiety concerning the past and desire for the future in order to come back into the present. Liberation, awakening joy, and inner work can only happen in the present. This is Thich Nhat Hanh's translation of the earliest teaching of the Buddha on living in the present.
March 19, 2010
This deceptively slim volume contains profound lessons for living in the present moment and not being haunted by ghosts of the past or the future.When Thich Nhat Hanh talks about living alone, he does not mean retreating from society, he means living unfettered by past and present hopes, fears and disappointments.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews