Reading Peace discussion
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The club has grown by 400 members since December, which is amazing. Welcome aboard.
Sending a smile to you all,
Jason at Parallax
Hello, I am Annie. I'm just beginning. I have read "The Miracle of mindfulness. I practice mindfulness with a small group of women. I look forward to more of Thay's teachings with this fine group.
Hi, my name is Stephanie and I'm looking to add Buddhist practices to my existing faith. Reading a poem by Thich Nhat Hanh led me to buy Peace is Every Step, and staying mindful and meditating on the words of his poem helped me overcome performance anxiety for basically the first time ever. I have also read probably the first half of the Miracle of Mindfulness, and I'm listening to the Heart of Buddha's Teaching. I'm looking forward to studying with other like-minded people :)
Welcome onboard Annie and Stephanie! I'm new to the group too. Looking forward to the discussions.
Hi! I'm a new member of this group. I'm currently studying and reading buddhist or buddhist inspired books. Currently I'm re-reading Dalai Lama's works.
Billy wrote: "Hi! I'm a new member of this group. I'm currently studying and reading buddhist or buddhist inspired books. Currently I'm re-reading Dalai Lama's works."Hey Billy, I'm new the group too. I love the Dalai Lama's books, especially Healing Anger...
Hello, My name is Astrid and I am new to the group as well. I am currently reading The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva and the corresponding commentary. I am looking forward to learn from all of you and share in discussions.
Astrid wrote: "Hello, My name is Astrid and I am new to the group as well. I am currently reading The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva and the corresponding commentary. I am looking forward to learn from all ..."Which version of The Way of the Bodhisattva/ commentary are you reading? I have Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night by the Dalai Lama and Geshi Kelsang Gyatso version too.
Rumia wrote: "Joshua wrote: "Astrid wrote: "Hello, My name is Astrid and I am new to the group as well. I am currently reading The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva and the corresponding commentary. I am look..."It's pretty good. I have to confess I haven't read it all the way through yet. I really like his other book Healing Anger a lot more though it is based on Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva as well, but just focuses on the chapter on patience
Ro wrote: "Hello Joshua, thank you for your response. It is wonderful that mindfulness practice is transforming your life too. Right at the moment I am being slack with my daily meditation, though I know I wi..."I definitely go through periods that I don't sit a lot too. Sometimes because things are too bad and sometimes because they are too good too or sometimes because they are too average...haha One of my best spiritual friends told me not to force it and just to commit that I will come back to it as soon as I can. (which I need reminded may take some effort or discomfort) Also I've found that there are different meditations that work with my conditions better at different times and moods. Thay talks a lot about doing meditations that give us stability and joy before facing our suffering. Guided meditations can be especially useful if you don't have the energy to sustain your concentration or to generate some pleasant feelings if your body and mind aren't cooperating. Sometimes being mindful of my lazyness towards the practice is my practice. That can turn into a deep relaxation easily. "Breathing in I know that I don't want to sit up straight on my cushion, breathing out I'm not going to sit up straight on my cushion, breathing in I know I am sprawled out on the couch, breathing out I relax my lazy body sprawled out on the couch." That was my practice a couple days ago :)
Hey everyone :) I joined this group in the beginning of January, but only now getting around to writing an introduction. My name is Pascal, I'm 16. last spring I took the online 8 week MBSR course (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and then in the fall, I got curious about Buddhism, and was looked some stuff up about it and came across The Miracle of Mindfulness, and then went on to read several books by Thich Nhat Hanh. I just started reading Jack Kornfield, and plan on reading others.
I practice mindfulness as best I can throughout the day and meditate in the mornings, doing so has increased my well-being and attitude towards life.
I am a musician, I compose and improvise music on the piano; I have been attending Sudbury Valley School since I was 4, which is a school that has no curriculum and lets the students be completely free, you could even play video games all day every day if you wanted to. (and some people do)
Pascal, welcome! I have been a silent member here for a couple months. I have been practicing with Thay's teachings for a few years now, and similar teachings for longer than that. These teaching speak through all parts of my life, including my parenting of my son. However there was one area that felt at odds, my homeschooling of him. I spent way too many days trying to force him to do things he did not want to do, then speaking in ways that gave the message that there was something wrong with him for not wanting to do algebra sheets every day, for example. In the back of my head I knew this was at odds with how I lived the rest of my life, and I could see so clearly how creative and passionate and determined a kid he was, for the things that fed him. So we recently took a leap in our schooling where I am being sure to practice my loving speech with him through the whole day, and seeing him through loving eyes. This has led us into a world labeled un-schooling, something I see takes many forms for different families. For me it is not about what we are not doing, nor is it about not having any rules, it is more about how we walk through the day in mindfulness of our true wants and joyously doing the things that are most important to get done (like eating and cleaning, not worksheets). Pascal, you posting here led me to look at Sudbury Valley School and some videos of it last night. My son (he is 14) looked with me. His whole body lit up, he was so adult and expressive of his needs and desires, it was wonderful. I do not know if we will look at this school in particular in real time (though we very well may) but this new awareness of what exists there and around the world and the joy even the concept brings to us both, has opened a new world for us. Thank you!I am seeing this way of raising children to be more in line, for me, with how I understand Thay's teachings - to recognize all the gifts in children, to love them daily, speak to them kindly as we would any other, trust their innate drive and ability, and to never speak in a way that suggests they are wrong for who they are or what they desire to do. It is an expansive step in my parenting.
Welcome Pascal and Karen.I would really like to sign my boys up for a school like that. I am a huge fan of John Holt who sort of started the un-schooling movement. How did you like the MBSR course? I haven't taken one myself. It is wonderful to hear that you are getting into the practice at just 16! I was forging my own education staying home and reading up on philosophy and social issues at your age, but not engaged in mindfulness so much.
Cheers!
Karen wrote: "Pascal, welcome! I have been a silent member here for a couple months. I have been practicing with Thay's teachings for a few years now, and similar teachings for longer than that. These teachin..."Hi Karen, I'm glad to hear you are expanding your way of raising your child, it will do very much for him :)
Joshua wrote: "Welcome Pascal and Karen.
I would really like to sign my boys up for a school like that. I am a huge fan of John Holt who sort of started the un-schooling movement. How did you like the MBSR cours..."
Hi Joshua, I think SVS actually started before John Holt started that movement, though I am not sure. As for the MBSR course - it was good as an introduction to meditation, but I wouldn't take it if you are already practicing.
Haha :) Philosophy happened a little before I started Buddhism stuff (a month or two) finding Thich Nhat Hanh and Buddhism has been one of the best things that's happened to me in the past few years.
Pascal wrote: "Karen wrote: "Pascal, welcome! I have been a silent member here for a couple months. I have been practicing with Thay's teachings for a few years now, and similar teachings for longer than that. ..."I looked up SVS and there is a school very close to where I live actually. I don't think I'd be able to afford 625$ a month tuition for my kids though. It looks very nice and seems to have the ideals that I like though. so, maybe there will come a time in the future that I can get it going.
I love how much range Thich Nhat Hanh has. You can read so many of his books that reinforce the basic principals of mindfulness, interdependence, and compassion, and also find so many that deeply explore the history and philosophical/psychological systems of Buddhism.
Joshua wrote: "Pascal wrote: "Karen wrote: "Pascal, welcome! I have been a silent member here for a couple months. I have been practicing with Thay's teachings for a few years now, and similar teachings for lon..."I hope that you manage to get them there in the future :)
Agreed, I read 12 of his books before deciding that I should read someone else. The book I am reading now is fantastic if you haven't read it: The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology it'd be a great introduction book to Buddhism, but I'm also learning a lot about Buddhist psychology that I didn't learn or didn't see in Thich Nhat Hanh's books.
It's been a deep pleasure to follow this conversation between you kind people. About reading Thay's books: I read in his book "Stepping into Freedom" (I think) that novice monastics should refrain from reading novels for 3 years so I limited my reading to mostly Thay's works for 3 years. Then I felt I had a pretty good grounding and so started branching out and finding all these other great teachers. There are some wonderful voices, different flavors of teaching. Thay will always be my root teacher and I will be grateful to him for the rest of my days but it's good to experience other flavors.Right now I'm reading a lot of Joanna Macy's work and I can't recommend her highly enough.
Thank you all for your loving voices!
Elaine wrote: "It's been a deep pleasure to follow this conversation between you kind people. About reading Thay's books: I read in his book "Stepping into Freedom" (I think) that novice monastics should refrain ..."Hi Elaine! :)
Out of curiosity do you know why Thay said that?
And, I'll check her out, thanks!
My guess is to give them a chance to immerse themselves in their practice and the monastic way of life, but I'm not sure. I can't remember what I did for lunch today and it's been several years since I read the book! I'll refresh my acquaintance with it and report back unless somebody else answers you first.I know it helped me concentrate myself and keep the teachings at the top of my mind in the beginning.
Elaine wrote: "My guess is to give them a chance to immerse themselves in their practice and the monastic way of life, but I'm not sure. I can't remember what I did for lunch today and it's been several years si..."Right now I am almost exclusively reading books related to Buddhism, so I think I am covered :) I just got Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha which if you haven't read, is Thay's very thoroughly researched account of the Buddha's life, as told be the Water Buffalo Boy, Svasti. Which I am enjoying very much, it is a mix of teachings and just the story. I am reading it along side The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology by Jack Kornfield (I like reading multiple books at a time, so if I am not in the mood to read one I read the other, and still benefit from the teachings) which is also fantastic.
That's a lovely way to read! No matter what your mood or energy level there's something that will suit just fine when you sit down to read. I just finished "Old Path White Clouds" within the year and my plan is to reread it alongside Thay's book "The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings."
I started reading Old Path... probably a couple years ago and still haven't finished it since I take it so piecemeal. I was listening to a Dharma Talk the other day and Thay was talking about how a lot of pop music and literature etc. waters seeds like romantic love and other aspects of worldly life that monastics are working on renouncing. Not that they are inherently bad, but are not conducive to monastic life. My first several years of practice I stuck to Dharma books mostly and non-fiction. I think it's really difficult to establish a strong practice with so many other 'worldly' influences (even without them really).
How do things like romantic love hinder one's ability to practice?
First, please know that in Buddhist history there have been (and currently are) many Masters that were married with families. So, I don't think that romantic love is absolutely a hinderance to practice. And in many cases can be a great resource to the practice too. It is just not part of monastic life specifically.But there are some things that can make it more difficult. For example: if you are trying to cultivate loving kindness for all sentient beings, but your thoughts and emotions are constantly pulled towards just one person that can be difficult.
There is a really good book of Thich Nhat Hanh's called Cultivating the Mind of Love. It actually tells a true story about how he fell in love with a nun when he was a monk in his early 20's. The second portion of the book is a broad overview of Mahayana Buddhism. It is definitely in my top 3 of his books.
Joshua wrote: "First, please know that in Buddhist history there have been (and currently are) many Masters that were married with families. So, I don't think that romantic love is absolutely a hinderance to pra..."Yes, thank you very much Joshua for answering my question. That was well put :)
Thanks for your encouragement Ro and Pascal. You guys are good Sangha!
I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask, but does anyone know of any good retreat centers near Massachusetts?
Pascal wrote: "I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask, but does anyone know of any good retreat centers near Massachusetts?"For Sanghas you can search at http://www.mindfulnessbell.org/direct...
They might have some retreats happening in your area. Or I believe the closest Thay monastery is Blue Cliff in NY state.
I'm sure there are some from other traditions in Mass. too.
Joshua wrote: "Pascal wrote: "I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask, but does anyone know of any good retreat centers near Massachusetts?"For Sanghas you can search at http://www.mindfulnessbell.org/dir..."
Thanks Joshua for the response :)
Another thing, does anyone know of good books on walking meditation? Preferably by Thay, but other authors work too :)
The long road turns to joy is Thay's book on walking meditation. I haven't read it yet myself, but I have heard good things from friends both who practice in this tradition and who don't.http://www.amazon.com/The-Long-Road-T...
Joshua wrote: "The long road turns to joy is Thay's book on walking meditation. I haven't read it yet myself, but I have heard good things from friends both who practice in this tradition and who don't.http://..."
Thanks!
Hi,I am Sajith Buvi the author of The Only Permanent Solution to All Human Problems is the Rational God.
I live in Pittsburgh. I am a seeker of Rational God. I love reading all kinds of spiritual books of all religions. Spirituality and peacefulness is the nature of all religions.
Hi Folks,I'm looking forward to getting to know you all and talking about some great books.
I'm a member of a Zen Buddhist temple in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We've been lucky to have people from Plum Village visit us a few times and share their wisdom and warmth.
This past February I had the chance to take Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy training for a week. It was like a combination retreat/training program. I'm a therapist and use mindfulness in my work with clients. At this training, we learned about teaching MBSR-type meditation classes that focus on changing one's relationship with depression through mindfulness practice. Sounds intense, no? ;>) It was an amazing week. And they served the best coffee, Moroccan Tomato Soup and yogurt I've ever had!
I just got a copy of "No Mud No Lotus" -- does anybody have any thoughts about it?
Also just finished Thay's book "The Energy of Prayer." It's a very good book that looks at prayer from a non-theistic perspective.
Hello Jacki. Thank you for moving the discussion into the Intro thread from the book group thread. I, too, am a therapist, and I use mindfulness and meditation in my work. I have particularly found The Mindful Way Through Depression, by Williams et al, to be helpful, and not just for depression. I have just started No Mud No Lotus and am enjoying it tremendously. I always find Thay's words and thoughts to be wise and centering and tend to read his book very slowly!
I am currently starting a new Thich Nhat Hanh sangha in Evanston IL, called Fierce Compassion Sangha, and am finding it exciting and intimidating as I begin this process of helping create a new community. I would love to hear from people about their experiences and also books that have been helpful. I am reading Joyfully Together, and re-reading Friends on the Path. I am also an ordained lay member of Thay's Order of Interbeing which has been a lovely way to deepen my practice which is always a work in progress, of course.
I am a Soto Zen priest, & facilitating a small, very diverse sitting group. We are 2 zennies, 1 Tibetan practitioner, a Sufi, & an Amma devotee. So I try to find readings that are helpful to all, without pushing any particular practice. We are just finishing Thay's "The Art of Communicating", which has provided us with many lively discussions & practice opportunities. I am currently reading Sheng Yen's memoir "Footprints in the Snow", which is a lovely gentle book, just what I needed after reading a couple of books about war: "Love My Rifle More Than You", a woman's account of serving in Iraq, & "Madrid" by C.J. Sansom, a novel set in the Spanish civil war. Both quite good, but the more painful side of human existence.
I am also slowly but surely working my way through the Avatamsaka Sutra (finished the first chapter! Such exuberant joy!) & studying the Uttaratantra Shastra w/a small group of Tibetan practitioners.
Hello, how nice to meet you all here. I'm Anneke, a Dutchy who lives in Frances since five years.I'm a (Hatha) yoga teacher and on our beautiful, silent premises my husband and I organise retreats, me doing the spiritual/mindfulness contents of the week, him doing the (vegetarian) cooking. If you're curious, look on www.moulindescomtes.nl/engindex.html.
Since we live quite at a distance from any bigger city, it is difficult for me to find peers, make a sangha. I'm hoping this online sangha will help me with that. I love the teachings of Thai (and my other big inspirers are Pema Chödron and Sogyal Rinpoché) and hope one day I will be able to visit Plum village!
I wish you all a wonderful day, Anneke...
Hi Anneke,It is beautiful to lead such a sacred everyday life in France.
I love Hatha yoga although I am a beginner of yoga:)
I hope we will be able to share our thoughts on books and other things with each other in this group!
Have a great day!
Hi Anneke,It's nice to meet you! I will certainly visit your website to learn more about your retreat center.
Do you offer yoga retreats and other kinds as well?
Hi Anneke,I just visited your website -- your home and retreat center/cottages are absolutely beautiful!!!
I don't know when, but I hope to come out and stay with you one day.
Welcome AnnekeI also visited your website and your center and surroundings are lovely. I also hope to visit Plum Village, and visiting your retreat center would be a wonderful addition.
Hello Hepburn,Thank you for your reply, enjoy your yoga and never worry about being a beginner, their the best :-)
Love to you from Anneke...
Hello Jacki,Thank you for your kind reply. Our retreats are mainly focused on people who are overstressed/have burn-out or are or have been ill. We do yoga, meditation, guided meditations, silent walks, mantra singing and everyone gets a coaching session with one or more horses.
Looking forward to reading and discussing with you too!
Love, Anneke...
Hi Vicki, thank you for your compliments! Yes it is really beautiful here. Who knows maybe we will meet at Plum Village one day!Love to you, enjoy your reading, Anneke...
Hi Laimun!I've been to Singapore twice & enjoyed the country immensely. I smile...we are all influenced by our culture in our view of Buddhism. Here in the US, it's become quite the consumer culture in many ways. Many, many ways to separate a person from their money. Many, many ways to use it to add to one's status & reputation. Mara is having great fun in our market economy!
How do you feel your culture influences the teachings in Singapore?
Hi all,I'm an Australian living in the mountains above McLeod Ganj (home the Dalai Lama), in northern India I've been a Buddhist for 18 years and a management trainer for 5 years. I've recently combined these interests to make a series of short management books with a Buddhist focus. They are my mindful management series. http://www.amazon.com/Ben-Fleming/e/B...
I hope that they will be of benefit for you and am happy to hear feedback, provide advice if you need. Be good to you! Ben
I'm Michael Taft, author of the books The Mindful Geek: Secular Meditation for Smart Skeptics and Nondualism: A Brief History of a Timeless Concept. Interested in joining the conversation here. Also, my good friend Jessica is currently writing a book for Parallax. Looking forward to meeting you.
Hi. My name is Abby. I just started researching and reading books about mindfulness last week. I hope it will help me with the struggles I have with anxiety and negative thoughts. I am currently in Ohio.
Welcome, Abby. Two books that I have found extremely helpful are Thich Nhat Hanh's Miracle of Mindfulness, and one that is more specifically directed at depression and anxiety is The Mindful Way Through Depression by Williams, Zindal and several others. Perhaps you already knew about them, but wanted to recommend them. (Just thought of one more - Tara Brach's Radical Compassion!)
Reading Peace
Books mentioned in this topic
The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans (other topics)The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation (other topics)
Plum Village Chanting and Recitation Book (other topics)
Zen Master Raven: The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird (other topics)
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation (other topics)
More...
Hi Ro. It sounds like you are going through a lot of adversity and still managing to have a picture with a big smile. That is deserving of some admiration. Mindfulness is an amazing resource. It has been transforming much of my negative habits and making life much more enjoyable too. I would love to hear more about your journey...