This book is a collection of 3 books put together by Bookspan and One Spirit Press by arrangement with Bantam Books and Parralax Press. Included is "Peace Is Every Step" edited by Arnold Kotler with an introduction by Dalia Lama, "Teachings On Love" edited by Arnold Kotler, and "The Stone Boy and Other Stories" which is a collection of 10 stories, some taken from "The Pine Gate" and "The Moon Bamboo", with illustrations by Vo-Dinh Mai and Nyuyen Thi Hop.
Thích 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.
"... a book of reminders. In the rush of modern life, we tend to lose touch with the peace that is available in each moment. Thich Nhat Hanh's creativity lies in his ability to make use of the very situations that usually pressure and antagonize us."
I keep this volume handy on my shelf for the moments I need to slow down, become more compassionate, or keep peace.
As this collection is three books put into one, I'll rate them separately. Peace Is Every Step: 5 stars. Teachings On Love: 4 stars. The Stone Boy and Other Stories: 3 stars. Overall: 4 stars.
I've read and loved his books for years. This is at least the third time I've read Peace Is Every Step, and I've also given it to others. His way of expressing Buddhist philosophy and psychology is wonderful.
It was such a wonderful surprise to discover that in addition to Thich Nhat Hahn's philosophy, he has written such lovely short stories. He is such a remarkably prolific and adept writer in a variety of genres.