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Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm
A powerful and practical guide to overcoming our debilitating uncertainties and personal terrors by Vietnamese Buddhist Zen Master, poet, scholar, peace activist, and one of the foremost spiritual leaders in the world - Thich Nhat Hanh. Fear has countless from the fear of failure to worries about everyday life, from financial or environmental uncertainties to the universal despair we all experience when faced by the loss of a friend or loved one. Even when surrounded by all the conditions for happiness, life can feel incomplete when fear keeps us focused on the past and worried about the future. While we all experience fear, it is possible to learn how to avoid having our lives shaped and driven by it. In these pages, Thich Nhat Hanh, a gifted teacher who was once nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr., explores the origins of our fears, illuminating a path to finding peace and freedom from anxiety and offering powerful tools to help us eradicate it from our lives. A timeless path for living fearlessly.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
2812 people are currently reading
10874 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 680 reviews
February 3, 2022
A short but power read on acknowledging and transforming fear with mindfulness.
Thich is a gentle soul, one who believes that there is good in each of us. He shows that by working on becoming more present and mindful, we can each live fearlessly and in turn better the world.
This book is focused on the power of mindfulness. Many of us are reliving past events or are stuck worrying about the future, and thus miss out of what is happening right here and now. Thich gives useful exercises to help us focus the breath and come back to the present. He offers simple mantras such as “I have arrived”, “I am home” and “Inhale, I know that I am breathing in”, “Exhale, I know that I am breathing out” When we pay attention to our breathing and are centered in the present moment, we can observe and recognize our fear without letting it take over.
Thich gives background on why many of us are fearful, something that is present early on in life, because we are dependent on others. He also introduces the notion of no-birth and no death, that there is only continuation. Thich talks about the power of community to lean on and lift one another up. However, we must find peace in ourselves first before we can help others. In order to solve conflicts, we need to listen deeply to others to try to understand their view and then gently communicate with compassion.
This book was inspiring and beautifully written. Thich shares wisdom and practical ways to live mindfully, so that we can harness our fear and be free.
“Everything we are looking for can be found in the present moment”
Thich is a gentle soul, one who believes that there is good in each of us. He shows that by working on becoming more present and mindful, we can each live fearlessly and in turn better the world.
This book is focused on the power of mindfulness. Many of us are reliving past events or are stuck worrying about the future, and thus miss out of what is happening right here and now. Thich gives useful exercises to help us focus the breath and come back to the present. He offers simple mantras such as “I have arrived”, “I am home” and “Inhale, I know that I am breathing in”, “Exhale, I know that I am breathing out” When we pay attention to our breathing and are centered in the present moment, we can observe and recognize our fear without letting it take over.
Thich gives background on why many of us are fearful, something that is present early on in life, because we are dependent on others. He also introduces the notion of no-birth and no death, that there is only continuation. Thich talks about the power of community to lean on and lift one another up. However, we must find peace in ourselves first before we can help others. In order to solve conflicts, we need to listen deeply to others to try to understand their view and then gently communicate with compassion.
This book was inspiring and beautifully written. Thich shares wisdom and practical ways to live mindfully, so that we can harness our fear and be free.
“Everything we are looking for can be found in the present moment”
January 27, 2014
This is one of the best books I've read in the self-help/spirituality genre. I'm a big fan of Pema Chodron's When Things Fall Apart, and this book is going to be another one I revisit over the years. The author offers practical, step by step meditations, taking the guess work and ambiguity out of what can be a daunting process to a beginner, such as myself.
The tone of this book is sometimes choppy, but I got the sense that it had been distilled and condensed until only the most important words remained.
"Invite your fear into consciousness, and smile through it; every time you smile through your fear, it will lose some of its strength. If you try to run away from your pain, there is no way out. Only by looking deep into the nature of your fear can you find the way out."
Reading this book was a comforting experience. I felt compassion and acceptance coming through the author's words. After all, the problem isn't being afraid. The problem is when we don't know how to deal with the fear. This book shows you how.
The tone of this book is sometimes choppy, but I got the sense that it had been distilled and condensed until only the most important words remained.
"Invite your fear into consciousness, and smile through it; every time you smile through your fear, it will lose some of its strength. If you try to run away from your pain, there is no way out. Only by looking deep into the nature of your fear can you find the way out."
Reading this book was a comforting experience. I felt compassion and acceptance coming through the author's words. After all, the problem isn't being afraid. The problem is when we don't know how to deal with the fear. This book shows you how.
September 11, 2021
In Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm, Thich Nhat Hanh simply and succinctly illuminates the Buddhist path beyond fear into an existence of freedom and joy.
"Nobody can give you fearlessness. Even if the Buddha were sitting right here next to you, he couldn't give it to you. You have to practice and realize it yourself." pg 6
This book is more than theory, parables and anecdotal stories. Hanh also includes various meditations to assist in the effort.
"When the Buddha was very old, just before he died, he said, 'My dear friends, my dear disciples, don't take refuge in anything outside of you. In every one of us there is a very safe island we can go to. ... That is a place where you can take refuge whenever you feel fearful, uncertain or confused.'" pg 71
He dissects the various forms fear can take in our lives: from fear of death, grief, anxiety about the future to reconciling with painful emotions from the past.
My main takeaway from the book was, to deal with any kind of fear, we need only to approach it with mindfulness and compassion for ourselves and the suffering of others.
"We don't try to grab on to the pleasant sensation, and we don't try to push it away. We just acknowledge its existence. When a painful feeling comes, we do the same thing. ... A feeling is just a feeling. And you are much more than that feeling." pg 135
Hanh reminds readers that we are more than the temporary thoughts and feelings that cause so much havoc on their way through our minds and hearts. Our true nature is something else.
My favorite metaphor that Hanh employs to remind readers of this true nature is his comparison of a life to a wave.
"The wave is always water; it doesn't 'come from' water, and it doesn't go anywhere. It is always water; coming and going are just mental constructions. ... Birth and death, coming and going, are just concepts. When we are in touch with our no-birth, no-death nature, we have no fear." pg 50
I appreciated the reminders and found a lot of comfort in these pages. I hope other readers find the same.
Recommended for readers who are interested in learning and utilizing Buddhist philosophy and techniques to overcome any fear or other unpleasant emotion that may be in their lives.
"Nobody can give you fearlessness. Even if the Buddha were sitting right here next to you, he couldn't give it to you. You have to practice and realize it yourself." pg 6
This book is more than theory, parables and anecdotal stories. Hanh also includes various meditations to assist in the effort.
"When the Buddha was very old, just before he died, he said, 'My dear friends, my dear disciples, don't take refuge in anything outside of you. In every one of us there is a very safe island we can go to. ... That is a place where you can take refuge whenever you feel fearful, uncertain or confused.'" pg 71
He dissects the various forms fear can take in our lives: from fear of death, grief, anxiety about the future to reconciling with painful emotions from the past.
My main takeaway from the book was, to deal with any kind of fear, we need only to approach it with mindfulness and compassion for ourselves and the suffering of others.
"We don't try to grab on to the pleasant sensation, and we don't try to push it away. We just acknowledge its existence. When a painful feeling comes, we do the same thing. ... A feeling is just a feeling. And you are much more than that feeling." pg 135
Hanh reminds readers that we are more than the temporary thoughts and feelings that cause so much havoc on their way through our minds and hearts. Our true nature is something else.
My favorite metaphor that Hanh employs to remind readers of this true nature is his comparison of a life to a wave.
"The wave is always water; it doesn't 'come from' water, and it doesn't go anywhere. It is always water; coming and going are just mental constructions. ... Birth and death, coming and going, are just concepts. When we are in touch with our no-birth, no-death nature, we have no fear." pg 50
I appreciated the reminders and found a lot of comfort in these pages. I hope other readers find the same.
Recommended for readers who are interested in learning and utilizing Buddhist philosophy and techniques to overcome any fear or other unpleasant emotion that may be in their lives.
May 12, 2017
I'm going to keep this short because my carpal tunnel is enraged. This is only the second book in my life that has made me burst into tears. Yes, I sat on Bart crying like an animal.
I think this is due (in part) to that "right book at the right time" scenario. Thich Nhat Hanh explores the origins of fear and how it manifests through our thoughts and actions, but I quickly realized what I equated "fear" with was stress. I'm not inherently afraid of anything in my life (aside from spiders)...but then why stress? Why do I feel stress if not for fear of some consequence, some dialogue in which I tell myself I failed? Maybe I'm afraid of myself, and the ugly, hurtful things I say inside when I don't meet my expectations.
To sum up: examine your feelings; treat yourself with kindness; do not dwell in the past; develop a positive perspective; recognize that happiness is attainable right now, in this moment.
I think this is due (in part) to that "right book at the right time" scenario. Thich Nhat Hanh explores the origins of fear and how it manifests through our thoughts and actions, but I quickly realized what I equated "fear" with was stress. I'm not inherently afraid of anything in my life (aside from spiders)...but then why stress? Why do I feel stress if not for fear of some consequence, some dialogue in which I tell myself I failed? Maybe I'm afraid of myself, and the ugly, hurtful things I say inside when I don't meet my expectations.
To sum up: examine your feelings; treat yourself with kindness; do not dwell in the past; develop a positive perspective; recognize that happiness is attainable right now, in this moment.
November 9, 2014
When you pick up Thich Nhat Hanh’s book, ‘Fear’, you immediately get the sense that the words come from a person who is very gentle and whose aim it is to help people overcome the energy draining force known as Fear. Many people spend a great deal of life’s precious resources dwelling on the past or fretting about the future - often which never materializes - instead of living in the present moment, where our true power lies.
Indeed, staying grounded in the moment is the starting point to overcoming the debilitating effects of fear. When we are mindful of the present moment we can deal with “what is” and not get caught up on the roller coaster of negativity that leaves us powerless. From this place of mindfulness we can observe the fear, embrace it, and then allow it to dissolve. This is a process of “working with” rather than “fighting against.” This is a process of acceptance and then embracing our fear rather than trying to bury it or bully it into submission, “Invite your fear into consciousness, and smile through it; every time you smile through your fear, it will lose some of its strength. If you try to run away from your pain, there is no way out. Only by looking deeply into the nature of your fear can you find the way out.”
Perhaps this sounds a lot easier to do then it truly is in real life, and while this might indeed the case, Thich Nhat Hanh provides many lessons on mindfulness and numerous exercises, especially involving breathing, to help us along the way. As the author states, “When we practice walking meditation, when we breathe mindfully, we generate a powerful energy of mindfulness, which can recognize and embrace our suffering and fear. After doing that for a time, you will see that the fear goes back down to its former place as a seed, and to understand that the next time that it manifests, you’ll be able to do exactly the same thing. Your chronic fear and anxiety will be genuinely reduced.”
In the end, it doesn’t matter what we are fearful of, or how the fear came to exist in the first place, the root of all fear exists in the mind and is reinforced by our beliefs that some external influence is more powerful than our own divine nature. While some degree of fear might be necessary for the survival of our physical being, on a deeper, spiritual level, when we come to realize that true nature extends beyond the mere physical world we see that many, or perhaps all, of our fears are unfounded, “Birth and death, coming and going, are just concepts. When we are in touch with our no-birth, no-death nature, we have no fear.”
By giving us the benefit of his compassionate wisdom, Thich Nhat Hanh is empowering people to overcome the limitations that their fears have imposed upon them. In essence, Thich Nhat Hanh is not giving us keys to our prison cell, he is showing us that the door was never locked to begin with.
Indeed, staying grounded in the moment is the starting point to overcoming the debilitating effects of fear. When we are mindful of the present moment we can deal with “what is” and not get caught up on the roller coaster of negativity that leaves us powerless. From this place of mindfulness we can observe the fear, embrace it, and then allow it to dissolve. This is a process of “working with” rather than “fighting against.” This is a process of acceptance and then embracing our fear rather than trying to bury it or bully it into submission, “Invite your fear into consciousness, and smile through it; every time you smile through your fear, it will lose some of its strength. If you try to run away from your pain, there is no way out. Only by looking deeply into the nature of your fear can you find the way out.”
Perhaps this sounds a lot easier to do then it truly is in real life, and while this might indeed the case, Thich Nhat Hanh provides many lessons on mindfulness and numerous exercises, especially involving breathing, to help us along the way. As the author states, “When we practice walking meditation, when we breathe mindfully, we generate a powerful energy of mindfulness, which can recognize and embrace our suffering and fear. After doing that for a time, you will see that the fear goes back down to its former place as a seed, and to understand that the next time that it manifests, you’ll be able to do exactly the same thing. Your chronic fear and anxiety will be genuinely reduced.”
In the end, it doesn’t matter what we are fearful of, or how the fear came to exist in the first place, the root of all fear exists in the mind and is reinforced by our beliefs that some external influence is more powerful than our own divine nature. While some degree of fear might be necessary for the survival of our physical being, on a deeper, spiritual level, when we come to realize that true nature extends beyond the mere physical world we see that many, or perhaps all, of our fears are unfounded, “Birth and death, coming and going, are just concepts. When we are in touch with our no-birth, no-death nature, we have no fear.”
By giving us the benefit of his compassionate wisdom, Thich Nhat Hanh is empowering people to overcome the limitations that their fears have imposed upon them. In essence, Thich Nhat Hanh is not giving us keys to our prison cell, he is showing us that the door was never locked to begin with.
March 14, 2021
Just beautiful.
I could really feel the gentle lovingness of Thich Nhat Hanh in every word.
Filled with short meditations and breathing exercises as well as deep insights to help release negative thoughts, emotions and actions from our lives
Simple, easy and clear for all to understand and practice.
I could really feel the gentle lovingness of Thich Nhat Hanh in every word.
Filled with short meditations and breathing exercises as well as deep insights to help release negative thoughts, emotions and actions from our lives
Simple, easy and clear for all to understand and practice.
Read
April 23, 2025Really good!!! if u have anxiety and literally feel like you’ve been afraid *for some unknown reason* since the day u were born, U should def read thissss!!
June 1, 2018
I'm having a hard time with this one. I got bored frequently while reading this book and I think that's partially because a lot of the coverage of mindfulness was not new information to me. It is entirely possible that had I been newer to mindfulness, it would have held my interest more. Still I can't be sure.
I also didn't like the whole idea of listening to oppressive people. Perhaps I was taking it too literally but to me,the author conveyed that you should always give other people space to share their "side of the story." There are people you can take an approach of loving kindness with and hear out and there are people you just can't do that with. Anyone who tries to harm you doesn't deserve your attention. That doesn't mean you then degrade them but you don't have to placate them either. Someone who terrorizes others probably also demands a lot of space and attention in general. Furthermore, their "side of the story" is likely manipulative BS. Not only do you not have to feel obligated to give them your time and attention, you also may be safer to not do so.
In terms of positive, I liked the provided meditations and exercises. I also really liked the focus on community and the power of connection.
I also didn't like the whole idea of listening to oppressive people. Perhaps I was taking it too literally but to me,the author conveyed that you should always give other people space to share their "side of the story." There are people you can take an approach of loving kindness with and hear out and there are people you just can't do that with. Anyone who tries to harm you doesn't deserve your attention. That doesn't mean you then degrade them but you don't have to placate them either. Someone who terrorizes others probably also demands a lot of space and attention in general. Furthermore, their "side of the story" is likely manipulative BS. Not only do you not have to feel obligated to give them your time and attention, you also may be safer to not do so.
In terms of positive, I liked the provided meditations and exercises. I also really liked the focus on community and the power of connection.
July 14, 2019
I'm on a mission to read all of Thich Nhat Hanh's books. So far (after reading just a few) they all seem very similar in message and tone. They are like a soothing massage for your brain. After I read even a page of two I feel calmer.
November 4, 2023
If you’re looking for more fearlessness/nonfear in your life, I think you’ll enjoy it.
“Fearlessness is not only possible, it is the ultimate joy. When you touch nonfear, you are free. If I am ever in an airplane and the pilot announces that the plane is about to crash, I will practice mindful breathing. If you receive bad news, I hope you will do the same. But don’t wait for the critical moment to arrive before you start practicing to transform your fear and live mindfully. Nobody can give you fearlessness. Even if the Buddha were sitting right here next to you, he couldn’t give it to you. You have to practice and realize it yourself. If you make a habit of mindfulness practice, when difficulties arise, you will already know what to do.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh from Fear
A Vietnamese Buddhist Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh is, essentially, a living saint.
In this great little book, Nhat Hanh delivers his essential wisdom on how to navigate the storms of life with as much grace and poise as we can. His prose, as always, is calm, clear, and inspiring.
If you’re looking for more fearlessness/nonfear in your life, I think you’ll enjoy it. Most of my copy is underlined and marked up. It’s fantastic. (You can get a copy of the book here.)
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Contemplating the Future - Without fear.
2. Breathing in the Moment - Is a key practice.
3. Interbeing - Nothing stands alone.
4. Bring It On! - No need to hide from fear.
5. Mind Beans - Time to soak them.
6. TV Can Be a Drug - You addicted?
7. Blue Sky of Happiness - Sometimes there are clouds.
8. Book Essence in 6 Words = “the energy of mindfulness and concentration”
9. The Living Dharma - That’s where it’s at.
I’ve summarized those Big Ideas in a video review that you can watch here: https://youtu.be/qVh4NBbJXHU?si=mHuMX...
And I’ve added Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
“Fearlessness is not only possible, it is the ultimate joy. When you touch nonfear, you are free. If I am ever in an airplane and the pilot announces that the plane is about to crash, I will practice mindful breathing. If you receive bad news, I hope you will do the same. But don’t wait for the critical moment to arrive before you start practicing to transform your fear and live mindfully. Nobody can give you fearlessness. Even if the Buddha were sitting right here next to you, he couldn’t give it to you. You have to practice and realize it yourself. If you make a habit of mindfulness practice, when difficulties arise, you will already know what to do.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh from Fear
A Vietnamese Buddhist Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh is, essentially, a living saint.
In this great little book, Nhat Hanh delivers his essential wisdom on how to navigate the storms of life with as much grace and poise as we can. His prose, as always, is calm, clear, and inspiring.
If you’re looking for more fearlessness/nonfear in your life, I think you’ll enjoy it. Most of my copy is underlined and marked up. It’s fantastic. (You can get a copy of the book here.)
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Contemplating the Future - Without fear.
2. Breathing in the Moment - Is a key practice.
3. Interbeing - Nothing stands alone.
4. Bring It On! - No need to hide from fear.
5. Mind Beans - Time to soak them.
6. TV Can Be a Drug - You addicted?
7. Blue Sky of Happiness - Sometimes there are clouds.
8. Book Essence in 6 Words = “the energy of mindfulness and concentration”
9. The Living Dharma - That’s where it’s at.
I’ve summarized those Big Ideas in a video review that you can watch here: https://youtu.be/qVh4NBbJXHU?si=mHuMX...
And I’ve added Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
November 11, 2021
3.75
Sách đã có bản dịch tiếng việt là Fear - Sợ hãi.
Biết tới cuốn này của thầy từ nhiều năm trước, giờ mới có cơ hội được đọc.
Không còn "wao" "choáng ngợp" về chánh niệm như hồi xưa nữa nhưng vẫn thấy cuốn sách có nhiều điểm sáng, đăc biệt là rất nhiều bài tập thực hành, quán tưởng khác nhau. Những pháp môn thực tập của làng mai được chia sẻ khá đầy đủ trong tập sách mỏng này.
Hiểu về nguồn gốc của nỗi sợ, có khả năng nhận diện và chuyển hoá sẽ giúp mỗi cá nhân có thể tìm thấy được sự bình yên ẩn dưới những cơn bão lòng. Sách phù hợp cho những bạn nào mới bắt đầu tìm hiểu về chánh niệm hoặc có quan tâm tới việc thiết lập lại mối quan hệ với "sợ hãi"
Sách đã có bản dịch tiếng việt là Fear - Sợ hãi.
Biết tới cuốn này của thầy từ nhiều năm trước, giờ mới có cơ hội được đọc.
Không còn "wao" "choáng ngợp" về chánh niệm như hồi xưa nữa nhưng vẫn thấy cuốn sách có nhiều điểm sáng, đăc biệt là rất nhiều bài tập thực hành, quán tưởng khác nhau. Những pháp môn thực tập của làng mai được chia sẻ khá đầy đủ trong tập sách mỏng này.
Hiểu về nguồn gốc của nỗi sợ, có khả năng nhận diện và chuyển hoá sẽ giúp mỗi cá nhân có thể tìm thấy được sự bình yên ẩn dưới những cơn bão lòng. Sách phù hợp cho những bạn nào mới bắt đầu tìm hiểu về chánh niệm hoặc có quan tâm tới việc thiết lập lại mối quan hệ với "sợ hãi"
January 29, 2024
Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm is exceptional at what it does. It essentially offers lots of practical advice on how mindfulness can help us live more in the present, a pursuit all of us should be aiming for.
It's full of exercises in the form of mantras, meditative breathing and visualisation. Exercises are over a wide range of subjects such as how to deal with grief of the past, how to stop living in the future, how to give and receive love, helping people to die without fear, living in a fearless community and giving the gift of fearlessness.
There's also Buddhist insight on how to deal with active situations such as how to really listen to a person, even one with vastly contrasting beliefs. Complex philosophical ideas such as emptiness and nirvana are mentioned and described to some extent but in nowhere near enough detail to offer anything valuable to most readers. The strength of the book is simple everyday practices, not academic explanations on complex ideas.
Much of the wisdom contained within is not unlocked immediately upon reading but likely upon going off and undertaking the exercises over an extended period of time. If the reader were to do that, the rewards could be staggering. The effort involved is much greater than the page count might suggest.
To a Buddhist novice, the book appears to contain various and seemingly contrasting ideas from vastly different schools of Buddhism, used whenever it suits e.g. the focus on the self in Theravada (the life of an ascetic monk), to Pure Land Buddhism (submission to a divine saviour) to general Mahayana ideas (nirvana is everywhere, in the here and now). It actually appears that Thich Nhat Hanh's school of Buddhism (or at least his own personal beliefs) incorporate elements of these different schools and thus the book retains its integrity.
It is a shame that Thich Nhat Hanh appears to view video games and TV of any description as intoxicants that should be avoided. This is a misconception. What about educational media? Peaceful and/insightful games? What about these things in moderation? What would Tantric Buddhism say on the subject? Combating video games by using video games?
It's full of exercises in the form of mantras, meditative breathing and visualisation. Exercises are over a wide range of subjects such as how to deal with grief of the past, how to stop living in the future, how to give and receive love, helping people to die without fear, living in a fearless community and giving the gift of fearlessness.
There's also Buddhist insight on how to deal with active situations such as how to really listen to a person, even one with vastly contrasting beliefs. Complex philosophical ideas such as emptiness and nirvana are mentioned and described to some extent but in nowhere near enough detail to offer anything valuable to most readers. The strength of the book is simple everyday practices, not academic explanations on complex ideas.
Much of the wisdom contained within is not unlocked immediately upon reading but likely upon going off and undertaking the exercises over an extended period of time. If the reader were to do that, the rewards could be staggering. The effort involved is much greater than the page count might suggest.
To a Buddhist novice, the book appears to contain various and seemingly contrasting ideas from vastly different schools of Buddhism, used whenever it suits e.g. the focus on the self in Theravada (the life of an ascetic monk), to Pure Land Buddhism (submission to a divine saviour) to general Mahayana ideas (nirvana is everywhere, in the here and now). It actually appears that Thich Nhat Hanh's school of Buddhism (or at least his own personal beliefs) incorporate elements of these different schools and thus the book retains its integrity.
It is a shame that Thich Nhat Hanh appears to view video games and TV of any description as intoxicants that should be avoided. This is a misconception. What about educational media? Peaceful and/insightful games? What about these things in moderation? What would Tantric Buddhism say on the subject? Combating video games by using video games?
January 29, 2018
This book was loaned to me because I expressed interest in it to them when they received it. I think I was expecting something else, or perhaps my judgemental attitude didn't allow me to fully open myself up to this. Certain aspects, such as mindful breathing and expelling the energy you wish to receive into the world is something I can understand. Being present to my loved ones and mindful listening are worthy goals. Original fear (birth), no death, and the idea of all my ancestors being a part of me so I need to conquer their fears and live every moment of my life keeping their ideas and thoughts in mind with every step I take, the idea of an umbilical cord between the sun, me, and the earth...not so much. Luckily, it was a short, quick read but I'm in no hurry to explore more Buddhist philosophy at this time.
August 5, 2016
Signature Thich Nhat Hanh! So gentle, soothing, and compassionate, as he gets down to the deepest, most vulnerable parts of us that feel fear. The last few chapters are filled with several simple prayers / meditations, but the one mantra I hope I'll always remember is "I have arrived, I am home" - that simple statement just makes me breathe deeply and feel at home right now, right here (not being anxious about the million what-ifs). Highly recommended!
If you're interested in spirituality, philosophy, yoga, etc., join my Old Souls Book Club (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...) for other recommendations and thought-provoking conversations!
If you're interested in spirituality, philosophy, yoga, etc., join my Old Souls Book Club (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...) for other recommendations and thought-provoking conversations!
January 31, 2021
Read as a Buddy Read in my GR Nonfiction Book Group. Lots of repetition. Items of substance could have been done in half the pages. Basic Buddhist premises.
February 4, 2021
A couple of passages in this book specifically helped me release my fear of dying. Thank you so much for lifting this burden from me. Peace be to you.
February 3, 2022
He is a master at his craft. Based on this book alone it appears he was not exposed to family or intimate parnter abuse either at all or for long in his life. The things these wise people say about coexisting with your family is not something abused (by family members) children or adults should be hearing. It’s TOXIC and perpetuates the abuse cycle.
Narcissistic abuse is real and everywhere. It’s hard for a monk to understand this when s/he is protected by a monastery with people trying to better themselves especially when they started in their teenage years. We non-monks have to live in the real world and don’t have a monastery to buffer us from the daily reality of pain and suffering.
So take some of his advice with a grain of salt. It’s clear to me he had a lot of wisdom but also a lot of time not experiencing all the brutality that this world has to offer. I am grateful he didn’t. Nobody deserves to be abused. He suffered in his life no doubt and has helped many.
Remember to follow your instincts and remove yourself from toxic people even family. You don’t have to prove yourself by forgiving and interacting with your abusers. Take some of his advice with a grain of salt. It’s a good book but misguided at times.
Narcissistic abuse is real and everywhere. It’s hard for a monk to understand this when s/he is protected by a monastery with people trying to better themselves especially when they started in their teenage years. We non-monks have to live in the real world and don’t have a monastery to buffer us from the daily reality of pain and suffering.
So take some of his advice with a grain of salt. It’s clear to me he had a lot of wisdom but also a lot of time not experiencing all the brutality that this world has to offer. I am grateful he didn’t. Nobody deserves to be abused. He suffered in his life no doubt and has helped many.
Remember to follow your instincts and remove yourself from toxic people even family. You don’t have to prove yourself by forgiving and interacting with your abusers. Take some of his advice with a grain of salt. It’s a good book but misguided at times.
June 17, 2022
What a wonderful book! So much information condensed into a mere 164 pages that though I've finished the book I know I will re-read it again, immediately,but at a slower rate to absorb every last bit of wisdom. If you are interested in deepening your meditation practice but are a novice as I am, the last chapter of the book is devoted to meditative exercises that will help you deepen and strengthen your practice and also give you the tools needed to manage anxiety and fear. Highly recommended.
March 31, 2015
Loved this, found it all a bit powerful (though am super tired and emotional today). Particularly liked the bits on community and how we can't have world peace until we are at peace with ourselves. Also loved the five mindfulness trainings at the end - what a guy thich is hey?
June 14, 2015
4,5 Sterne
Sehr interessant und inspirirend, hat mir viele Denkanstöße gegeben und wird sicher für die ein oder andere Übung noch öfter aus dem Regal gezogen.
Sehr interessant und inspirirend, hat mir viele Denkanstöße gegeben und wird sicher für die ein oder andere Übung noch öfter aus dem Regal gezogen.
November 24, 2022
کتاب عجیبی بود واقن
ولی فعلا جملات و کلمات مناسبی برای یه ریویوی خوب به ذهنم نمیاد چون یکم گیجم از خوندش
نظرمو آپدیت میکنم
ولی فعلا جملات و کلمات مناسبی برای یه ریویوی خوب به ذهنم نمیاد چون یکم گیجم از خوندش
نظرمو آپدیت میکنم
August 20, 2021
Me gusta mucho como escribe, como enseña el autor. Es práctico, tranquilo. Voy a seguir leyendo sus libros. Voy a aprender. Calma.
August 13, 2021
This book had a lot of great reminders about mindfulness, and some good insights into the ultimate root of most fears that people experience. There were also some very useful exercises described to help you get into more mindful thought patterns, and a lot of recommendations to practice mindfulness in conjunction with a supportive group of people. Much wisdom is to be found here, even if I don't necessarily have an interest in joining a religious community of any kind.
There were also aspects of this book that didn't really work for me. Referring to my inner childish self, or to people I love, as "darling," etc. feels so weird to me that it affected my ability to concentrate on the book, which scripts a lot of things that way. Thich Nhat Hanh also views TV as poison and antithetical to mindfulness, which I can see in many cases, but he kind of lumps TV and pleasure reading all into the category of "escapism" and if that's the case, I am not ready to achieve enlightenment AT ALL.
A quick read, and worth it, but it either doesn't totally work for me or I'm not ready to hear it yet.
There were also aspects of this book that didn't really work for me. Referring to my inner childish self, or to people I love, as "darling," etc. feels so weird to me that it affected my ability to concentrate on the book, which scripts a lot of things that way. Thich Nhat Hanh also views TV as poison and antithetical to mindfulness, which I can see in many cases, but he kind of lumps TV and pleasure reading all into the category of "escapism" and if that's the case, I am not ready to achieve enlightenment AT ALL.
A quick read, and worth it, but it either doesn't totally work for me or I'm not ready to hear it yet.
October 21, 2024
ترس یکی از طبیعیترین و ابتداییترین احساساتی است که در وجود ما شکل میگیرد. کتاب ترس به نحوهی مواجه با ترسها و باورهایی که سبب آن میشوند، میپردازد. در ضمن تمرینهایی را نیز جهت رویارویی با این ترسها معرفی میکند.
به نظر میرسد که این کتاب بیشتر به بازتاب دیدگاه بودا برای بودن در لحظه تاکید دارد و تنها خلاصهوار به ریشهها پرداخته است. کتاب از جهانی شبیه کتاب "نیروی حال" اکهارت تُله است. به نظرم ساختار کتاب بیشتر شبیه آموزش مدیتیشن است و توقع این را نباید داشت که کتابی باشد فلسفی دربارهی ترس. جذابیت فصلهای اولیه بیشتر است ولی در فصلهای پایانی سبک کتاب تغییر کرد. ترجمهی کتاب بسیار روان است و خواندن آن به سرعت پیش میرود.
به نظر میرسد که این کتاب بیشتر به بازتاب دیدگاه بودا برای بودن در لحظه تاکید دارد و تنها خلاصهوار به ریشهها پرداخته است. کتاب از جهانی شبیه کتاب "نیروی حال" اکهارت تُله است. به نظرم ساختار کتاب بیشتر شبیه آموزش مدیتیشن است و توقع این را نباید داشت که کتابی باشد فلسفی دربارهی ترس. جذابیت فصلهای اولیه بیشتر است ولی در فصلهای پایانی سبک کتاب تغییر کرد. ترجمهی کتاب بسیار روان است و خواندن آن به سرعت پیش میرود.
July 12, 2016
I really enjoyed the majority of this (audio)book. He provides a perspective to fear (and in effect, worry) that is helpful and concise. There are overlaps to his other mindfulness works but this one branches out enough to be a book that I'm re-listening to and learning from a second time over. The element that I do not appreciate is the puritanical and judgemenal slant to consumption and other life decisions (e.g. casual sex) that is just jarring to the message of accepting what is.
January 28, 2021
A short, practical, and very soothingly written book describing the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for daily living. The book was a monthly selection for the GR Nonfiction Book Club. It covered a lot of familiar territory for me and wasn't what I was expecting, so, a bit of a disappointment. Still, a reminder to live more in the moment is always a welcome admonition.
April 20, 2016
An excellent book on mindfulness and letting go of fear and embracing compassion.
The meditations on impermanence, attachment, and loving kindness helped me to gain awareness and opened up the present moment.
The meditations on impermanence, attachment, and loving kindness helped me to gain awareness and opened up the present moment.
August 29, 2016
Look into your fear deeply. Stare at it.
Only then it shrinks.
Fearlessness is freedom.
Only then it shrinks.
Fearlessness is freedom.
October 19, 2018
Каждая книга Тит Нат Хана - это озарение. Нельзя победить страх, он не перестанет возникать, можно только принять его. Мантрами, медитацией и простой осознанностью в собственных мыслях.
January 27, 2022
Rest (and/or reincarnate) in PEACE like the beautiful man that you are dear Thich Nhat Hanh (11 October 1926- 22 January 2022). This is my second book of his that I read. In this book FEAR, he talks about fear in general, what causes them. Fear starts when we were born, we're growing up and even passed down by our ancestor. To overcome it first we need to stop and analyze the root of ours. The chapters are short and to the point steps on how to do this and that. He wrote in simple, kind, gentle and warm language. I find this book comforting, as if he is giving the compassionate advice right to me.
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