The Wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Contains four of Thich Nhat Hanh's works, including his best-known book, The Miracle of Mindfulness, a modern classic first published in 1975. Originally conceived as a letter to a monk at the School of Youth for Social Service that the author founded in the 1960s as an expression of "engaged Buddhism," or compassionate activism, The Miracle of Mindfulness remains one of the best primers ever written on the practice of mindfulness in meditation and in daily life. It gives basic instructions on sitting and breathing; suggestions for how to spend "a day of mindfulness;" and guidelines for more than thirty specific meditation exercises.

Poet, Zen master, and lifelong peace activist, the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the most revered Buddhist teachers in the world. Now based at Plum Village, a meditation community in rural France, Thay ("teacher" in Vietnamese) travels widely spreading the message of "peace in every step" and "being peace" --- finding and expressing a peaceful heart in everything you do.

Contains the books The Miracle of Mindfulness, Being Peace, The Sun My Heart, and Touching Peace.

This edition copyright 2000 by Book-of-the-Month Club, Inc. and was especially created for One Spirit by arrangement with Beacon Press and Parallax Press.

Contains black-and-white illustrations.

Various translators and illustrators.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, New Age, Philosophy

548 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Andra Rubcic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smiled all the way through this book. A must read before bed.
Uplifting meditation techniques and stories to sooth the weary peaceful warrior.
Picked this up at a used book store. A gem of a find!!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the summer matures, I've gotten back into meditating - 15 minutes in the morning, first thing. Thich Nhat Hanh's gentle directions for mindfulness help set the stage. Discovered it at the swap shop at the Stockbridge dump! OK, now it's December and I haven't meditated in...5 months. I haven't finished his work but it feels good knowing it's on the shelf when I need it.

[Fusun Dulger charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be on the shelf of all seekers of Enlightenment. Thich Nhat Hanh is a gentle Teacher with deep roots.

[Peter Ruark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of four of Thích Nhất Hạnh's books, from 1976, 1987, 1988 and 1992, respectively. It is an excellent introduction to Thay's work, but readers of Nhất Hạnh should not end with these books. "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" is also essential.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading this book I bought in early 2000. Simple book about being mindful of the simple things we do, to wash dishes just to wash dishes.

[Thjodbjorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book (this time a collection) marred by what I consider to be a cheesy title. More than your average Zen author, TNH gets his books named cheesily.

[Jimmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this book...he is an awesome author

[Dawn Garrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this special volume I found years ago, when I'm feeling so out of touch with myself and the world around me. Thich Nhat Hanh has wisdom for the ages. A true spiritual, mindful guide.