Happiness, Love, and Liberation: Insights and Teachings from Buddhist Psychology

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Real-World Training in "The Practice of Happiness" with Thich Nhat Hanh

Look deeply into the nature of the mind and you will find the seeds of true happiness and freedom. This was the Buddha’s great realization―and it is a discovery that you, too, can make in any moment. With Happiness, Love, and Liberation, you will join Thich Nhat Hanh for seven sessions of advanced teachings and rare insights discovered throughout his seven-decade inquiry into the truths of Buddhist psychology.

Understanding the Roots of Suffering―the First Step Toward Freedom

What are the ingredients for a life of genuine happiness? According to Thich Nhat Hanh, happiness only arises through a deep understanding of the roots of suffering―and through the cultivation of joy, love, and compassion that comes with daily practice of mindfulness and meditation. Offering in-depth instruction in applying foundational Buddhist principles backed by modern science, he provides inspiration and support for healing the habits that lead to suffering and opening to the miracle of life in the here and now.

From guidance to sitting and walking meditation to an examination of key Buddhist teachings including the Diamond Sutra, the Heart Sutra, and much more, these seven audio-learning sessions are intended to help us release our worries about past and future―and start living with ease in joyful recognition of the gifts of the present moment.

Highlights

• How mindfulness and concentration generate happiness and joy

• Meditation as an antidote to agitation and anxiety

• Four basic breathing exercises for accessing peace at any time

• Releasing concepts that lead to suffering

• "Every step a miracle"―the art of walking meditation

• Our intimate connection to our "spiritual ancestors"

• The evolution of science and philosophy

• Zen toward a fuller understanding of reality

• Does suffering ever leave us―even in Paradise?

• The factors of enlightenment

• Eternalism, nihilism, and the Middle Way

• The intersection of Buddhism and modern science

• The art of compassionate, deep listening and loving speech

• Why removing the notion of self is central to all Buddhist teachings

• Your body as the cosmos itself

• The difference between manifestation and birth

• How the entire world profits with each person who grows in happiness

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Philosophy, Psychology, Audiobook, Self Help

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2015

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

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh, but a little spoiled for me by background noises. The recording is in front of a small audience; many sounds of coughing and shuffling made it difficult at times for me to hear what was being said. Otherwise this would have been 5 stars.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful

[Andy Bigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book of hearing Thay’s voice (on Audible); soft spoken and moving. His words are kind, compassionate, and occasionally humorous and the messages are compelling. There’s nothing like hearing an author tell his own story, or as powerful as the teacher deliver his lessons, in his own voice. A very moving listen.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish Thich Nhat Hanh would stop pointing out that I don't have a self; I'm sensitive about it!

In seriousness, this man is an amazing teacher and has helped me a lot with my suffering. Everyone should read/listen to his work.

[David K. Glidden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another of Thich Nhat Hanh recordings of his Dharma talks. Listening to his voice is as inspirational as what he sagely says.

[AttackGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps if we could get the world to read, put down the hate, greed, instead of fists in guns fingers in books of appreciation for all of existence. Yes everything is perfect just as it is or it would not be. Stop fighting to desire and appreciate what you have now each moment with everything from the Creator of the All. Yet still I must appreciate the hands in guns, just as our livers filter is the ground to not the water filter. Yet you question

Is turbulence because you have contaminated the soil from which you come daily and now wonder why your children are challenged. You dump drugs and bodies into the water and expect to drink that very same water. Has there ever been in your lifetime new water?

Wake Up

[Anna Mosca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Content Poor Quality, how sad! What he says it’s amazing for the largest part, only a few concept I don’t agree with but I love to listen to his point of view and the spirit he applies to things. Unfortunately the quality of the recording is very bad... I wonder why Sounds True or who never published this audio book would not clean up the recording from the disturbances and the annoying background noises. Those make the fruition of the book difficult and its a real pity.

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review of what I've read or heard Thay say many times, but hearing it again and again, I find his spirit of presentation calming and meditative. I listened to these teachings, as others on audio, usually before going to rest for the night, finding it a good introduction to a peaceful night of sleep.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always calming and provides time to reflect and gain insight. Thich Nhat Hanh guides you through some spiritual teaching without being preachy or forceful. Taking these journeys you are sure to feel more connected to the world around you. Do nothing.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book of this and I felt I didn't always take in what he said. But the bits I got were easily worth 4 stars and listening to Thich Nhat Hanh is a pure joy.

[Jaime Oliveira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too introductory for someone who has already been presented with Buddhism's ideas, but still full of wisdom and guidance.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would listen to this again, but perhaps in a different environment than my car while driving.

[Ledayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book. As my husband says, Thich Nhat Hanh could read the phone book and his voice alone would make it a worthwhile listen.

I respect him as someone who has known and witnessed real and deep suffering -- the mere fact that he can speak about happiness (or love or liberation) is a testimony in and of itself. The fact that he does so convincingly, humbly and with humor is amazing. I do love his wry humor -- "If you go to get a passport, you cannot say, 'I belong to the realm of no both and no death.' You must produce a birth certificate."" or "I think, therefore I am not here."

I cannot claim to truly grasp some of the Buddhist notions of non-being and non-personhood, but I am nonetheless taken by much of what he teaches (and lives.) Speaking of which, visit the Plum Village web site and read about his response to his slow recovery from his recent stroke. He's a transformative spiritual leader.

[Thea · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was much that resonated with me but much I didn't understand; I think I would need to read it many more times to understand it. I will say that I found it interesting.

[Christine (christines_booked) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some points struck me as so true that they made me teary, others were so over my head all I could do was keep moving forward in the hopes it will sink in for the next time...