Friends on the Path: Living Spiritual Communities

by Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Lawlor (Compiler)

Friends on the Path is an anthology that includes contributions from experienced Dharma teachers and Sangha leaders around the world; each giving sage advice on how to build and sustain a Sangha.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

310 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

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

[John McElhenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still studying this one. It seems that this is what I am looking for in my quest for social media's heart.

Finding friends on the path. Today I met one such friend. And the universe and day rejoiced.

Namaste!

[Eileen Myles]

Astonishing. That in the 21st c. the buddha will be a group.

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddhism teaches three refuges: the Buddha, the teachings, and the Sangha. This book covers what the sangha is from a variety of Buddhist writers' perspectives. The first wonderful essay is written by Thich Nhat Hanh. Highly recommended if you would like to explore various expressions of the third refuge.

[Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great compilation of community-building lessons and stories for those of us interested in building spiritual community.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book with excellent essays on the importance of community, support, and sangha.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read many but not all of the selections in this book. And did a meditation retreat with Jack Lawlor. Take away the importance of committing to a sangha for the path to spiritual growth.