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A Lifetime of Peace: Essential Writings by and about Thich Nhat Hanh
A Lifetime of Peace follows the successful model established by A Lifetime of Wisdom: Essential Writings by and about the Dalai Lama. It draws on dozens of sources to collect the very best writing by and about Thich Nhat Hanh, the revered Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist. This timely collection is both a political and spiritual handbook which encompasses all of Thich Nhat Hanh's major themes—mindfulness, love, truth, compassion, and peace on earth. In 1967 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. nominated Hanh for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing the monk's lifelong efforts to encourage peace and reconciliation around the world. This important collection will not only present Hanh's writing about his experiences during the Vietnam War and excerpts from his journals, but also collect a range of other highlights, such as his advice for those entering into meditation practice and his unique insights into Buddhist and Christian theology. But above all, A Lifetime of Peace is a timely and thought-provoking examination of the nature of peace—both as an inner state of being and as a real condition in the world.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 5, 2019
A tight knit collection of all the writings by Thay Thich Nhat Hanh. I picked this up to get a birds eye view of his engaged Buddhist philosophy and basic principles of meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhist philosophy. The only critique with this collection approach is that the texts are taken out of context and missing explanations of basic Buddhist principles. I wish the editor placed footnotes to briefly explain what Thay is referring to. I also wish that the editor ordered the writings in chronology or themes to better understand the progression of Thay's thinking. I did really love the inclusion of additional writers like bell hooks to explain how they incorporated Thay's teaching into their practice and even vocation. It provides a complex dimension of how others interpret his writings. Overall an enjoyable book about how to incorporate Buddhist philosophy into daily life.
February 19, 2009
When the time is right I'll finish the unread essays. I feel better about the world and people just thinking about this book.
November 7, 2007
A Lifetime of Peace is a compendium of writings by and about the Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Over the years Thich has written numerous books for seekers on the path and also for people looking to find more happiness in their lives. This book strings together several different works so you get a taste of a great collective body of literature.
Some of the works in this collection were interviews Nhat Hanh had given with other publications. One of them that could be especially salient in today's world was one titled What would I say to Osama Bin Laden. In this interview Nhat Hanh makes it clear that we have to try to understand a total perspective. Issues of importance are seldom black and white and if we can come to a better understanding of the discontent in someone like Bin laden we can perhaps take measures to ensure compassion. Only by true compassion can we overcome hatred and potentially find a satisfying solution to terror in whatever form it may take. A fire is never put out by throwing more fuel upon it, and only light illuminates darkness.
Another interview that was very interesting was one with Daniel Berrigan, a Catholic priest. Berrigan had been imprisoned for a time for opposition to the Vietnam War. He found a true friend in Thich Nhat Hanh who had witnessed the devastating effects of this war on his homeland. Part of the dialogue between these two religious men is written here for us to read. In this dialogue we see how politics often has a corrupting influence upon religion. One example would be where people forsake their Jewish beliefs of peace in favor of maintaining the Israeli state.
Throughout the rest of the book you'll find a couple of writings about Thich Nhat Hanh from other people like Bell Hooks and also works by Thich Nhat Hanh himself. In most of Thich's writings you'll read familiar themes. Some of these themes are the importance of mindfulness in every activity, the realization of the impermanence of all things, the benefits of peace and understanding, and the interdependence of all things.
I can't imagine anyone coming away from reading this book without a deeper sense of peace. Of course, the real challenge is implementing these teachings within a daily practice. However, this book is a good place to start to get practical suggestions and advice from one of the true masters to help you realize your entitlement to true happiness. Recommended for anyone regardless of religious beliefs and where they may currently find themselves in their quest for happiness.
Some of the works in this collection were interviews Nhat Hanh had given with other publications. One of them that could be especially salient in today's world was one titled What would I say to Osama Bin Laden. In this interview Nhat Hanh makes it clear that we have to try to understand a total perspective. Issues of importance are seldom black and white and if we can come to a better understanding of the discontent in someone like Bin laden we can perhaps take measures to ensure compassion. Only by true compassion can we overcome hatred and potentially find a satisfying solution to terror in whatever form it may take. A fire is never put out by throwing more fuel upon it, and only light illuminates darkness.
Another interview that was very interesting was one with Daniel Berrigan, a Catholic priest. Berrigan had been imprisoned for a time for opposition to the Vietnam War. He found a true friend in Thich Nhat Hanh who had witnessed the devastating effects of this war on his homeland. Part of the dialogue between these two religious men is written here for us to read. In this dialogue we see how politics often has a corrupting influence upon religion. One example would be where people forsake their Jewish beliefs of peace in favor of maintaining the Israeli state.
Throughout the rest of the book you'll find a couple of writings about Thich Nhat Hanh from other people like Bell Hooks and also works by Thich Nhat Hanh himself. In most of Thich's writings you'll read familiar themes. Some of these themes are the importance of mindfulness in every activity, the realization of the impermanence of all things, the benefits of peace and understanding, and the interdependence of all things.
I can't imagine anyone coming away from reading this book without a deeper sense of peace. Of course, the real challenge is implementing these teachings within a daily practice. However, this book is a good place to start to get practical suggestions and advice from one of the true masters to help you realize your entitlement to true happiness. Recommended for anyone regardless of religious beliefs and where they may currently find themselves in their quest for happiness.
June 30, 2008
This book lives up to its name. It truly is the single book that contains the essential writings by and about the most influential Buddist monk followed in America. I found some of my favorite passages from other books by Thich Nhat Hanh here and they were well-worth reading again. The interviews with other religious leaders and the section that considered what the peace advocate would say to terrorists in a hypothetical conversation were most interesting.
June 2, 2007
If you want to get an overview of Thich Nhat Hahn's teaching, this is the book for you...but...I would recommend starting with Peace is Every Step...more in depth reading in that one... When a book has "the essential writings" on the cover, I always find that, while the book is filled with awesome words, there is more to uncover by reading the books from which the "essentials" were chosen.
July 26, 2011
This is a man who can teach you something about life, wisdom, perspective, anger about your own humanity. His words will ring true to you, and the won't have an ulterior motive behind him. He simply just passes on his teachings to for you to then try and relay them to your life. What an incredibly humbling read. I highly recommend this book.
September 12, 2008
Inspiring
January 5, 2011
Reading him now...
March 4, 2013
I love this author's writings. Peace is Every Step was the best I have read, but this one has some nice short pieces that are a great introduction to his philosophy.
July 2, 2013
a very good anthology of this amazing man's life. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr a long time ago
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January 16, 2018..
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews