Thich Nhat Hanh: The Joy of Full Consciousness

by Rachel Cartier, Jean-Pierre Cartier, Joseph Rowe (Translator)

In 1999 two French journalists spent time with Buddhist Zen master and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village, the religious community he founded in southwestern France. This account of their experience shows what daily life is like in this celebrated community and provides a glimpse of the personality and teachings of the revered teacher. Thich Nhat Hanh has brought an awareness of Buddhism and his own brand of Vietnamese Zen to Europe, England, and the United States. Famous in the U.S. for his lectures and books, he is particularly admired for his early political activism on the part of the Vietnamese and his Buddhist teachings on forgiveness.

Genres: Biography, Religion

184 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2002

Reviews

[adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A skin deep look at a topic that can go down for miles

A good friend of mine recently lent me a copy of The Joy of Full Consciousness. My life has been extremely out of balance for a while -- too much stress and anxiety and not enough sleep. I've been mentally tired and constantly jumping from thing to thing and thought to thought for such a long time.

This book describes a Buddhist retreat in France under the leadership of a Vietnamese monk, Thuch Nhat Hanh. While written as a biography of the man, that's not really the intent or outcome. Instead, it describes it's like to be a two-week visitor of the retreat (which many Americans take part in) or to be a long-term resident.

I found many of the concepts and philosophies about how to focus and separate from the anxieties of modern life interesting, but I found that they were written about only in passing -- the central narrative is about the daily routines and life choices of the people who have decided to dedicate a large portion of their lives to the retreat and its lifestyle.

In the end, I never got a satisfying picture picture about Hanh of the Buddhist concepts and practices of full consciousness from this book. But it definitely left me with an urge to read and learn more and apply them in my daily life.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a biography of Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh. It discusses his core teachings as well as general daily happenings at his retreat Plum Village.

I liked getting the biographical history on Thich Nhat Hanh's evolution from Vietnamese monk to Buddhist revolutionary. I think the part of the book I most enjoyed was the parts about Plum Village and the practices there. In particular I remember a specific practice of not speaking out when you are angry or hurt. Instead of retaliating immediately you wait until the situation has cooled off so you can discuss with a clear mind what has hurt or angered you. At Plum Village everyone meets once a week to express their thanks to eachother and /or their hurt. Another one of his teachings is using a flower when having these discussions. The person holding the flower speaks and the other listens. its a simple idea that helps you to stay centered (thinking about the flower) and to discuss civilly when it is your turn with the flower.

[Monali · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful look into the practices and philosophy of Thich Nhat Hanh and his Buddhist retreat in France. I am inspired by his wisdom and story and that of other teachers at Plum Village. I’m eager to read more books about and by Thich Nhat Hanh and interested in increasing my own mindfulness practice, cultivating more compassion and seeking more joy through consciousness.

[Sarah Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good comprehensive picture of Thich Nhat Hanh’s life and teachings, The Joy of Full Consciousness is a great read for anyone interested in this man or his Buddhist teachings. If you’re not interested in this, it’s probably not worth reading, as I believe it would be so completely foreign in ideology and practice as to be utterly nonsensical.

[Viv]

This illuminating book gives a fascinating insight into life at Plum Village religious community in southwestern France which was founded by Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk. Of particular interest is the practice of "walking meditation" in which the participants experience a deepening communion with nature as they practise this each day.

[Andie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books you don't just "finish" and forget. You keep it available on your shelf, and keep going back to the wisdom between its pages. In the last year I have already read most of it at least twice. Enjoy.

[Trevor Schaefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

One suggestion Thay makes is to always walk up and down stairs mindfully. I learned years ago to do this at the library, particularly when going up the stairs with an armful of books.