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Boeddha in lichaam en geest: stap voor stap naar verlichting
Lichaam en geest zijn onlosmakelijk met elkaar verbonden. Balans tussen deze twee is essentieel voor een gezond en gelukkig leven. In ‘Boeddha in lichaam en geest’ onderzoekt Thich Nhat Hanh hoe onze geest werkt en hoe de psychologie zich verhoudt tot meditatie.
Thich Nhat Hanh geeft hierbij concrete oefeningen om een heldere geest te krijgen en het evenwicht tussen lichaam en geest te herstellen. Daarbij ontleent hij voorbeelden aan het leven van Boeddha en zijn eigen leven.
‘In het westen is Thich Nhat Hanh naast de dalai lama de meest invloedrijke boeddhistische leider.’ – The New York Times
Thich Nhat Hanh geeft hierbij concrete oefeningen om een heldere geest te krijgen en het evenwicht tussen lichaam en geest te herstellen. Daarbij ontleent hij voorbeelden aan het leven van Boeddha en zijn eigen leven.
‘In het westen is Thich Nhat Hanh naast de dalai lama de meest invloedrijke boeddhistische leider.’ – The New York Times
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2003
251 people are currently reading
1015 people want to read
About the author
Thich Nhat Hanh
970 books12.8k followersThích 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 29, 2022
I really loved the mind consciousness and store consciousness... (conscious mind and sub conscious mind). The walking meditation is now becoming a habit and having two dogs plus daycare/boarding dogs it fits perfectly into my daily routines and rituals. Life is great and so was this book.
May 22, 2020
Come sempre il monaco zen Thich Nhat Hahn con poche immagini è riuscito a illuminarmi su significati profondi. Interessante e abbastanza scorrevole.
July 27, 2010
Here's my review from Wildmind:
Thich Nhat Hanh’s Buddha Mind, Buddha Body: Walking Toward Enlightenment offers instructions on dwelling in the body and mind, on metta (or universal lovingkindness), and on Thich Nhat Hanh’s distinctive teaching on “interbeing.” The book includes–as bookends, teachings on walking meditation–but many other practices are discussed in between. The book is in fact quite a collection of Dharma teachings.
Buddha Mind, Buddha Body is based on The Verses on the Characteristics of the Eight Consciousnesses by Master Hsuan-Tsang (ca. 596-664), though the connection to that text is not readily apparent, and nowhere does the author explicitly state he’s discussing Hsuan-Tsang’s work.
Sometimes Thich Nhat Hanh’s explanations neatly encapsulate major struggles from my own practice and remind me of why I seek the freedom that mindfulness brings:
“Dispersion is when you allow yourself to be carried away by emotions. When we feel out of control of our lives, as if we don’t have any sovereignty, that’s mind consciousness in dispersion. You think and speak and do things that you cannot control. We don’t want to be full of hate and anger and discrimination, but sometimes the habit energy feels so strong we don’t know how to change it. There’s no loving kindness, understanding, or compassion in your thinking, because you are less than your better self … you say things and do thing you wouldn’t say or do if you were concentrated. You lose your sovereignty.” (page 77)
In these flashes of clarity, I wonder: where did this guy come from? Who is he? Thich Nhat Hanh started practicing when he was 16 in Vietnam, in a tradition that draws heavily from Zen, although Thich Nhat Hanh seems to value the whole Buddhist tradition.
Conditionality is a key idea in Buddhism, and is always present in one form or another in this book, mostly in his emphasis on “interbeing.” Conditionality is the idea that we, and everything, are predicated on conditions. Being separate is a mistake and a delusion.
I found the lack of footnotes confusing. I like a Dharma book that notes exactly where a particular story comes from in the vast tradition, so I can look it up and reinforce what I’m learning, or see if I agree with an author’s interpretation of a text.
Also his translations are sometimes different from standard definitions. Instead of the usual translation of “patience” for kshanti, he translates it as “inclusiveness.” He likens it more to growing larger, so that little things do not bug you. He translates sila as “mindfulness”, though usually it’s considered “ethics.” Not that ethics doesn’t require mindfulness, but we have the tradition of the precepts to guide us here. Virya isn’t translated as “energy” but “diligence.”
Thich Nhat Hanh uses the language of theism when he says, “a kingdom of God or Pure Land.” This language might be helpful to some, and unhelpful to others. It’s pretty clear that the Buddha said questions about God’s existence, is not pragmatic on the path to Enlightenment, it’s a red herring. But Buddhism isn’t a stickler for dogma. What ever practically helps you on the path to enlightenment. If thoughts of god help you, then well it doesn’t matter what the Buddha said. Of course because the Buddha has said something, according to the tradition, there’s a good reason to look into it and take it seriously.
The last chapter of the book is a guided walking meditation, derived from past books, and then there are appendices, which leads to a clunky kind of ending, a mishmash of information that is not well strung together. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the book over all, and look forward to reading more from him. He’s clearly a spiritual genius, a star Buddhist in a great sky of wonderful Buddhist stars, and well worth your notice.
Thich Nhat Hanh’s Buddha Mind, Buddha Body: Walking Toward Enlightenment offers instructions on dwelling in the body and mind, on metta (or universal lovingkindness), and on Thich Nhat Hanh’s distinctive teaching on “interbeing.” The book includes–as bookends, teachings on walking meditation–but many other practices are discussed in between. The book is in fact quite a collection of Dharma teachings.
Buddha Mind, Buddha Body is based on The Verses on the Characteristics of the Eight Consciousnesses by Master Hsuan-Tsang (ca. 596-664), though the connection to that text is not readily apparent, and nowhere does the author explicitly state he’s discussing Hsuan-Tsang’s work.
Sometimes Thich Nhat Hanh’s explanations neatly encapsulate major struggles from my own practice and remind me of why I seek the freedom that mindfulness brings:
“Dispersion is when you allow yourself to be carried away by emotions. When we feel out of control of our lives, as if we don’t have any sovereignty, that’s mind consciousness in dispersion. You think and speak and do things that you cannot control. We don’t want to be full of hate and anger and discrimination, but sometimes the habit energy feels so strong we don’t know how to change it. There’s no loving kindness, understanding, or compassion in your thinking, because you are less than your better self … you say things and do thing you wouldn’t say or do if you were concentrated. You lose your sovereignty.” (page 77)
In these flashes of clarity, I wonder: where did this guy come from? Who is he? Thich Nhat Hanh started practicing when he was 16 in Vietnam, in a tradition that draws heavily from Zen, although Thich Nhat Hanh seems to value the whole Buddhist tradition.
Conditionality is a key idea in Buddhism, and is always present in one form or another in this book, mostly in his emphasis on “interbeing.” Conditionality is the idea that we, and everything, are predicated on conditions. Being separate is a mistake and a delusion.
I found the lack of footnotes confusing. I like a Dharma book that notes exactly where a particular story comes from in the vast tradition, so I can look it up and reinforce what I’m learning, or see if I agree with an author’s interpretation of a text.
Also his translations are sometimes different from standard definitions. Instead of the usual translation of “patience” for kshanti, he translates it as “inclusiveness.” He likens it more to growing larger, so that little things do not bug you. He translates sila as “mindfulness”, though usually it’s considered “ethics.” Not that ethics doesn’t require mindfulness, but we have the tradition of the precepts to guide us here. Virya isn’t translated as “energy” but “diligence.”
Thich Nhat Hanh uses the language of theism when he says, “a kingdom of God or Pure Land.” This language might be helpful to some, and unhelpful to others. It’s pretty clear that the Buddha said questions about God’s existence, is not pragmatic on the path to Enlightenment, it’s a red herring. But Buddhism isn’t a stickler for dogma. What ever practically helps you on the path to enlightenment. If thoughts of god help you, then well it doesn’t matter what the Buddha said. Of course because the Buddha has said something, according to the tradition, there’s a good reason to look into it and take it seriously.
The last chapter of the book is a guided walking meditation, derived from past books, and then there are appendices, which leads to a clunky kind of ending, a mishmash of information that is not well strung together. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the book over all, and look forward to reading more from him. He’s clearly a spiritual genius, a star Buddhist in a great sky of wonderful Buddhist stars, and well worth your notice.
September 25, 2015
So much here to absorb...Only beginning to scratch the surface of what he writes about. Learning to live more mindfully, with more compassion, gratitude and presence. We all have the Buddha within us and can walk in his footsteps. We can all live as though every moment is a miracle
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The concepts of non-self and inter-being are probably the ones I'm most struggling with, in my western-educated mind...
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The concepts of non-self and inter-being are probably the ones I'm most struggling with, in my western-educated mind...
January 14, 2018
This book lacks clarity and relies too heavily on metaphors and persistent examples that are distracting to the reader. The phraseology within the text of this book is so convoluted that the concepts being discussed become mired and are difficult to discern.
The editors of this book have failed the author and the reader.
The editors of this book have failed the author and the reader.
January 28, 2020
Reading this book is like meditating. You witness the results effective immediately. Complex mind can be trained with the most simple steps and the book teaches everything about it. True freedom is not achieved just physically but also mentally. A must read for people who are seeking help for attaining spiritual excellence.
August 10, 2008
This book is really engaging and really got me interested in the ideas of Buddhism. Thich Nhat Hanh seems like a great teacher who is very thoughtful. The ideas and metaphors are completely fascinating and make you consider things in a way that you probably never would have otherwise.
June 21, 2016
Wisdom is inside you. All you gotta do is look in. The concepts of the book are difficult to understand for someone who hasn't stepped in spirituality yet. But once you start understanding what thich Nath Hanh is up to, you will just be mesmerized.
December 14, 2017
I have to admit that perhaps, master thich does not write well
June 12, 2019
Come ogni lettura su Zen / Buddhismo, anche questo trasmette un senso di calma e pace e gratitudine. Thich Nhath Hanh ha poi tutto un modo suo di portare il messaggio, molto concreto, tangibile quasi. Questo librino fa una specie di volo di ricognizione su consapevolezza, meditazione, essere presenti nel qui e ora, e fornisce esercizi pratici.
Da tenere sul comò o comodino o di fronte agli altri libri come promemoria quotidiano
Da tenere sul comò o comodino o di fronte agli altri libri come promemoria quotidiano
October 23, 2022
There are parts that I liked better than others. There are some passages that I found weird or discomforting. But the final exercises are so profound, moving and beautiful, they make up for any misgivings I may have had earlier. Strongly recommend.
March 2, 2023
Not as much about walking meditation as I thought at first, but still lots of great insights. Deals with some things I find cognitively difficult, like interbeing -- maybe not great as an introduction to Buddhism or meditation, but feels like a good intermediate read on the topics.
July 13, 2020
Not my favorite…
I usually like the simplicity of the author’s books. I found this one long and tedious. I’ve read several of his books, so maybe I’m too familiar.
I usually like the simplicity of the author’s books. I found this one long and tedious. I’ve read several of his books, so maybe I’m too familiar.
September 8, 2020
If you are into meditation, read this book. A good read.
November 7, 2020
Must read, if seeking some insight on complexities of mind. I say just Read it to feel you're free like a wave, and whatever it is that you're worried about, it'll be okay :)
May 18, 2022
Amazing book. Gets really deep into Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness practice. Classic!
January 8, 2025
I have read this three times. And periodically flip through it. It’s well written and easy to digest.
March 28, 2015
La saggezza orientale sta nella semplicità e nell'applicabilità dei concetti espressi a tutti gli ambiti della vita e questa opera traspira saggezza orientale, ed il linguaggio con il quale è scritto è così diretto e allo stesso tempo illuminante che farne una recensione, anche una semplice sinossi, diventa difficile, infatti io non credo di essere in grado di fare tanto; è la forza della semplicità, non è facile riassumere qualcosa che è già così semplice e diretto.
I concetti accademici affrontati, come le manifestazioni mentali, la coscienza, la consapevolezza e l'attenzione, sono spiegati nel dettaglio ma la bravura dell'autore sta nell'esplicarli con esmepi semplici ed emblematici e la comprensione di questi è assicurata dalle esercitazioni pratiche suggerite alla fine dell'opera.
I concetti accademici affrontati, come le manifestazioni mentali, la coscienza, la consapevolezza e l'attenzione, sono spiegati nel dettaglio ma la bravura dell'autore sta nell'esplicarli con esmepi semplici ed emblematici e la comprensione di questi è assicurata dalle esercitazioni pratiche suggerite alla fine dell'opera.
December 12, 2016
I once read a review of another book by Thich Nhat Hanh that claimed that, although the book was beautiful and helpful, most books by Thay were, in essence, the same ideas repackaged over and over again. I would argue that that is NOT the case with this book. Buddha Mind, Buddha Body delves much deeper than any others I have read by Thay into Buddhist psychology. As usual, Thay writes with poetic language and expresses advanced concepts with apt metaphors that make it easier for the lay person to grasp. I have to admit, Ithoufh, I think I will set it aside to re-read in a few months to try again to grasp some of the more challenging concepts.
June 10, 2010
Thich Nhat Hanh deserves the many accolades that he receives. This book delivered what its blurb promised. "Buddha Mind, Buddha Body emphasizes the importance of creativity, visualization, and meditation, and offers concrete exercises to improve mental clarity and restore our mind/body harmony."
August 6, 2012
Good, my 2nd read on this topic and some more morals learnt, the religion unlike others turns out to be more practical and real. Waiting for my next book ie Confessions of a buddhist atheist which will further set the course of my study on this amazing topic.
February 7, 2009
I never actually finished it, but I was sick of it lingering in my "currently reading" shelf since I've moved on.
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September 28, 2010step by step to peaceful
January 19, 2011
I am no one to speak on this. I feel bad for having rated it... the word Magnanimous comes to mind...
June 6, 2011
be mindful every moment
Read
July 7, 2011Menuju pencerahan hidup sejati
Read
July 7, 2011Pencerahan sejati
March 8, 2014
Really great book that teaches one self on how to be mindful and to live in the moment. I did find some content a bit too in depth.
March 13, 2014
The concepts in this book are a little more difficult than in some of Thay's other books, but they are presented in his usual clear manner. Excellent dharma reading for improving one's practice.
July 13, 2015
Great follow up to Understanding the Mind. Provides summary of concept and application to follow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews