Calming the Fearful Mind: A Zen Response to Terrorism

by Thich Nhat Hanh

In a time of terrorism and uncertainty, how can any of us feel truly safe? Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh looks at the real roots of terrorism and fear and offers the way a path of compassion and open-heartedness. In this unique book, Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that we will only be safe when we acknowledge our real enemies, not other human beings, but our own ignorance, discrimination, fear, craving, and violence. With clarity and gentleness, Nhat Hanh offers step-by-step instructions for calming the mind and looking deeply into our own misperceptions. His own generosity of spirit and love for all beings models a path out of uncertainty and towards peace. By calming our minds and looking deeply into our hearts, will we have the insight to identify the roots of terrorism. Only with the practice of compassion, deep listening, and mindful communication can terrorism be transformed and uprooted.

Calming the Fearful Mind offers key teachings designed to help heal the misunderstanding, fear, and hatred that divide us as individuals, groups, and nations. An invaluable book for anyone who has wondered how to deal with anger and the desire for retaliation. Calming the Fearful Mind is, ultimately, a book about finding peace. It takes Thich Nhat Hanh’s signature mindfulness practices and reveals how they can help us address our most challenging and most deeply rooted fears.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Zen

130 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2005

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

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read any of Thich Nhat Hanh's books, parts of this one will seem familiar to you. Hanh's message of mindfulness is so simple that it often seems to need little expanding upon. Yet I find it remarkable that heeding such simple advice can be so difficult for me.

Any of his books is always a welcome nudge back onto the path, or at least near where it begins, and a reminder of the importance of compassion, clarity and patience in my daily life and my dealings with others.

[Tif · Rating 5 out of 5]

more than ever, this book is so relevant and needs to be read by everyone. i have read a few of Thich Nhat Hanh's books and every one leaves me open to finding compassion for myself and for my fellow man. this book gives me hope despite a very sad state of affairs we are now in and makes me believe it is possible for this world of ours to work together and find a solution to the hatred and anger which seems to be getting worse and worse. i pray we can start to become one before it is too late.

[Ido · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of Thich Nhat Hanh I've read and I found it to be an excellent start. I had heard of Mr. Hanh (what *is* the appropriate title for a Buddhist monk?) from a variety of sources but had never read any of his writings until I came across this book at the Montgomery County Library. I tend to be skeptical about how compassion can be such a force to change people (but then I have a very low opinion of human nature - humans, by and large, tend towards the lowest common denominator in their actions - even if they're educated) but Hanh's writing helped me realize that it can be a very powerful force. I plan on reading more books by him (and he has written extensively) and hope to use his work to help me change who I am for the better.

[Akanksha Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌸 #bookreview 🌸
🌸Calming The Fearful Mind, is a zen response to terrorism. This book is a reissued work of Thich Nhat Hanh, in attempt to terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir in april 2025 .

The book begins with finding root cause of terrorism i.e, fear ,misunderstanding,anger and hatred. I deeply felt that compassion and deep mindful awareness can be a solution to the calmness amidst chaos while terrorism is spreading widely.
Nhat hanh shared his experience of visiting countries and people , like it was when he visited America once , met Secretary of Defence Robert MacNamara. His meeting and words about their suffering melt his heart which turned him to resign the post.
Each chapter is a way to compassionated well being, mindful practise and availabilty of buddha teachings in personal behaviour, which resulted in Peace.
His offerings of five mindfulness trainings for All religion people, including - Christians, Jews, Muslims And other faiths as a support for living a mindful, compassionate life.

I find this book so good to learn about spiritual being, calm & mindful awareness, compassion and the power of community building.

Get your books now, to free yourself from violating feelings and Empower yourself with the beauty of camlmess.

Happy reading.

[Georgi (Dystopiandamsel) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few of Thich Nhat Hanh's Buddhist teachings and find them ever so helpful when my mind is getting cloudy and complicated.
I also read this in Pai, Thailand after traveling through Vietnam and so the passages relating to the Vietnam war were even more prevalent.
This book is probably more so important today, with the mention of the U.S leader and coming together, that it moved it quite a bit, given the current situation there.

[Trisha Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book on Buddhism and way to live. "Breath in and feel my body, breath out and relax. Breath in and feel my emotions, breath out and release tension in my emotions." Taking the time to calm and lucidity before responding. Compassionate listening to understand and reduce suffering.

[Rocio Moragues · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super redundante.

[Madi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Il y a plein de trucs intéressants mais je trouve malheureusement que c’est une pensée déconnectée des problèmes structurels et qui fait tout reposer sur l’individu.

[Rachel Powlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thich, you blow me away every time I read your books!!! Never stop slaying!

[K Now · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish that this book, or even parts of this book, could be required reading for all people. It was published in 2005, and many parts of the book are related to talks given shortly after 9/11. This book is just as relevant now, if not more. Our country is still a place that is steeped in hate and distrust of one another, and if only we could try to be more compassionate in our daily lives, if our leaders could try to listen deeply to one another, I agree, we could work together towards a more peaceful world.

If you are like me and struggling to make sense of how our country got to the point where we have a president who stands for fear and hate, I think this book will help bring you some sense of peace. You don't need to be a Buddhist to read the book, but you do need to try to listen with an open heart if you aren't familiar with some Buddhist teachings.

"I know that if the energy of wisdom and of compassion in the American people could be nourished for even one week, it would reduce the level of anger and hatred in the country. I urge all of us to practice calming and concentrating our minds, watering the seeds of wisdom and compassion that are already in us, and learning the art of mindful consumption. If we can all do this, we will create a true peaceful revolution, the only kind of revolution that can help us get out of this difficult situation." TNH

[Edgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read. The title says it all. In every day life we are aware that terrorism can happen. What about the terrorism within ourselves? It's easy enough to be afraid in a world like this where even pollution, politics, and money can be considered terrorists. This book was written post 9/11 when people were hysterical and losing their peace of mind. Read it and wonder how we can ease our fears and further the path toward peaceful living.

[Daniel Rickenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thich Nhat Hanh's way of dealing with life is admirable. It is simple in keeping with his practice of Zen. I think that seeds of truth very important to plant and carefully tend as the sprouts mature. There is likely no single truth, but many, as always the Zen and Buddhist traditions of self-awareness inspire me deeply.

I can be the best version of being in this world. The NOW is of utmost importance, it deserves and requires our undivided attention.

[Maia Gallagher-siudzinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

The words calm as you read them. Like the rhythm of a good prayer Thich Nhat Hanh's simple metaphors reveal deep truths about the human experience. At times he becomes overly political. However the best passages are not few or far between and they tend to resonated with a deep timeless truth.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago and found it inspiring and at the same time alarming as our nation pursued a policy of pre-emptive war. Thich Nhat Hanh has such depth of experience through his work with engaged Buddhist resistance to war.

[Jennifer Ricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. I wish more Americans would pick this book up and read it. I wish our entire society would begin working in a direction of healing. I think we would be wonderful examples to the world if we even considered Thich Nhat Hanh's advice!

[Erica]

I have recently become interested in Thich Nhat Hanh, and bought a few of his books. I will write more about this one once I am further along.

Never really captivated me... never finished.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did feel zen. I did. It felt like ecstasy. It lasted almost a whole day.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

wondering what a liberal response to terrorism would be, this is it. Not the best airplane book though.

[Melle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every political leader, from grassroots activists to heads of state, needs to read this book.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

We should all strive to think and live this way ...

[Terri Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetitive and naïve in my view. I support the idea of living mindfully. I agree we must not live in fear.