Cesta osvobození: Dvacet jedna dní v plné přítomnosti

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Na jaře 1998 vedl vietnamský zenový mistr a mírový aktivista Thich Nhat Hanh v Burlingtonu ve státě Vermontu jedenadvacetidenní soustředění o dýchání s plným vědomím. Každodenního programu, jenž se skládal z meditací v sedě, v chůzi, jídla v tichosti, diskusí a promluv Thiche Nhat Hanha, se účastnilo čtyři sta lidí z celého světa, z nichž někteří byli již celkem znalí buddhistického učení a praxe; pro mnohé to však bylo jejich úplně první buddhistické soustředění. Díky společné praxi plného vědomí a naslouchání přednáškám Thiche Nhat Hanha byli tito lidé přeneseni z každodennosti do místa hlubokého klidu a objevili mnoho nového o životě.

Tato kniha záměrně zachovává tón a styl meditačního soustředění, včetně zvuků zvonů, přestávek k meditaci a sezení pro otázky a odpovědi. Atmosféra soustředění je tak zprostředkována čtenářům, kteří se zrovna tak dlouhého hromadného sezení účastnit nemohou.

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

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

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers a 21 day retreat in Vermont with 44 people. Many wonderful teachings in this book. I received a new perspective on many Buddhist teachings. It was a breath of fresh air to see a religion that teaches tolerance, compassion, harmony, peace, gentleness, and understanding on religions, governments, individuals and groups, sexual preferences, etc.

[Peter Ruark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a transcript of talks that Thich Nhat Hanh gave at a 21-day retreat in Vermont on the Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing, the meditation technique in which one focuses sequentially on body, feelings, mind, and objects of mind. In many ways this is a very fine and useful book, especially if one is unfamiliar with the sutra.

Unfortunately, behind every great author is a great editor, and this book could have used more skillful editing. Chapters are not divided in ways that make sense to the reader or facilitate learning the method, some passages could have been edited down for clarity, and there is trivial content (such as retreat announcements) that does not need to be included at all. What is most important is that the book clearly convey the information and insights to the reader, not that the reader get an exact stenography of everything said at the retreat. (The section with retreat participants' questions is interesting and helpful, however.) Also, a shortcut chart on the inside cover showing the sixteen steps of the meditation method would have been helpful.

Readers who want to learn the Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing and the 16-step meditation method it describes would be better off reading Thich Nhat Hanh's book "Breathe, You Are Alive" first, and perhaps reading this one for review after having learned and practiced the method.

[Pro Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like so many of Thay’s books, this one offers practical spiritual treasures, if we are open enough to receive them. While also teaching us the basic practice - of how to open the heart to love, compassion, joy, and space.

[Ben Tipper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one I didn’t quite finish because I had to leave it in Guatemala. Hanh has published over 50 books I think, and I have a feeling a lot of them are more or less very similar. That’s not a bad thing though; it’s a mirror into Hanh’s life. It’s a very simple life, and a very simple message he preaches. It’s good too, and it’s nice to be reminded of it sometimes. Even though we may already know we often forget. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this one book by him, but I would definitely recommend at least one book by him if you haven’t already. He seems to have his shit pretty figured out. Peace is every step is a nice one.

[Riley McMurray · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We believe that we will be truly happy when certain conditions are fulfilled. We don't realize that this idea is an obstacle to our true happiness. If we can release our idea of happiness, true happiness is born in us right away. I know some young people who think that they can only be happy if they earn a degree, get a certain job, or marry a certain person. We set up conditions for our happiness and become trapped. Happiness can come to us at any time if we are free. Why do we commit ourselves to only one idea of happiness? When we do this, we limit our happiness. If we let go of that idea, happiness will come to us from every direction.” P117

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

i've been reading this in bits and pieces. i love that it restores a sense of agency regarding my own personal happiness. and of course, being a naturally uptight person, i need to be reminded to breathe.

[sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book to live by.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The right book at the right time, A 21-day retreat on the Sathipatha.

[Tim Desmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing clarity about how to practice.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great practice book for buddhists and non buddhists alike.