Moments of Mindfulness

by Thich Nhat Hanh

This appealing gift box collects the central teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, the revered Buddhist monk and human rights activist, on the topics of love, peace, insight, understanding, and compassion. The set contains 40 cards that provide moments of inspiration, work as starting points for meditation, and reveal spiritual answers for daily problems. A thoughtful gift, the box can be used as an altar or kept near the bed for a daily morning inspiration. The cards offer gentle reminders such as: "Life is only possible in the present moment," "To meditate well, we have to smile a lot," "If you are a poet, you will see clearly that there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper," and "Walk slowly. Don't rush. Each step brings you to the best moment of your life, the present moment."

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Buddhism, Meditation, Philosophy, Religion

90 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 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

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, thought-provoking and peaceful poems by Thich Nhat Hanh.

A flower
does not have to
do anything
to be of service,
it only has to be a flower.
That is enough.
A human being,
a true human being
is enough
to make the whole world
rejoice.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book in my nightstand drawer recently. I had forgotten it. I always enjoy these small books of inspiration. I read a few pages each night and thought about the message as I went through my day. I then gifted it to a very close friend when I saw it on her ‘Want to Read’ list! I know she will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gigantic book... I have on my bedside table and it will stay there so I can start from the beginning again.

Week sixteen

A tiny bud of a smile
on your lips nourishes awareness
and calms you.
It returns you to
the peace you had lost.
A smile is
the most basic kind
of peace work.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Thich never fails to say something meaningful, thought provoking and inspirational. I copied each day’s entry to a note card I can take with me throuhout the day. We are so lucky to have this blessed man among us... !

[Lisa]

Favorites (the first reminds me of St. Thérèse's "little way"):

“We can live our daily lives
in such a way that every act
becomes an act of love.”

&

“Planting a seed,
washing a dish,
and cutting the grass
are as eternal,
as beautiful,
as writing a poem.
I do not understand
how a poem can be better
than a peppermint plant.”

[Aaronlisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book through and will probably be working with it for a few months. It’s partly a book on mindfulness and also a guide on to incorporate mindful meditation into your life with 52 meditations to focus on weekly for a year.

[Jennifer Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love Thich nhat hanh. This book is perfect for reading in daily bites, or all at once over and over.

[One · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book to have around and read passages to contemplate. Love Thich Nhat Hanh books!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't necessarily take my time with this (as I borrowed from the Library), but I might purchase this one to use more frequently.

[Hayley Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this simple book full of wisdom written in verse. Any person from any religion will benefit from reading it.

[Jennifer]

Calming, insightful, a delight to read and ponder on ….

[Crystalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful thoughts on being present, peaceful, and loving. It's not easy.

"Understanding is the foundation of love."

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing, if you love poetry and just love reading books that you can relate and also help you have different perspectives on life in general, then read this book.