Category: Books

“If we are peaceful, if we are happy

we can blossom like a flower,

and everyone in our family,

our entire society, will benefit from our peace.”

You need to read this book by Thich Nhat Hanh. Yogi, religious person, spiritual ganster, antithesis, this book is for you. So many subtle life lessons. It’s short, it’s a quick read, but it’s powerful. I picked this book up randomly from my acupuncturist’s office and decided to take it home and delve more into it. Even my doctor noticed I was reading it and commented on what an excellent book this is. This book is about finding peace with in yourself, it brings in Buddhism ideas, and talks about the power of meditation. For those that seek enlightenment, or are curious about all this ‘divine light’ stuff, pick it up. JkJk. But seriously, it’s worth your time to read it, and you can probably finish it in one sitting. I think I may even reread it this weekend. This book connects the suffering life brings, with the value of breathe, and imposes it with the power of peace. It helps awaken, to be more at peace. There is nothing more I can say to explain the read, go check it out and explore it for yourself! Live in the present, reconnect, end your suffering, breathe, and find peace with your mind, and peace with yourself.

This passage from the Introduction sums it up pretty well~

“Through his being and his words, Thich Nhat Hanh invties us into the reality of the present. Because he is a poet, his language has beauty, intimacy, and rich texture that illuminate the mind. Because he is courageous, he willingly pierces our great heart of compassion, so that we can bow to burning huts and sea pirates, to the sorrows of the world and those who cause sorrows. Because he is wise, his simple words speak to the most obvious Dharma and to the truly profound levels of Buddha’s awakening, all at one time. In doing so, he simultaneously unites the great Buddhist schools..Hanh has helped us to see the depths of dependent origination in a flower. In the midst of it all he has taught us to breathe, to smile, to live with a free heart. And most importantly, in our troubled world, he makes us no false division between inner awakening and engaged compassion. TO his eye, like his spiritual ancestor Mahatma Gandhi, ever being matters, everything is sacred…” [Jack Kornfield]

“Aware that life is available only in the present moment and that is it possible to live happily in the here and now, we are committed to training ourselves to live deeply each moment of daily life. We will try not to lose ourselves in dispersion or be carried away by regrets about the past, worries about the future, or craving, anger, or jealousy in the present. We will practice mindful breathing to come back to what is happening in the present moment. We are determined to learn the art of mindful living by touching the wondrous, refreshing, and healing elements that are inside and around us, and bu nourishing seeds of joy, peace, love, and understanding in ourselves, thus facilitating the world of transformation and healing in our consciousness.”

 

GO read it.