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leighnonymous's review against another edition
4.0
The same feature of this book that caused annoyance was the same that caused understanding: repetition; it works. Like a CBT exercise, this book gets into your subconscious, hammering away at what makes you think the way you do. Lo and behold, the book is complete and you're acting mindfully about closing the covers, craving an orange, and basking in the optimism you're generating from within.
I'll admit that even I wanted to pack up and move to a place where I could meditate unstopped. I truly believed inner peace was a viable thing for me. I think the gift of Hanh's books - reinforcement and encouragement - is what propels one to pursue a simultaneously lightened and enlightened life. I loved that feeling and I'll read more Hanh to get it back. In the meantime, I will continue meditating. There must be something to it…
Hanh has some brilliant and insightfully clear observations and anecdotes but criticized too harshly my passion: novels. I don't think "reading to fill empty time" is a bad thing (unless it's Twilight); that irritated me. I have no problem with being mindful about slowly and thoughtfully drinking a cup of tea, but if I want to enjoy that tea with a book in my hand, it's not the end of the world and it doesn't mean I'm succumbing to violence. I also had a bit of a problem with alcohol being a "violent" thing; we cannot judge things by their potential. The stored-up potential of a bag of rice could feed x number of children or x-10 number of adults. We can't apply utilitarian principles to everything lest humanity become numbers and no longer individuals.
His thoughts on consumption of violence were things I'd never before thought about and it caused me to be particularly observant of violence in my everyday life. You'd be surprised, horribly surprised. Count the incidents and observable acts.
One huge idea this book did succeed in conveying to me (and changing my mind) was the notion that we are all interconnected. I embrace the idea of individual success and individual freedom but it seems it's a façade, after all. I am, indeed, the product of my ancestors; I, in turn, will be the ancestor of others. There is no way to escape the invisible, spider web-thin relationships we all have with each other. The world became an existential soup for me for a while and it made my mind hurt. I concede, Hanh; you are correct on this point.
For an inspirational (and spiritual) read, look no further. This is good stuff.
I'll admit that even I wanted to pack up and move to a place where I could meditate unstopped. I truly believed inner peace was a viable thing for me. I think the gift of Hanh's books - reinforcement and encouragement - is what propels one to pursue a simultaneously lightened and enlightened life. I loved that feeling and I'll read more Hanh to get it back. In the meantime, I will continue meditating. There must be something to it…
Hanh has some brilliant and insightfully clear observations and anecdotes but criticized too harshly my passion: novels. I don't think "reading to fill empty time" is a bad thing (unless it's Twilight); that irritated me. I have no problem with being mindful about slowly and thoughtfully drinking a cup of tea, but if I want to enjoy that tea with a book in my hand, it's not the end of the world and it doesn't mean I'm succumbing to violence. I also had a bit of a problem with alcohol being a "violent" thing; we cannot judge things by their potential. The stored-up potential of a bag of rice could feed x number of children or x-10 number of adults. We can't apply utilitarian principles to everything lest humanity become numbers and no longer individuals.
His thoughts on consumption of violence were things I'd never before thought about and it caused me to be particularly observant of violence in my everyday life. You'd be surprised, horribly surprised. Count the incidents and observable acts.
One huge idea this book did succeed in conveying to me (and changing my mind) was the notion that we are all interconnected. I embrace the idea of individual success and individual freedom but it seems it's a façade, after all. I am, indeed, the product of my ancestors; I, in turn, will be the ancestor of others. There is no way to escape the invisible, spider web-thin relationships we all have with each other. The world became an existential soup for me for a while and it made my mind hurt. I concede, Hanh; you are correct on this point.
For an inspirational (and spiritual) read, look no further. This is good stuff.
leepeining's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent for bringing awareness to oneself, especially during emotionally turbulent times. Compassion and deep listening without judgment will light a path towards non-violent, peaceful conversation and understanding. Breaks down thoroughly what "take a moment, deep breaths before speaking again" truly means.
wandering_not_lost's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book. It related the practical advantages of being self-aware and compassionate to the real-world situations around us: our conflicts with our families and friends and also between soldiers and civilians, negotiators and leaders. It offers practical exercises on how we can defuse violence and promote peace in our lives. Most of these are, of course, come from a very Buddhist place, but they are the same sorts of things that anyone who learns to control their anger does: taking a break, stopping a fight by refusing to fight, having a safe place and a confidant who can help you. The stories about living during the Vietnam War were poignant and very relevant.
Overall, those familiar with Buddhist philosophy and practices probably won't learn anything new from this book, as there weren't any real surprises. I felt like the author was saying exactly what I expected a Buddhist monk would say about violence and promoting peace. However, this book was a beautiful reminder of how to use these principles in real life.
Overall, those familiar with Buddhist philosophy and practices probably won't learn anything new from this book, as there weren't any real surprises. I felt like the author was saying exactly what I expected a Buddhist monk would say about violence and promoting peace. However, this book was a beautiful reminder of how to use these principles in real life.
citizenkahn's review
4.0
I keep on reading books on mindfulness in the hope I'll be able to change my angry ways. Thich Nhat Hanh is always good at helping me to realize that I'm both my greatest helper and obstacle. In this time of strife and war, it is also good to remember that violence and hate breed more of the same. The only way to combat my rage or international problems is through thoughtful listening and partnership.
Being pissed off doesn't work, I try over and over with the same results....
Being pissed off doesn't work, I try over and over with the same results....
uniskorn's review
5.0
My morning routine really benefits from reading mindfulness books. You all know I am a huge fan of Thich Nhat Hanh; I will probably love anything he writes. There's something so peaceful about how he uses his words that it just seeps right in. The methods in this book are very helpful but not necessarily easy. I've come to discover that practicing mindfulness is challenging, especially in a world filled with technology (which isn't always bad) and distractions. It's easy to want to distract yourself instead of experiencing difficult emotions.
I haven't tried Hanh's approach to ending violence in my family yet but I look forward to building up my practice so that I can possibly broach that topic in the future. I think laying down the groundwork is important and Hanh realizes that it can take days, months, even years to do so. But it's important work before diving into a situation that you can't handle or haven't worked up to yet.
The examples he provides on ending violence are helpful and the way that mindfulness is used to save entire populations in times of war is astounding.
I haven't tried Hanh's approach to ending violence in my family yet but I look forward to building up my practice so that I can possibly broach that topic in the future. I think laying down the groundwork is important and Hanh realizes that it can take days, months, even years to do so. But it's important work before diving into a situation that you can't handle or haven't worked up to yet.
The examples he provides on ending violence are helpful and the way that mindfulness is used to save entire populations in times of war is astounding.
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