The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching
Transforming Suffering Into Peace, Joy & Liberation
by Thich Nhat Hanh

Paperback
292 pages
(May 4, 1999)
Broadway Books
ISBN: 0767903692

Bookshelf Categories

Buddhism

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Synopsis:

Thich Nhat Hahn is well-known for the simplicity and clarity with which he presents Buddhist teachings. Now he brings that spirit to his own introduction to Buddhism, introducing--in a way that is at once utterly lucid and entirely original--the life of Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Doctrine of Emptiness. With poetry and clarity, Nhat Hanh imparts comforting wisdom about the nature of suffering and its role in creating compassion, love, and joy--all qualities of enlightenment.

Reviews:

Excellent overview of how to apply Buddhist philosophy.

4/22/2000

Reviewer: Michael from Wisconsin

Thich Nhat Hanh has written a book on Buddhist thought and practice that will appeal to those who want to gain practical insights from this great religion -- not necessarily a scholarly dissection. And that's the beauty of his work; he does not pick Buddhism apart as an intellectual ego-boosting exercise. Rather, he explains its essence, with clarity and some humor, and offers many sound suggestions for putting Buddhism to daily practice. Isn't this what Buddhism should really be? Moreover, he has such a knack for finding the appropriate metaphors to underscore key points. Example: When explaining the Buddhist principle of acceptance of the inevitability and necessity of suffering for realizing compassion, he likens this to visualizing the flowers that will some day emerge from the center of the compost pile.

Hanh is humble in his approach. Never preachy, he doesn't want the reader to convert to any viewpoint -- only to find in Buddhism some tools for personal spiritual growth. I admire Hanh, a humble Buddhist monk in the Zen tradition. He took great personal risks in preaching peace and reconciliation at a time when his home nation of Vietnam and the United States were embroiled in bitter military conflict. He is not asking us to follow him, but to walk alongside him, and make our own discoveries. What a welcome change of pace from all those "sprirituality" books that push political agendas or become the basis of a commercialized enterprise. This one is genuine. Highly recommended for those of any faith. His other books are very worthwhile, too.

The book of choice for an organized intro to buddhism

3/16/2000

Reviewer: A reader from Honolulu, Hawaii

This book is probably the single best book for those interested in learning the fundamentals of buddhism, as well as for those looking for a guidebook to refine and contemplate their buddhist views. Thich Nhat Hanh is living testimony that Buddhist practice can transform a life of suffering and despair into one of peace and joy. His books were the start of my path and this book is almost like a handbook to the four noble truths and the eightfold path, as well as other fundamental thoughts of buddhists. The language does get somewhat abstract and spiritual and may require some re-reading by some, especially those with no previous exposure to buddhism. Otherwise, the best book covering fundamental buddhism I've ever read.

An EXCELLENT book, Thich Nhat Hanh is a wonderful teacher.

9/7/1998

Reviewer: A reader from Cleveland, Ohio

The best book on Buddhism I have ever read. Thich Nhat Hanh presents the essential teachings of Buddhism in a way that really makes it come alive. The way he presents the four noble truths and eight-fold path are written with a minimum of fuss and jargon. He points out the mutations Buddhism experienced in its oral transmission over the centuries. His argument for critical thinking while reading Buddhist texts is very important reminder that errors in transmission do exist. The material displays not only his intellectual ability as a scholar but also his incredible compassion. He doesn't just write about Buddhism, he lives it.

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The book of choice for an organized intro to buddhism	3/16/2000
Reviewer: A reader from Honolulu, Hawaii
This book is probably the single best book for those interested in learning the fundamentals of buddhism, as well as for those looking for a guidebook to refine and contemplate their buddhist views. Thich Nhat Hanh is living testimony that Buddhist practice can transform a life of suffering and despair into one of peace and joy. His books were the start of my path and this book is almost like a handbook to the four noble truths and the eightfold path, as well as other fundamental thoughts of buddhists. The language does get somewhat abstract and spiritual and may require some re-reading by some, especially those with no previous exposure to buddhism. Otherwise, the best book covering fundamental buddhism I've ever read.

An EXCELLENT book, Thich Nhat Hanh is a wonderful teacher.	9/7/1998
Reviewer: A reader from Cleveland, Ohio
The best book on Buddhism I have ever read. Thich Nhat Hanh presents the essential teachings of Buddhism in a way that really makes it come alive. The way he presents the four noble truths and eight-fold path are written with a minimum of fuss and jargon. He points out the mutations Buddhism experienced in its oral transmission over the centuries. His argument for critical thinking while reading Buddhist texts is very important reminder that errors in transmission do exist. The material displays not only his intellectual ability as a scholar but also his incredible compassion. He doesn't just write about Buddhism, he lives it.