Heart of Buddha's Teaching [Paperback]

 

 

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My approach to this book is different than the other reviewers. I am not a man of faith. I do not believe in the existence of God and I believe the whole issue is unimportant. More important than the existence of God (which is a question neither side can settle) is the question of how to live our lives now. I came to this book as I always come to religious writings and practices; will this help me to understand others or myself better? Will this teach me to be more loving, to live more mindfully, with more compassion?
From this point of view, this is a wonderful book. Not because it answers all questions (or any questions for that matter). If anything it creates more ambiguities, it raises more challenges. That is a good thing. Many of the other reviewers seem to react to Thich Nhat Hahn based on whether or not his is the True Buddhism or just one man's opinion. Fair enough. But unless you are so fortunate as to have some sort of satori or God decides to drop in for a chat what else do you ever have but one person's opinion? It seems to me that what we all do is find something that seems to make sense to you, a practice that carries you along your path and you practice. Thich Nhat Hahn will help most readers to do this. This is a man of extraordinary faith who is apparently equally diligent in trying to live his faith. I do not know about the other readers but this man is a wonderful and unnerving challenge to me in my ideas on how to live my life.
Throughout the book the author suggests very simple practices to improve mindfulness and diligence. He calls us back to the breath always. In my experience, whether doing yoga, tai chi, chi-kung, kung fu, meditation or just plain living this is always the beginnings of real practice.
The presentation of Buddhists dogma that the other reviewers find so wonderful or controversial is, I believe, very well done and is as clear as could be hoped. It is also very arcane. I was not aware that there were Twelve Levels of Independent Co-Arising, Seven Factors of Awakening, Six Paramitas, Five Powers, Four Immeasurable Minds, Three Bodies of Buddha, Two Truths and, yes, a Partridge in a Pear Tree. Sorry, I could not help myself. My point is that a lot of this part of the book is probably most useful after having been read, lived and read again. For someone looking for a true introduction, this part of the book will seem a little much. Parts of it seem a little PC as well such as the occasional emphasis on sex abuse. I cannot imagine that was a burning issue back in the days of the Buddha. This is not a problem for me- it just shows that the author's religion is a living one.
Wonderfully though, what also comes through, is the author's spirit- that of a gentle, compassionate and strong person. I have not read any of his other books. After this I will read more. I have already found some of the practices helpful and will continue to try to integrate them into my life. Give this book a chance. I do not think it will answer all of your questions. How nice would that be if we could get that from a book? It will give you a deeper understanding of Buddhist's beliefs and practices. Some of the practices suggested may help you to live your life. What more could you hope for?

This is been the most concise and well-organized analysis of a this complex and difficult subject I've ever read. The book is laid out with subjects grouped sensibly so that you can follow a natural progression from one area to another, and it's possible to navigate the book to pick out those areas of particular interest to the reader. In addition, it's more than just dry analysis: There's passion and warmth to Hanh's writing, and his spirituality comes through even in the most academic areas of discussion. As an agnostic, I'm seldom drawn to religious practice, but after having read this book, I am more sympathetic to Buddhism than to any of the Western faiths I've been exposed to. A wonderful introduction to a beautiful world view.

This is a good book - I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars - and 3 and a half is not available - as I write this I'm still not sure if it's getting 3 or 4 stars.

Before I bought this book I (like you) wanted to read the reviews of others who have read the book. Trinity's review for some reason caught my attention and kept popping into my head as I read the book. Really just one theme - "Buddhism For A Generation Weaned On Mr. Rogers" specifically Trinity's view of the language.

There were times where the language was too flowery. I know I'm reading about and am in the space of Buddhism and that this type of criticism goes against my preconceived notions of Buddhism, but it just bugged me here or there and I got distracted.

My Wondering Monkey Brain aside I thought this book was a good next step. A good exploration into Buddhism that goes beyond the introductory level. That's what I was looking for - a next step onto the eightfold path or Buddhism 102.

There are some very good things in this book. Very good detail into other avenues of Buddhism that I was not aware of. See the table of content. Part 1 and 2 I found excellent and familiar. Parts 3 and 4 were new and hard to follow, but all in all contained very good detail and specific areas and information.

Again - this is a good 2nd step. If you're looking for a little more than you're used to or a little more in-depth view into Buddhism this is a good book.

Good - not great. I'm still torn between giving a 3 or 4 star rating. Reluctantly I'm giving it a 3.

Thich Nhat Hanh sounds like a fantastic man and you could feel his goodness and love coming through each chapter.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible and complete introduction to Buddhism written in a simple, clear, and concise manner
The Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk uses his simple, straightforward writing to explain the very core of Buddhism, presenting Buddhism as way of thinking and a well-traveled path... Read more

Published on Oct 1 2009 by Jerome Ryan

4.0 out of 5 stars Well-written
It is a well written book in sense that is generally easy to understand. I can't however say that this is the best book on buddhism because this is the first one I ever read on... Read more

Published on July 26 2009 by Machushka

5.0 out of 5 stars Favourite Book
Whenever I am in a downward spiral, this book NEVER fails to elevate me. I recommend it to every one. I often end up giving my copy away and having to buy a new one. Read more

Published on Dec 15 2005

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Complete
Many people like Thich Nhat Hanh's works for his uncandid simplicity. This book I feel is for both the initiated practitioners and uninitiated practitioners alike. Read more

Published on Dec 30 2003 by Swing King

5.0 out of 5 stars Interconnected!
This book requires the reader to explore the interelatedness of all the Buddhist doctrines. I read this at the same time as Bhante Gunaratana's *Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness*... Read more

Published on Nov 18 2003 by L. Wittke

5.0 out of 5 stars Who can hear the Buddha sing if...?
I have never met Thich Nhat Hanh, but everything on my radar screen tells me, "We got a real saint in the flesh. Read more

Published on Jun 15 2003

3.0 out of 5 stars Buddhism For A Generation Weaned On Mr. Rogers
This is not a bad book, it explains in detail everything you need to know that's important in Buddhism, emphasizing, as the title suggests, the heart of the Buddha's teachings... Read more

Published on April 3 2003

3.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational!
I will read this book again for inspiration. Regardless of your religion this books speaks of true "Spirituality and peace". Read more

Published on Mar 31 2003 by Ja'Maul Redmond

5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent layman's introduction
This book is the cure to all those [] self-help type introductions to Buddhism you see these days. This is far from a scholalry book, only suited for dry academics, but at the... Read more

Published on Mar 5 2003 by A. Steinhebel

3.0 out of 5 stars Not very good
This book is incredibly difficult to read after the first half. There doesn't seem to be a real outline for the book and the later chapters just constantly refresh what you read... Read more

Published on Jan 30 2003 by Todd Martin

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