The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation
by Thich Nhat Hanh
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Book Reviews of The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation
Book Review: A Scholarly and Well-Organized Dissertation
Summary: 4 Stars
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.Book Review: A Brillant Roadmap to Practicing
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read a few books about the Buddha and Buddhism generally, but I am still very much a beginner. The other books I read covered the basics, but did not break them down in a way I, as a beginner and Westerner, could easily understand. I guess you could say those treatments were scholarly and intellectual to a fault. Hanh's simple, straightforward writing style, on the other hand, breaks down Buddhism's central concepts: the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This simple style does not, however, lose any meaning. The result is much the opposite: I feel like this book has given me a good start in my practice. In fact, I'm willing to bet that it will give me much more each time I read it.Book Review: Excellent! A clear and plain introduction of Buddhism
Summary: 5 Stars
This book did a great job to introduce Buddhism ideas in a clear and plain way, which makes Buddhism easy to be understood and easy to be accepted. Moreover, I'm also glad that he wouldn't simply follow whatever in the Buddhism texture without reflection, like most Buddhist scholars did. He reflected the ideas, explaining them reasonably and even asked readers to think, reflect and then see if they could accept or not...The author himself is a peaceful and great figure in modern Buddhism society. The experience of reading his book always brings me a peaceful mind. If you're interested in Buddhism but hesitate for its complicated terminology, this book is highly recommended.Book Review: Not very good
Summary: 3 Stars
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 in the former chapters. There are lots of concepts tossed around but very few are discussed thoroughly and fewer still are expressed in a memorable way. The book is overly complex for being a beginners book. It just jumps around and feels very chaotic. "What the Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula is still a much better intro to Buddhism than this book. You might find merit in this book if you are experienced in Buddhism but if you are new, pass on it until a later date.Book Review: Deep, profound teachings and commentary
Summary: 5 Stars
For those who think Thay's (Thich Nhat Hanh)teachings are too simple, think again. This shows you the depth and amazing understanding this Zen master has of the Buddha's teachings. I love the way in most of Thay's teachings he can make the profound amazingly simple, easy to understand and practice. This book though is almost like a grad course on Buddhist philosophy/thought/teachings. Amazing and inspiring. For the best read about the Buddha's life check out: Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha