Being Peace

This book finally gave me a solution for not being able to love & accept myself and others, all my life I was told that I just needed to love myself by good meaning religious people but no one could provide the recipe for this matter that "seemed" very simple & easy to them. Hanh wrote in this book about how the West touts love as the highest spiritual principle and that he understood their logic but disagreed. His point came to be that it was only by "prioritizing & practicing compassion & deep understanding as primary spiritual principles" that love could be achieved. This wisdom or line of thought literally saved my life and saved others from me. I realized that I had the cart before the horse and began making the effort to basically forget or not worry about love but put myself to the ideas he presented. As time passed there have been countless positive transforming benefits from trying to remember and practice this philosophy, It was nearly 35 years ago when I found this book at a 12 step convention. Have shared this with many people and they have benefited as well, especially those who were desperate and truly wanted a way out of the struggles of self acceptance and acceptance of others. Genuine insight is an incredible gift for anyone to have... Hanh's words were absolutely key to opening the door of life for me in a deeply personal way, I was a hard case and profoundly confused about many things in life... had I not stumbled on this book I know I wouldn't still be alive to write this. This taught me the power of real open mindedness which I am still trying to expand on. I am not a religious person of any persuasion but now have deep regard for spiritual principles and the benefits that come from "trying" to practice them. They clearly enhance life & give the most wretched of souls a REAL opportunity to grow and thrive in life despite their destructive origins. For me , in the strictest sense of the word... this book has been "priceless"...

A collection of essays, based in some part (perhaps completely) on speeches made in the United States, Thich Nhat Hahn's *Being Peace* serves as a guide to meditation; a glimpse into how Buddhism can help attain world peace; a collection of poems and allegories on Buddhism that are easily understood by Westerners, yet not overly-simplified; and a portrait of a man whose sense of calm is so powerful it has the inevitable effect of bringing peace to the reader. *Being Peace* is neither a practical guide to meditation - with precise explainations on how to sit, koans to recite during sitting, etc. - nor a theoretical justification of Buddhism, a la Alan Watts; instead, it is a book that gives real-life, meaningful reasons to meditate: both to bring peace to yourself, and to the world (which are, in fact, one and the same).
The concepts are not new - in fact they are thousands of years old. What is new is the sense of attainability that *Being Peace* brings to the art of meditation, particularly for those of us who live in not-so-meditative environments.
The volume is slim and easily read in one sitting, but it might serve you better to take time with each concept.

This book came into my possession more than two decades ago. Since then, I have picked it up more than once, and just picked it up again recently. I was reminded of the simplicity of Thich Nhat Hanh’s writing and the messages he conveys. One example is the fundamental idea that Buddha nature (I conceptualize this as goodness and peace) lives within all of us, and we have only to turn our attention to it to bring it to life. This is an idea that I had forgotten and was pleased to be reminded of.

While Thich Nhat Hanh was born and raised in a different culture than mine, and this book in particular was written in the 80s, his messages seem quite applicable to today's society. We often seem to get caught up in things that don’t matter, and forget to attend to the things that matter the most, like the quality of relationships and our stewardship of the earth. He reminds us that we are all connected, so that care of one another is important, and that there is a domino effect when we do not care for one another – relationships fall apart.

Admittedly, I have been interested in Buddhist ideas for many years, and so this book has become a staple in my reading repertoire. But I don’t think one needs to be Buddhist, or even interested in Buddhism, to understand that doing the same thing over and over again without a positive result is both frustrating and a problem that needs attention. Thich Nhat Hanh offers a simple solution – development of a meditation practice. This is a book that will not fade into away. The author’s suggestions are straightforward and easily understood, while also letting us know that developing a meditation practice is not easy (simplicity is not easy to accomplish in our competitive society).

I am a believer in having a library of loved books, so that I can look at the titles to see what triggers my interest. If you have any interest in simplifying your life, and are willing to work towards that goal, I strongly suggest purchasing this book. It is a quick read that you can come back to time and again.

I might be a bit biased because I love EVERYTHING by Thich Nhat Hanh. I've not read all of his works but, of the ones I have read, there was nothing I did not like.

This one is no different.

Some might say that his work can be a bit redundant. I can see that. However, the information he sets forth is well worth repeating. Such great, gentle, relevant, helpful reminders.

Being Peace is a gentle, calming book. The insights into experiencing life in such a peaceful way are so inspirational. Thich Nhat Hanh is an excellent writer / speaker but teaches primarily by example, which makes these lessons even more profound, I think.

Great book. Really highly recommend it to anyone!

Being Peace is a beautiful book that will open your eyes and your heart. Nhat Hanh was an important leader for the Peace movement, and through this collection of essays it is easy to see why. He takes the reader through basic concepts of mindfulness practice, and then relates practice to the way one lives in the world. His concept of InterBeing helped me to see the connectedness in the the world, in a way that applies to my own life and way of living. The book also shares very concrete suggestions for using meditation and awareness to improve life in the modern world. Mindfulness is portrayed as not just a way to relieve stress or feel better, but also to affect change in the crazy world we now live in. If we could all read this book and try to live its lessons, what an amazing world this could be!

Hands down, this is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. The prose is simple and yet so incredibly heartfelt. I was first introduced to Thich Nhaht Hahn and Zen Buddhism through his book The Miracle of Mindfulness. Despite being a fantastic read on the practicality of mindfulness, the words did not reach me in the same way as Being Peace. Being Peace is a wonderful read for anyone remotely interested in finding inner peace and using that to achieve a greater peace for those around us.

This is early Thich Nhat Hanh at his freshest. Compelling stories of coming to see the world from a more awakened perspective are mixed with very accessible instructions for mindfulness meditations. Anyone of Buddhist inclination will profit from visiting or revisiting this book, and if you want to introduce someone else (or yourself) to Buddhist thought and practice in an inviting way, you could scarcely do better than this. (The other "best first book" which stands up to repeated readings is Shunryu Suzuki's Zen Mind Beginner's Mind. Both are likely to become your lifetime companions.)

This was an excellent book on Buddhist thought. The ideas in this book are easy to understand for anyone interested in Buddhism. I have read a handful of books on Buddhist ideals but what surprised me about this one is that towards the end of the book the author writes on how a Buddhist community could be set up (and run) here in the U.S. The author suggested that the group be called the Order of Interbeing. So after i finished the book I googled the Order of Interbeing. I found that there is 350 different groups here in the U.S. and one in my vary own town. I just started meeting with this group and they are great. I highly recommend this book.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist monk from Vietnam who now resides in France. His message of non-violence has deeper meaning because of his background in a war ridden country. He shares stories and encourages compassionate communications that end up making the reader feel that he can be a part of his peaceful movement.

Gudjon Bergmann, author of Living in the Spirit of Yoga (2010) and The Seven Human Needs (2006)

I was raised a Buddhist, but discovered from this book that I know more about Buddhism than I thought I did. I love the simplicity of the teachings in this book. I brought this book to Moab, Utah and found it the perfect book to read and reflect upon in that setting. This book made me think more about being a better person, a better Buddhist, and more peaceful. I've since given this book as gifts to two other people since the lectures don't just apply to Buddhists, but are universal to humans attempting to live in peace.

This book is indeed a legend in the Buddhist community. This was the 3rd book I read of Thich Nhat Hanh and I was very moved. The book is wonderful, you learn how to breathe away anger and develop mindfulness. You learn how kindness changes your heart and your mind at the same time. I recommend this book to anyone and I suggest reading it many times. You WILL be transformed from this book.

This book really helped me live a more peaceful life. His other books are good too but this one really stood out for me. I feel like a new person; calmer, happier, freer, less bothered by my immediate circumstances. Thich Nhat Hanh is the man. Plain and simple.

I found this book most inspiring. Have to keep reminding myself to breathe, to live in the present, to enjoy life, and to realize that life doesn't begin when I finish this or that - I am living right now. This book got me deeply interested in Buddhist meditation.

expresses the real simplicity of life and how complexity only distracts us from the true treasures of life. at first i was a bit dissapointed as i wanted something to shout at me, jump off the page, but thich offers only truth and simplicity, essentially what we really need. his heart speaks through his words. it's a tiny book, so i spent much time with each page, contemplating, practicing, etc. i use his teachings each day.

very grateful, highly recommended. : )

Being peace is to align with the unconditioned awareness that is mindfulness, and there is no greater teacher on the subject. I also recommend 'The Path of Mindfulness Meditation', available through the store.

Buddhist or not, this book helps to create a great perspective on how to find peace in all life's facets, positive and negative. The poems and essays are very helpful. The book is a great tool in helping to find balance in one's life.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a beautiful being, writing in very simple words and from the heart, and showing us how to be at Peace, in Peace, so as to create Peace in our World. Good book. Likely to be re-red many times.

While this book is written from a Buddhist perspective, you do not have to be a Buddhist to appreciate it. In his usually patient and compassionate way Thich Nhat Hanh explains how to bring inner peace into your life regardless of your spritual beliefs. It is a really short book that you can finish in a day or two. You have no excuse to not buy this book. It can change your life and help you to awaken love, compassion, and awareness within yourself.

I was looking for Buddhist writings that were down to earth and relevant to modern Western lifestyle. Being Peace and Touching Peace are just that. They are simple, approachable, and meaningful. I was instantly able to apply what I learned and my practice is better for it.

This book serves as an excellent introduction to Buddhist thought. Hanh illustrates the wisdom of the Middle Path with clarity and grace, avoiding unfamiliar terminology that may confuse newcomers to the subject, and shows that anyone can benefit from the teachings of the Buddha. With a focus on mindfulness and compassion, the book is also a reminder to the more advanced student of the importance of direct experience of the dharma. Highly recommended.

Hanh not only explains Buddhist thought relating to peace and how one can effect peace by "being" peace ... he gives very practical and largely non-sectarian exercises so that one can move beyond simply thinking it to doing it.

Reading some of the reviews on "Being Peace" I thought someone needed to mention what a gift Thich Nhat Hanh has for writing. I myself have a hard time getting through a book. I usually lose interest. Thich Nhat Hanh really draws you in. He is not only filled with Wisdom but he also holds an amazing talent with his writing. Don't hesitate on buying "Being Peace" if you are interested in buddhist thought or in releaving some of life's stress.

Thich Nhat Hanh is my very favorite author and this is one of his very best books. It really shows you how you can effect everyone around you by your own "Being Peace". If everyone read this book, the world would be a much, much better place.

This book contains a conglomeration of eloquent lectures that will truly stimulate emotion in the heart of the reader. Thich Nhat Hanh has never ceased to amaze and inspire me through his teachings. I completely back up the statement that Thich Nhat Hanh is a true representation of the Buddha.

In my opinion, this is an amazing book. Thick Nhat Hanh simplifies Buddism for the common western mind. He helps to define and establishes a path for you to follow and help you to acheive your goals of a peaceful self and world. Simple short read, packed with insight and knowledge.