Be Free Where You Are [Paperback]

Thich Nhat Hanh (Author), Sister Chan Khong (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002

"Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it ourselves."
—Thich Nhat Hanh

This compendium of the core teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, based on a talk given at a prison, shows how mindfulness practice can cultivate freedom no matter where you are.


"This is living Buddhism at its best."
—Shambhala Sun

"This beautiful little compendium of the core teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh actually says all you need to know in this world. It makes a thoughtful gift."
—Branches of Light

"Lovely and deeply helpful."
—Light of Consciousness

Product Details

• Paperback: 76 pages
• Publisher: Parallax Press (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188837523X
• ISBN-13: 978-1888375237
• Product Dimensions: 4 x 0.3 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 71 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a lifesaver... November 10, 2002

By yogameister

Format:Paperback

this book has truly been a lifesaver for me. it's small enough to throw in my backpack and i read it often while riding the subway in the morning. it's a wonderful transcription of a talk thich nhat hanh gave to prisoners... it has reminded me that i can be free of my own self-imposed "prison" of anxiety. in a time of such uncertainty, we all could use a little reminder to breathe and savor the moments we're given.

i know that i have benefited tremendously from this little volume. i hope that in reading it, you will enjoy a simple, yet profound deep breath and savor the present moment as well.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Wisdom from a remarkable teacher February 7, 2004

By Michael J. Mazza HALL OF FAME

Format:Paperback

"Be Free Where You Are," by Thich Nhat Hanh, is a short book. In a foreword, Sister Chan Khong notes that what follows is a transcription of a talk that the author gave to inmates at the Maryland Correctional Institute at Hagerstown on 16 Oct. 1999. The text also contains a question-and-answer session and an appendix with comments by a few attendees of the talk.

In this book Thich Nhat Hanh talks about "the energy of mindfulness," meditation, his life as a Buddhist monk, the Three Jewels of the Buddhist tradition, his own poetry, and related topics. His words are tender, kind, and peaceful, and at times gently poetic. Recommended for readers of any religious or spiritual background, but especially for those with an interest in Buddhism.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Observations, advice, and answers to questions September 7, 2002

By Midwest Book Review

Format:Paperback

A compendium of his core teachings, Be Free Where You Are is a transcription of a talk by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh given at the Maryland Correctional Institution at Hagerstown. Hanh reveals how the Buddhist approach to "mindfulness practice" can cultivate freedom no matter what the outer circumstances might be. This wonderful 71-page collection of observations, advice, and answers to questions is a welcome and highly recommended addition to Buddhist Studies reading lists and reference collections.