Beyond the Self: Teachings on the Middle Way [Paperback]

Thich Nhat Hanh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2009

One of the Buddha's most central ideas is the importance of transcending “either/or” thinking to avoid the trap of extremist views. In Beyond the Self Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that we can find tranquility by embracing all aspects of life, instead of focusing on what we like and dislike. The book contains Nhat Hanh's original translation of the Sutra on the Middle Way, as well as his commentary on how we can use this teaching to better understand how to navigate our difficulties and find peace of mind. By changing how we see the world, Beyond the Self helps us transform ourselves.

Product Details

• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: Parallax Press (December 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935209418
• ISBN-13: 978-1935209416
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 3.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #130,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Buddhism > Zen

More About the Author

Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese monk, a renowned Zen master, a poet, and a peace activist. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1967, and is the author of many books, including the best-selling The Miracle of Mindfulness.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hanh's excellent description of No-Self and beyond, May 17, 2010

By 

D. Korthuis (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beyond the Self: Teachings on the Middle Way (Paperback)

Over the past two years I've read many books on how the human mind works and ways to live including many of Thich Nhat Hanh's. While most of Hanh's work I've read emphasizes changing daily life through cultivating the mind, Beyond The Self describes a complete overhaul of our world view on the most basic levels. The text is based on Buddha's ideas of The Middle Way, but leaves out most of Buddhism as a practice. The ideas offered draw many parallels with Jiddu Krishnamurti's excellent Freedom from the Known.

This book is an excellent resource for those who are open and ready to completely redefine their world view and more importantly, removing wrong views. The book is very small, short, and concise. It is very much worth re-reading. Beyond the self is very challenging and had I read it at many less open points in my life, I would have easily dismissed it. I appreciate Beyond the Self's brevity and focus, but for those seeking a more detailed look at Hanh's thoughts on all aspects of Buddhism, I'd suggest The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching. If you are not sure if you are ready for this or are looking for something lighter from Hanh, I would also recommend The Miracle of Mindfulness and Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breaking through your worldview, October 10, 2011

By 

DReader (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Beyond the Self: Teachings on the Middle Way (Paperback)

This book is small but dense in regards to the material it contains. This is not for the beginner and goes deeply into the "no-self" concept. For many this can be very threatening and can sound a little crazy if one has not studied and contemplated not-self/emptiness. For those who are looking to penetrate through the worldview of self, this book offers insightful material and commentary.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, short read, February 19, 2011

By 

StevenAK "StevenAK" (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Beyond the Self: Teachings on the Middle Way (Paperback)

Like his other texts it is well written and enjoyable. This does not get bogged down in terminology and specifics. It does detail the nonself philosophy of Buddhist tradition in a concise manner. Nice vacation read to get things in perspective.