Customer Reviews

Beyond the Self: Teachings on the Middle Way

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This little gem puts deep heart and mind opening ideas into layman terms. I have read and re-read this book, and each time it swipes away some cobwebs of my perceptions that cloud my vision of how reality unfolds without our help. You will enjoy this read, it is sure to help your mental lotus flower open....peace.