Calming the Fearful Mind: A Zen Response to Terrorism [Paperback]

Thich Nhat Hanh (Author), Rachel Neuman (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 2005

In Calming the Fearful Mind, Thich Nhat Hanh examines the roots of terrorism and fear, showing how both can be overcome through compassion and an open heart. Teaching that we will only be safe when we acknowledge our real enemies, ignorance and violence, Nhat Hanh offers step-by-step instructions for calming the mind and looking deeply into our own misperceptions. He shows how compassion, deep listening, and mindful communication can conquer fear and terrorism. A valuable book for anyone who has felt possessed by anger and vengefulness, as well as those concerned about global terrorism, Calming the Fearful Mind shows how Nhat Hanh’s signature practices can help address the most challenging and emotions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 130 pages
• Publisher: Parallax Press (August 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888375515
• ISBN-13: 978-1888375510
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #169,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars simple. profound. wonderful., September 11, 2005

By 

yogameister (the universe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calming the Fearful Mind: A Zen Response to Terrorism (Paperback)

i purchased this book today, 9/11/05 at a bookstore here in nyc. i'm not sure if it was placed on display by mistake as i've just read it is not to be released until october--but i am so thankful to have been able to read this today.

the memories of the attacks are so fresh today. i know that i've been ill at ease all day--sometimes struggling just to breathe. the simple act of opening this book has calmed me down.

thich nhat hanh, in his ever-gentle way, has reminded the reader that all too often we try to treat the symptoms and not the cause. by seeking out to destroy terrorists we are ignoring the root of the issue which, according to thay, are misunderstanding, fear, anger and hatred. i've seen so many "quick fixes" reported in the medical commmunity urging folks to take the newest pill to alleviate the pain rather than finding the source of the pain and treating it instead.

rather than attacking, he urges citizens to listen with compassion... to wait until we have calmed down before reacting... to try and understand where this behavior is coming from. he urges us to seek the roots and to act with compassion. and not once does he dismiss the severity of the situation. thay, having coming from war-torn vietnam and witnessing horrific examples of human cruelty, still recommends stopping and breathing before acting. it amazes me how his steadfast voice rings like a bell.

this is a slim volume, but one that is filled with wisdom. thich nhat hanh gently, yet firmly, reminds us to act wisely, compassionately and responsibly.

i turn to this teacher and his books often for much needed advice. this is one that i will return to again and again in these troubled times.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging in deep listening: An Alternative to War, November 19, 2005

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Calming the Fearful Mind: A Zen Response to Terrorism (Paperback)

Thich Nhat Hanh comes to this brief but soulfully turgid book by way of a long history of Buddhist thinking and practice, having witnessed the atrocities of the Vietnam war, absorbed the nihilistic effect of evil and electing to form conclaves of believers of peace and serenity in spiritual retreats in Northern California, Vermont and southern France. His response to the current climate of a globe drowning in terrorism is simple: turn thoughts to listening, hearing, understanding and stay calm and shun blowing things up!

'Misunderstanding, fear, anger, and hatred are the roots of terrorism. They cannot be located by the military...To uproot terrorism, we need to begin by looking into our hearts.' His quiet wisdom is disarming. He advocates, no, pleads with us to listen to and hear and study the Muslim ideology to better understand the conflict in Iraq, a conflict as unwinable as that in Vietnam. His discussion of the concept of suicide bombings in contrast to the self-immolations of the monks in Vietnam who elected to symbolize their beliefs by sacrificing their own lives is poignant: suicide protest is a form of communication but one that results in the global observers refusing to listen, to react instead in fear and in rage. To that end Hanh directs his recurring plea to listen to those who make even such dire statements, that only by truly listening to the motivation and the passion that drives such acts can we understand and react out of learning.

'America has been overwhelmed by fear'. Hanh suggests that fear can be exchanged for insight through the act of deeply listening to those whom we seem to oppose. 'In the war with Vietnam, the Americans had the intention to save Vietnam from Communism. It was a good intention, but this desire to save us destroyed us...The intention to love is not yet love. We must know how to love. True love doesn't destroy the object of its love.' Transpose some words here, like Iraq for Vietnam, like dictatorship for Communism, and we are in the process of understanding the quiet timeliness of this little volume speaking for peace. It is quiet, it is readable and understandable, and it is necessary for each of us. Recommended reading. Grady Harp, November 05

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living and Loving Fearlessly Amidst Dualistic Hatred, November 3, 2006

By 

J. B. Bell - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Calming the Fearful Mind: A Zen Response to Terrorism (Paperback)

This book addresses a much needed gap in the literary marketplace, namely, how one is to live in the modern atmosphere of fear, hatred, mistrust, and constant enmity. TNH's response is that it is untenable, undesirable, and that we must change ourselves in order to meet the demands of our age. This book strikes right at the root of terrorism, which is, as with all forms of violence, suffering, and despair. When we cease listening, and refuse to engage in dialogue, we have given in to despair, and the cycle of violence continues apace. TNH worked in Vietnam during the War, for peace, and learnt much from his experiences. He applies those lessons here. A must read for anyone who is at a loss regarding how to function amidst this so-called "clash of civilizations", as some have framed it. An answer to the Greed, Hatred, and Delusion that is wracking the globe right now. Wonderful, heartwarming, courageous stuff.