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A Lifetime of Peace: Essential Writings by and about Thich Nhat Hanh

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A Lifetime of Peace is a compendium of writings by and about the Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Over the years Thich has written numerous books for seekers on the path and also for people looking to find more happiness in their lives. This book strings together several different works so you get a taste of a great collective body of literature.

Some of the works in this collection were interviews Nhat Hanh had given with other publications. One of them that could be especially salient in today's world was one titled What would I say to Osama Bin Laden. In this interview Nhat Hanh makes it clear that we have to try to understand a total perspective. Issues of importance are seldom black and white and if we can come to a better understanding of the discontent in someone like Bin laden we can perhaps take measures to ensure compassion. Only by true compassion can we overcome hatred and potentially find a satisfying solution to terror in whatever form it may take. A fire is never put out by throwing more fuel upon it, and only light illuminates darkness.

Another interview that was very interesting was one with Daniel Berrigan, a Catholic priest. Berrigan had been imprisoned for a time for opposition to the Vietnam War. He found a true friend in Thich Nhat Hanh who had witnessed the devastating effects of this war on his homeland. Part of the dialogue between these two religious men is written here for us to read. In this dialogue we see how politics often has a corrupting influence upon religion. One example would be where people forsake their Jewish beliefs of peace in favor of maintaining the Israeli state.

Throughout the rest of the book you'll find a couple of writings about Thich Nhat Hanh from other people like Bell Hooks and also works by Thich Nhat Hanh himself. In most of Thich's writings you'll read familiar themes. Some of these themes are the importance of mindfulness in every activity, the realization of the impermanence of all things, the benefits of peace and understanding, and the interdependence of all things.

I can't imagine anyone coming away from reading this book without a deeper sense of peace. Of course, the real challenge is implementing these teachings within a daily practice. However, this book is a good place to start to get practical suggestions and advice from one of the true masters to help you realize your entitlement to true happiness. Recommended for anyone regardless of religious beliefs and where they may currently find themselves in their quest for happiness.

A Lifetime Of Peace: Essential Writings By And About Thich Nhat Hanh by Jennifer Schwamm Willis is a "reader friendly" compendium showcasing a great Buddhist monk's wisdom concerning those paths to peace that all individuals (Christian, Buddhist, Jew, Muslim, or any other faith) can follow in order to bring about their desires for a better world. Emphasizing the crucial importance of mindful compassion, A Lifetime Of Peace is a powerful and life-affirming read, and highly recommended for both Buddhist Studies reference shelves and Religion/Spirituality independent studies reading lists.