Customer Reviews

You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment

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As always, the writing is fluid, spare and moving.If you have never read on the subject, this is a wonderful introduction. If you have, an excellent summary. His descriptions, especially of karma and nirvana, bring simplicity and understanding to difficult concepts. (Einstein was right:when you really understand something, you can make it simple.) He also shares numerous breathing meditations useful for us all.A book to be read again and again.

Another beautiful, profound message from "Thay!" The power of the present moment is artfully and lovingly explored. Beyond armchair theory, this gentle monk suggests practical applications in handling, embracing life challenges from a center of consciousness accessible to anyone. There is no requirement to adapt a belief system or theology. Upon finishing this book the first time, I gained a more compassionate regard for some challenging individuals. And here I am.

Thich Nhat Hanh was the first meditation teacher I ever read. I went on to explore the literature widely. I'm slightly embarrassed to say that I'd sort of dismissed him as too simplistic- kind of a Mr. Rogers for adults. In his writing there are no abstractions, none of the ambitious theorizing about "enlightenment." He sticks with very simple basics teachings of moment to moment awareness of the breath as a key to human happiness. In our very uncertain times he advises that we take our anger and fear and treat them with great care and tenderness so that we can relate to others with kindness and compassion. He is indeed a Mr. Rogers for adults, exactly the guy we unhappy adults need.

Every page of You Are Here glitters with love, insight, and, best of all, practicality. I just love this book because from the very first page it goes to the very heart of the truly awakened life. Also Thich Nhat Hanh pulls no punches, He deals with struggle, pain, and the greatest challenges of life. He can do this with authority because he has lived every bit of it. Frankly, I do not consider myself a Buddhist, since I am, truly, a non-believer except for my own life directly lived, but this book speaks from this powerful voice. I cannot recommend it strongly enough.Liberation from the Lie: Cutting the Roots of Fear Once and for All

Thich Nhat Hanh provides another demonstration of his skills as a Buddhist master and story teller. "You Are Here" further explores the Dharma whilst entertaining the reader with relevant practice "tips" for both beginner and serious meditator alike."To me, the definition of hell is simple. It is a place where there is no understanding and no compassion." It is Thich Nhat Hanh's ability to simplify that is his great skill in inspiring us to strengthen our practice and clarify thorny concepts at the same time.

I am extraordinarily happy that I bought this book. The common sense approach is above and beyond my expectations. Hanh speaks to the reader as a teacher speaks to a student, "Here are things you can do to make your life better, go ahead, don't hesitate, you can do it." I have begun the practices Hanh preaches and can tell you already I have seen a difference in my life and the way others are around me. This was exactly what I was looking for and what I needed.

This is a wonderful book in a series of books that Thich Nhan Hanh has written from the Buddhist perspective on gentle and sustainable patterns of living life. Gentleness and kindness are central to his writing and very good for the soul.

This is an excellent text that challenges you to consider. It is general in presentation so that one can apply the principals to many specific examples, only limited by our imagination. The overall theme is the emphasis on Mindfulness. This is a deep concept and would not do justice to try to summarize it in a short review. One can capture an insight into its importance in daily life by focusing on the point below your navel as you breath in and out. Do not let the outside world or thoughts enter, just let you mind relax and experience the deep breathing. It helps to relax you...this is useful in daily life or in competitive sports. "You are Here" also opens up interesting questions that cosmologists are interested in as well...where did we come from, where are we as humans going? It is not a lecture to convince anyone to adopt Buddhist thought, but stimulates the mind in a very unique way. And Mr. Hanh offers some very useful concepts from Zen-Buddhism on principals to live bye....excellent no matter what religious beliefs one has. I like Mr. Hahn's works in general and this is one of his best

Mindfulness practice is a path in which every step is a step of compassionate engagement with every aspect of your experience, whether walking, talking with a friend or working with the suffering and anguish that exists in our minds. Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us how to smile at every encounter with reality.I also recommend 'The Path of Mindfulness Meditation' by Dr Peter Strong, an in-depth exploration of mindfulness meditation.

Thich Nhat Hanh is like a poet. Never mind that he is one of the foremost Buddhist monks/philosophers/thinkers he truly has a talent with words and I find myself transported when reading his prose.

I love his thought that the "Kingdom of God" is right here among us and that we can make every moment the best moment of our lives. Whether you are new to Buddhism or a devout follower, this book is truly a treasure!