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deusexlibrus's review against another edition
Wonderful book, just didn’t feel like the right time to read it.
kdanh's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
3.75
Very educational and calming learning about the daily thoughts of a Buddhist monk.
nvcdesi's review against another edition
A very sweet and poetic autobiographical glimpse into the life of someone who has likely come as close to enlightenment as any of us are able to reach. I found myself pausing time and time again as I reread lines that brought out more clarity and emotion in me than many books of poetry do.
“When icy winter comes, it is unforgiving to all things young, tender, and insecure. One must grow beyond youthful uncertainty to survive. Maturity and determination are necessary. Seeing the courageous, solid way that trees prepare for winter helps me appreciate the lessons I’ve learned. I thought about Ly’s poem, and I shuddered. Our homeland is about to pass through a devastating storm. The oppressive regime, relying on force to satisfy its greed, has caused too many injustices. Discontent is increasing, driving many people to join the National Liberation Front. The regime’s injustice, oppression, and corruption feed the opposition every day. The government is responsible for creating this explosive situation. Nine years have passed since the treaty with the French, and an opportunity for something better has been lost. The storm will break at any moment. We can’t hide our heads in the sand. We must be like the trees. We must dispel all indifference and uncertainty, and be ready to face the storm. We cannot remain attached to our youthful innocence. We must strengthen ourselves for the coming test.”
Thich Nhat Hanh shows us moments of his vulnerability, personal suffering, and transformation into a teacher who truly lived his message: “I have arrived, I am home.” His writings and teachings often share the same message that our true home is in our body and in the present moment. This book is a gem to me in that it shows that it’s ok if we struggle to realize this truth for ourselves. Even a monk, social activist, and leader who has practiced for decades needed to struggle to deeply realize this truth.
I hope you enjoy this and other books by Thich Nhat Hanh the way I have: feeling compassion for yourself, ease in the moment, and love for life in all its forms.
“When icy winter comes, it is unforgiving to all things young, tender, and insecure. One must grow beyond youthful uncertainty to survive. Maturity and determination are necessary. Seeing the courageous, solid way that trees prepare for winter helps me appreciate the lessons I’ve learned. I thought about Ly’s poem, and I shuddered. Our homeland is about to pass through a devastating storm. The oppressive regime, relying on force to satisfy its greed, has caused too many injustices. Discontent is increasing, driving many people to join the National Liberation Front. The regime’s injustice, oppression, and corruption feed the opposition every day. The government is responsible for creating this explosive situation. Nine years have passed since the treaty with the French, and an opportunity for something better has been lost. The storm will break at any moment. We can’t hide our heads in the sand. We must be like the trees. We must dispel all indifference and uncertainty, and be ready to face the storm. We cannot remain attached to our youthful innocence. We must strengthen ourselves for the coming test.”
Thich Nhat Hanh shows us moments of his vulnerability, personal suffering, and transformation into a teacher who truly lived his message: “I have arrived, I am home.” His writings and teachings often share the same message that our true home is in our body and in the present moment. This book is a gem to me in that it shows that it’s ok if we struggle to realize this truth for ourselves. Even a monk, social activist, and leader who has practiced for decades needed to struggle to deeply realize this truth.
I hope you enjoy this and other books by Thich Nhat Hanh the way I have: feeling compassion for yourself, ease in the moment, and love for life in all its forms.
beedew's review against another edition
5.0
Thich Nhat Hanh is a remarkable human being. These journals provided insight into his daily life in a way that is even more personal than his usual style of writing. They end just before he is forced to leave Vietnam.
octliderro's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
studiomikarts's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
While I can't say I began reading this book with any specific expectations, I still felt blown away by how much I enjoyed it. It's a memoir written in journal format and offers glimpses of the author's life in Vietnam & New England during the 1960s, and his world view born of those experiences and the framework that his Buddhist training provided. I can see now why Thich Nhat Hanh is credited with bringing Buddhism to the West. That said, many of the progressive ideas he shared here are far more secular than anything else, pulling out the bits of Buddhism that can serve everyone without the need for religious belief. I highlighted many passages like that. Ultimately, however, the most gripping parts of the book were the author's personal experiences, which were described so vividly and fluidly that I felt hooked on the story, almost desperate to know what happened next, as if I was reading a contrived plot instead of a personal account. The end of the book was very satisfying, even exciting, but the one question it left me with is, "What, if anything, happened with his friend Steve once he returned to America?" Obviously not within the scope of this book, but something I'm very interested to know!
alexlesen's review against another edition
5.0
I loved reading this. His story telling is very sweet and captivating. My one complaint is more of a translation issue. At several points in the novel he tries to insert short pieces of poetry or mantras. However, I really feel like some of the heart of the message got lost in translation.
My favorite parts of the book are when he is talking about his time in Phuong Boi. A lot of those entries really resonated with me. Even later when he was reminiscing about Phuong Boi was very touching. There were also several entries that I felt really caused some introspection while still remaining a light and flowy read.
My favorite parts of the book are when he is talking about his time in Phuong Boi. A lot of those entries really resonated with me. Even later when he was reminiscing about Phuong Boi was very touching. There were also several entries that I felt really caused some introspection while still remaining a light and flowy read.
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