Being Peace

A wonderful little book, cram-packed with wisdom about how to live more happily, put in such a simple and refreshing way. Note that 'Peace is Every Step' is almost the same book, but I think is modernised a bit further, so I prefer the latter. This is a book that you can read over and over again - every reading you pick up something new.

A collection of essays, based in some part (perhaps completely) on speeches made in the United States, Thich Nhat Hahn's *Being Peace* serves as a guide to meditation; a glimpse into how Buddhism can help attain world peace; a collection of poems and allegories on Buddhism that are easily understood by Westerners, yet not overly-simplified; and a portrait of a man whose sense of calm is so powerful it has the inevitable effect of bringing peace to the reader. *Being Peace* is neither a practical guide to meditation - with precise explainations on how to sit, koans to recite during sitting, etc. - nor a theoretical justification of Buddhism, a la Alan Watts; instead, it is a book that gives real-life, meaningful reasons to meditate: both to bring peace to yourself, and to the world (which are, in fact, one and the same). The concepts are not new - in fact they are thousands of years old. What is new is the sense of attainability that *Being Peace* brings to the art of meditation, particularly for those of us who live in not-so-meditative environments. The volume is slim and easily read in one sitting, but it might serve you better to take time with each concept.

This book is indeed a legend in the Buddhist community. This was the 3rd book I read of Thich Nhat Hanh and I was very moved. The book is wonderful, you learn how to breathe away anger and develop mindfulness. You learn how kindness changes your heart and your mind at the same time. I recommend this book to anyone and I suggest reading it many times. You WILL be transformed from this book.

This is a book to live by. T.N.Hanh expresses his ideas simply and directly. Even as a buddhist of some experience and knowledge in buddhism philosophy, I found this book refreshing and a joy to read. Sometimes, I find myself reading a few lines, and sighed, and then read the same lines again. Other times, I read and nod in agreement. This is definitely a book for both experienced Buddhism and those who are totally new to Buddhism. The Little Enlightenment that you will gain from this book, will change the way you live your life, and the way you view relationships with others. BEING PEACE, begins with you!

This book serves as an excellent introduction to Buddhist thought. Hanh illustrates the wisdom of the Middle Path with clarity and grace, avoiding unfamiliar terminology that may confuse newcomers to the subject, and shows that anyone can benefit from the teachings of the Buddha. With a focus on mindfulness and compassion, the book is also a reminder to the more advanced student of the importance of direct experience of the dharma. Highly recommended.