The Miracle of Mindfulness: Gift Edition

Some complain that there are better books on meditation one could buy. For the advanced beginner, that might be true. For the one who has practiced at least a few years, its not the best book on meditation. However, for the person with no experience and no knowledge, this is the best first book on meditation available, although Bhante Vimilaramsi might be better for those who want to practice meditation strictly from Theravada Suttas. I began meditation with the book The Heart of Buddhist Meditation by Nyanaponika Thera, 30 years ago. It did the job, and though I have stopped and started again, after I began read specific books by Thich Nhat Hanh, who passed away last year, I have been more consistent. Thich Nhat Hanh has writing a plethora of beginning Zen books. They are all good, but one has to be careful or one will buy another beginning books when something a bit more advanced is needed. I've heard that complaint from some teachers of Zen. Several books have also appeared in the style of Thich Nhat Hanh by new writers, so there is now a sea of beginning books on meditation to choose from. The Miracle of Mindfulness was written specifically for the one who wishes to begin meditating for the first time. It even has an introduction to The Four Noble Truths, which I think prepares the way for meditation. This edition also has a few basic Theravada and Mahayana Sutras which is the basic source material for Buddhist meditation as taught by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Where does one go from here? I would suggest The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Hanh, which gives a complete overview of the philosophy of Zen Teaching as taught by Hanh. Also, For a Future to be Possible gives an overview of the basic Five Precepts of Buddhism, which Zen Master Hanh has renamed the Five Mindfulness Trainings for Buddhist practitioners in modern society. For a Life of the Buddha as imagined by Thich Nhat Hanh based on historical sources with a bit of added story telling, Old Paths, White Clouds is an excellent biography. Some followers of Thich Nhat Hanh have declared this book to be Hanh's best. If you only read one book by Zen Master Hanh, this is probably the one to read. Since my favorite Mahayana Sutra if The Lotus Sutra, I suggest Peaceful Action, Open Heart by Zen Master Hanh. It gives commentary on this very important Sutra in various schools of East Asian Buddhism from Zen Master Hanh's perspective. If one desires to read commentary on various Sutras by Thich Nhat Hanh, I suggest Awakening from the Heart. If one wishes to do some work with Koans, the early work by Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Keys, is recommended. Finally, if one desires to have personal, family, or informal Buddhist services in ones home, Chanting From The Heart was put together my Zen Master Hanh and members of his Plum Village community. Other readers of Thich Nhat Hanh's books might give a somewhat different list of books than I gave above. I am not a Buddhist, but I do practice meditation in the style of Zen Master Hanh. This is the list of his books that I appreciate. You may have different suggestions.

Wonderful book. It teaches the practice of mindful breathing and offers some of the author’s experiences throughout his life; it’s deeply heartfelt and isn’t for you if you’re not willing to get deeply emotional. Great book!

I have to admit that I love Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen Buddhist monk who escaped from Vietnam when the government was persecuting all religious people. He is an author of numerous books, a Zen Buddhist poet, a calligrapher and a sweet voiced (I love his tapes!) humble monk who travels around the world and talks to people, rich and poor. His writings are lovely, warm hearted, comprehensible, encouraging, realistic and genuine. This book is one of a number of books he has written about the meditation practice of mindfulness. I recommend this book highly, as I do so many of his books. I also recommend highly that you listen to his audio tapes, for his voice is soothing and he meditates to the sound of bells. He is my Mahatma Ghandi, and he was recommended for a Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King. Thich Nhat Hanh and Pema Chodren, an American Buddhist nun, are the heroes of my life.

Bought two of this book to give as a Valentine present to my son and daughter. With so much anxiety and uncertainty in our world, practicing mindfulness to stay emotionally centered becomes a necessity to keep from feeling overwhelmed.

This book was asked for, was wanted and liked.

This is a great starting tool for someone who wants to learn more about the practice of mindfulness. I especially like this edition--the hardcover book and book jacket are very beautiful and it makes for a wonderful gift.

This book has had such a large impact on me. I try to buy this as a gift for all of my closest friends and family members. He provides both insight and practical tips on mindfulness and how to live a life of peace and joy. The quote below says it all: “People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child—our own two eyes. All is a miracle.”

insightful with good infor

Buy it and thank me later

Totally beautiful

A good introduction to mindfulness, as well as Buddhist teachings. It will go beyond a self-help course thankfully, and give you so much more. The writing style is a lovely but slightly strange mix of one minute very poetic, and the next serious teaching of concepts that can be difficult for some to grasp. A good addition to any collection of books on Buddhist principles, and general reading as well. Everyone should read this at some point in their lives.

Essential reading for everyone

This gift edition, of the Classic text from Thich Nhath Hanh, is well presented and includes some photo pages, bringing the text to life even more. While the presentation of the book is excellent, that shouldnt over sahdow the fact that the real beauty, if is the words and the messages within the text. Certainly a great manual for any one looking to cultivate mindfulness through meditative practice. I would highly recommend this to anyone, looking to gift this great piece of literature to anyone, or to add to your own collection.