Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, who is revered across the world for his powerful teachings on mindfulness, meditation, and peace. The 94-year-old has written over 100 books and is considered the father of ‘Engaged Buddhism’, a movement that links mindfulness practice with social action. Through his wisdom, he teaches us how to avoid conflict—both external and internal–and how through mindfulness, we can learn to live happily in the present moment and attain peace of mind. Through his books, Thich Nhat Hanh has changed the lives of innumerable people across the globe and given them a new outlook on life—one which is filled with positivity, love, compassion and self-awareness.
If you are aspiring to achieve inner peace, here are eight Thich Nhat Hanh books, which will enrich your life with a new meaning, especially in these troubled times.
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Published in 1990, this book tells us how to make the best of every situation, no matter how difficult it is. The book is divided into three sections. Each section offers simple advice and techniques based on Thich Nhat Hanh’s personal experiences and observations. The author talks about the importance of being mindful while breathing and being aware of the mundane things we do in our daily lives. Happiness can be found even while taking a walk, driving a car or when you are in the kitchen. If you are someone who leads a busy life and wants to slow down, Peace is every step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life, can help you find inner peace and teach you how to appreciate life.
The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation
In this book, Thich Nhat Hanh talks about the role of suffering in the creation of compassion, joy and love. He shares the core teachings of Buddhism such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Three Doors of Liberation, the Three Dharma Seals, and the Seven Factors of Awakening, and how applying them in your daily life can help you find bliss and happiness. For those who find it hard to let go of their painful memories, this book can serve as a guide to find relief from that pain.
You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment
This book teaches us how adopting the practice of mindfulness can help transform our lives. Thich Nhat Hanh shares a range of simple yet effective practices of cultivating mindfulness such as awareness of breathing, walking and deep listening. Understanding the power of the present moment can help you find peace and happiness even during difficult times. He writes in the book, “You have to realize that happiness is not something you find at the end of the road. You have to understand that it is here, now.”
A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles
Originally published in 2008, this book can serve as a guide for teachers or parents who want to introduce meditation in the lives of children. In this book, Thich Nhat Hanh suggests using pebble meditation to handle difficult emotions, reduce stress, and boost concentration. Pebble meditation is a fun activity that you can try with your kids. It allows them to be hands-on and helps them connect with nature. If you are someone who wants to relax, attain peace and introduce meditation in the lives of your children, this book is perfect for you.
Being Peace
This Thich Nhat Hanh book tells you how your actions and behaviours influence not just you but others around you as well. If you are at peace with yourself, your loved ones such as your family, friends, and even society will benefit from your attitude. However, if you are struggling, and feel lonely and disconnected, others too will get affected by it. He writes, “If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace.” Reading this book can help stay in the present, enjoy the moment, and learn about your role in making this world a peaceful place.
Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise
In this book, Thich Nhat Hanh shows us how to cultivate peace and quiet even in the most chaotic times. Attaining silence does not require hours of meditation. Thich Nhat Hanh writes in the book, “Real solitude comes from a stable heart that does not get carried away by the pull of the crowd, nor by sorrows of the past, worries about the future, or excitement or stress about the present.” He also talks about a few breathing and mindfulness techniques that help us remain in the present moment and find inner harmony.
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
Originally written in Vietnamese, this Thich Nhat Hanh book is a great way to introduce the practice of mindfulness meditation in your life. It talks about the practical exercises that can help you be mindful in different situations. If you are new to the practice and want to know how mindfulness can calm you down and help you find peace, then this book will help you immensely. The instructions are simple enough to follow and practicing them regularly can help you achieve inner peace and find happiness in life.
The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now
In this book, Thich Nhat Hanh talks about the seven meditation practices that can help you live a happy, peaceful and active life. Drawing from his experiences, the author explains how these meditation practices can help you face the process of ageing with curiosity and without fear, which will enable you to fully embrace every moment of your day. He writes, “If we continue to hold on to a dream for something in the future, we lose the present moment. And if we lose the present, we lose everything.” If you are stressed and tired of your busy life, reading this book can help you find peace and happiness.