5 comments about Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shambhala Library).

1. As a meditation teacher I found this text invaluable in understanding Zen Buddhism's meditation methods. It is important when teaching to have knowledge of different philosophies and teachings of meditation. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is a foundation text for this understanding. I have already recommended it to others. A great buy and, I should add great service from Amazon for us antipodeans. Cheers from Australia. Ed.



2. The information on this CD is well organized and insightful. I was a little dissapointed in the audio not being of good quality. Sometimes, though, the meaning of the words are more important than how they are heard.



3. This book is a must have for anyone looking to better understand the Zen philosophy or gain introspective on themselves. The title is a bit misleading as is explained within the preface. This is a book that would be well read with someone with no knowledge of Zen or expansive knowledge. It is a book that definitely can (and will be by me) read many times!!



4. This book is a great into to Zen. It describes how to meditate Zen style in great detail and clearly. The ideas are though provoking and different. It's a great book for those who have read a lot of self help and are looking for something 'deeper' and more challenging. Something to flex your mind muscles! The language is clear and the book is not as esoteric as other Zen writings. The ideas are sometimes complex and therefore difficult to absorb, but this is why you want to read it, because once you get it, the wisdom is priceless. It definitely is a good, serious read on the subject of Zen.



5. I've read this book a couple of times....the first time I had no idea what Roshi was talking about, but somehow I did. The second time around I had six months of Zen practice and the book took on a totally new meaning...although I still didn't quite get everything at great depth. I feel that each read will only deepen my understanding and lessen my ignorance. Great book.

5 comments about The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching.

1. I enjoyed this book, I found it to be very informative, and I liked the writing style of the author.
   I just started delving into the realms of Buddhism. Any input from anyone who is an actual Buddhist and not a Professor or Doctor who only studied Buddhism and claims to be an expert is appreciated.



2. This is a very well written introduction to Buddhism and Buddhism's primary concepts and teachings. As always, Thich Nhat Hanh is very easy and enjoyable to read.



3. This book did a great job to introduce Buddhism ideas in a clear and plain way, which makes Buddhism easy to be understood and easy to be accepted. Moreover, I'm also glad that he wouldn't simply follow whatever in the Buddhism texture without reflection, like most Buddhist scholars did. He reflected the ideas, explaining them reasonably and even asked readers to think, reflect and then see if they could accept or not...The author himself is a peaceful and great figure in modern Buddhism society. The experience of reading his book always brings me a peaceful mind. If you're interested in Buddhism but hesitate for its complicated terminology, this book is highly recommended.



4. This is one of the best, most intelligent and broad introductions to buddhism and buddhist philosophy available. An important addition to your library.



5. "The Heart of Buddha's Teaching" is one of the best books I've read. It's a great introduction to the basic principals and ideas of Buddhism. Thich Nhat Hanh really explained things in such a way that I feel I'm walking away with ideas and resources to help deal with everyday problems.
   
   I'm tempted to call this a self-help book with how every chapter seemed to address things that I as a person am confronted with and am trying to understand. How Hanh applies Buddha's teaching to suffering, anger and how to achieve peace and zen is something I believe everyone needs and will benefit from reading. I've read other books that felt as if they were speaking of things beyond my grasp and ability to make sense of; this was not that book. Everything flowed nicely, the concepts were presented in terms that weren't too complicated, the examples given were ones that did not distract from the ideas and points.
   
   Definitely a must read and worth your time and attention.

5 comments about Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha.

1. I hate to say that a book changed my life, if that was possible everyone would be happy. but this book did have a huge impact on my thinking and way of processing emotions. It is one of the most useful books you will read. It simply talks about accepting all your feelings and reactions without attaching a label. this is a very simple version of what it truly talks about, but basically it helps you accept people, situations and yourself with kindness and wisdom. I have used alot of the techniques in the book and they have worked. the meditations in it are very helpful and some of the one liners are great for memorising and recalling in times of need.



2. I read this book, to be a partner as my boyfriend works through some issues in his life. It spoke just as clearly to me as it has done to him. Our culture "trains us" to suppress uncomfortable emotions. This book helps us get in touch and accept and welcome them - and move through the uncomfortable ones, to a place of greater peace. These are great thoughts and helpful meditations. I hope it is as encvouraging for you as it has been and continues to be, for me.



3. If you are looking to find support in working with core issues of ego and places where we have emotional body pain held this is a excellent book.



4. This book was life changing. It helps you to heal your wounds and move on with life. It is also a great introduction to meditation and buddist teachings.



5. The condition of the book was EXACTLY as described, and was sent quickly.
   
   Pricing was excellent as well.

5 comments about Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game.

1. Bottom Line . It took five strokes off my handicap.
   Michael A. Epstein
   Member KCC



2. Finally, a book that puts the mental game into sections that make sense. Told in a down-to-earth way, the examples and insights provided by "Zen Golf" really do pertain to the game we love. Understanding that the results of a swing are not necessarily the be-all and end-all is very powerful knowledge. Learning to breathe will apply to a myriad of endeavor, both athletic and personal. Ostensibly, it is a book about golf, but one that fills many gaps in all kinds of life situations. Dr. Parent is a born teacher.



3. I loved this book! I learned more about the art of the mental game of golf in this thin volume than in a half dozen longer times (.e.: The Mental Games of Golf). I would put this up there with "See It Sink It" or "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose".
   
   A must have for any serious golfer. I dare you to read the story about the golden statue and tell me that it didn't affect you!



4. I am a beginner golfer and this book is helpful for the mental part of golf! I would suggest it to anyone that plays golf. I gave to a friend that throws clubs in frustration and she played a round for the first time with no broken clubs and was relaxed, she says the book is helping her too



5. After being frustrated with myself on the golf course during the past few months I was beginning to wonder if I might stop playing.I have a handicap of 19 and was really struggling to play to it.Once I had a bad hole I would get down on myself and the whole thing would snowball.
   After reading Zen Golf and putting into practice some of the techniques I have played two lots of 9 hole stableford competitions and had 23+25 points.
   I have played 2 rounds of 18 holes in competition.The first round of our club championship at 85-19-66 (par is 69).In our annual men's tournament 83-19-64.During these rounds I have only had one 7 and nothing higher.
   Most importantly I have actually been enjoying myself.
   I am certain this booked has really helped me and I will continue to use the techniques that I have learnt.I will probably read this book over and over when I need to as there are several more things I want to try.

5 comments about The Three Questions.

1. Great experience. Received the book very quickly and it was in great condition. This is one of my favorite children's books. I buy it for all my friends when they are expecing their first child.



2. My husband has recently started reading on the topic of Zen and Buddhism and wanted to expose our children to the practices as well. This is a wonderful story. Perhaps a little more than they can comprehend yet (ages 4 and 2) but a wonderful, beautiful story.



3. This book is a beautifully illustrated journey that explores life questions in a way that is magic for the reader of any age.



4. This would make a great present for any age. If we all followed the advice in this book, the world would be a much better place. So simple, yet so complex at the same time. We loved it, and I will read it to my children once a week so they remember always.



5. This is a really cute book. But I have an issue with the idea that the most important person is whomever you happen to be with at the time. I think this love-the-one-you're-with philosophy causes problems in families and in society , and I think we need to foster in our children an ability to consider loved ones who aren't standing right next to us. When I go out with friends and my husband stays at home, he's still more important than the people I'm with. Remembering that helps to keep our marriage happy and healthy, and I would like my son to learn that sense of loyalty and commitment. So the "wise" answers at the end of this book don't ring true for me, and they don't represent a philosophy I want my son to adopt.

5 comments about How to See Yourself As You Really Are.

1. As a beginner in Buddhism, this was the first Buddhist book that I read. Before reading this, I had heard of many ways of Buddhist thought through small online writings, but His Holiness' 'How to See Yourself As You Really Are' truly helped me to gain a more meaningful understanding of impermanence, dependent arising, and compassion.
   I suggest anyone new to Buddhism and still confused read this book.
   Also, I'm currently reading His Holiness' 'The Way to Freedom' and I feel as if It's the perfect thing to read along with 'How to See Yourself As You Really Are'.



2. The contribution of Delai Lama's writing's in this century may give the world a significant change as it struggles in material pleasures of life. May his message of love and peace win over human suffering and bring about a positive change in people.
   
   Author of "A Hot Pot of Roasted Poems"
   Editor of "The Blue Fog Journal"
   Rohitash Chandra



3. This was a wonderfully insightful book that challenges you to take a hard look at the "true you". It makes you think on the choices you have made in life, and where you want to go from where you are now. I found this book very enlightening and found great peace in it's reading. I learned many things about myself that I feel have made me want to be a better person, and I believe it has helped put me on that path. I recommend this title to anyone looking for self awareness.



4. Like a few other reviewers, I am in the beginning stages of my practice of Buddhism, and I have struggled with some of the concepts I have read about from other authors, lamas, and practitioners. However, when I read this book by the Dalai Lama, the veil was lifted from my eyes and I literally felt the sudden rush of understanding. Never have I meditated on a topic so deep and full of mystery and felt that it had been explained so thoroughly and with such clarity.
   
   The pages just fly by as you get lost in your own thoughts - your world will be literally turned upside down as you proceed through the chapters. This book will have you thinking long after completion and will allow you to experience your life through completely different (and more compassionate and understanding) eyes.
   
   Highly recommended for experienced practitioners, as well as beginners like me who wish to grasp an extremely deep and insightful concept that will not be explained with better clarity.



5. This is an inspiring and practical book with exercises to live lovingly in the world.

5 comments about The Miracle of Mindfulness.

1. The OTHER authority on Mindfulness Meditation is Jon Kabat Zinn. But Zinns' book: Full Catastrophe Living is way too detailed (and long at 450 pgs.), as one might expect from a graduate of MIT - which is what Zinn is. By contrast, the OTHER authority on Mindfulness (there are only two according to the online encyclopedia - Wikipedia): Thich Nhat Hanh has written a book on Mindfulness entitled: The Miracle of Mindfulness which is only 140 pages long.
   
   After I studied Zinn, Hanh absolutely blew me away with his simplicity, and his clarity, and his positivity. And Hanh quickly left me wondering whether he does in fact speak with the voice of the Buddha. And an example of Thich Nhat Hanh's positive approach to Buddhist Mindfulness meditation is that he emphasizes practice of the "half-smile;" as in: "Breathing in I calm my body. Breathing out I smile." - There is no such happiness orientation in Zinn's writings.
   
   And although Zinn graduated from MIT, which is impressive, - Thich Nhat Hanh, is infinitely more academically impressive. Thich Nhat Hanh studied Comparative Religion at Princeton, and then he taught Buddhist Psychology and Literature at Cornell and Columbia after having taught this at a prestigious private university (which he himself established) in Vietnam. Hahn also wrote over 70 books, approximately 40 of which have been translated into English. Also, Martin Luther King nominated Hahn for the Noble Peace Prize. Also, Hahn established relief agencies for war victims in Vietnam; as well as having established monasteries in Vietnam, in France, and in the United States.
   
   Also, Thich Nhat Hanh has been endorsed by two of the greatest living Buddhist authorities alive today, namely by the Dalai Lama; and by Sogyal Rinpoche - who said of Hanh: "Thich Nhat Hanh writes with the voice of the Buddha." By contrast Zinn has been endorsed by NO living Buddhist authorities other than Thich Nhat Hanh himself - who endorsed only Zinn's most recent book: Wherever You Go, There You are.



2. This is a lovely book with many practical tips on meditating.
   
   My particular favourite is the reference to 'washing the dishes to wash the dishes' - the idea of living in the present and enjoying tasks that we all want to put off. By focusing on the job in hand and not ruminating or thinking about what we are going to do next, Hanh rewards the reader with very simple but profound advice. - my dishes have never been cleaner and my mind is certainly less cluttered as a result!



3. Interesting, easy to read and follow the author. Didn't agree with everything, but overall it's alright. I had to read it for a class.
   Book received as described by the seller.



4. This is a great book for anyone interested in meditation. Since mindfulness is at the core of meditation this book helps to explain not only what mindfulness is but how to put it into practice by making mindfulness part of ones daily life. A gem of a book. khudos to Thich Nhat Hanh.



5. Thich Nhat Hanh wrote "The Miracle of Mindfulness" in 1974 to help the politically-neutral aid workers in Vietnam deal with the trauma of war and the challenges of their work. The book is a remarkable reminder of the power we have to be effective, and that power is rooted in our willingness to bring attention to exactly where we are.
   
   What I really appreciate about this book is that it is about "Engaged Buddhism." In this school, awareness is not just something you gain sitting still in meditation. Rather Hahn emphasizes that awareness can also be gleaned and expressed when you get to work in your life!
   
   If what you seek is practical enlightenment, I suggest you read any of Ariel and Shya Kanes' books: Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation,How To Create a Magical Relationship,Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment. Like Hahn, the Kanes support their readers in gaining and utilizing awareness in a way that is clearly effective, both personally and globally!

5 comments about How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving.

1. I read a lot of books on relationships for my work as a therapist. Additionally, I have practiced and studied mindfulness meditation myself. Richo tries to blend his ideas on these two human experiences, but not as well as I had hoped.
   
   The book is wordy, redundant, verbose. I suggested it to a client before I had completed it and she rejected it after a few pages saying to me, "I'd have to get a graduate degree to understand some of the terms." Not good.
   
   Next time, I'll be suggesting the works of Harriet Lerner.



2. If you just want to get your way, then this book is not for you.
   
   I'm a 62 years old widower looking for a partner to share love with. We are both reading this book and working on our relationship in light of the loving mindfullness perspective. I think it makes all the difference and therefore, have purchased about 10 copies for my kids and friends. Some people may think it redundant and dense but it makes perfect sense if you have been beat up by life and who hasn't. It may not meet all your needs but then, it could open you up to living an abundant joyfull life. Small price big rewards!
   
   Pain need not be a deep dark hole. It can be a tunnel to a richer life. I very highly recommend this book to anyone serious about have an adult relationship.



3. I liked this book so much that I bought a bunch of copies and gave them out to friends. What higher praise can I give than that? It would be a better world if everyone read it and took it to heart.
   
   I saw the reviews that criticized the book for being wordy and over the heads of regular people. Well, I guess people that need something super easy to read have a lot of other books out there that serve them. For me personally, this book gave a higher and more satisfying level of information than was available elsewhere. I found the writing to be quite simple and straightforward, and did not encounter a single word that I didn't know. The ideas that were presented within these simple words, however, were big. I did not encounter the usual frustration that I find with books that are so focused on faddish, simplistic theories that they just aren't helpful. Many books out there seem to frame everything through the lens of some specific trendy disorder, addiction, or whatever, failing to grasp the larger picture. This one is more universal in its appeal. I might have liked it even better if it were a little more challenging, but I see that you can't please everyone.



4. I'm echoing some of what others have written, but I think this book was very helpful in my own development from an over-40 single woman to now a very happily married 50-year-old woman. I am also a marriage family therapist and keep this in my office. I have recommended it to some clients, particularly ones struggling with figuring out the boundaries in relationships and between people. I know there's more to just that in the book, but I think this is one of the most helpful aspects that clients have resonated with (and told me about).
   
   I have studied zen buddhism off and on for years and many of the ideas found in that philosophy are encapsulated for a western audience in this book. Although I suggest mindfulness and/or meditation to certain clients, too, sometimes it's easier to read about it in a book like this than to take the leap and just arrive at a meditation center for the first time.
   
   Of course I have some clients who probably wouldn't do well with a book like this and I wouldn't suggest it to them - either they just don't read much or at all, or it would be something to hit their partner over the head with. I once had a client who proclaimed during a couples session that his/her partner just wasn't providing the Five A's and that was why he/she needed to dump them, which was news to the partner! Since then, I've learned to suss out where a client's motivation might lie, because anything "good" can be mis-used and made "bad".
   
   Overall, though, this is a book I definitely recommend and even buy for friends and loved ones. It's one of the best on relationships, for those who can keep the focus on themselves and be honest about their relationships.



5. As a psychologist, I KNEW the influence my childhood had had on my relationship choices - the men I chose to be with and the things I chose to do once in the relationship itself. After a final disaster, I had vowed to just be a happy single - and then I found a relationship that is so precious and spiritual that I wanted to do whatever I could to not just preserve it, but nurture it to grow deeper and more powerful.
   
   I went in search of a book that would help me be an adult in my relationship. Almost laughingly, I sought something that would combine my Catholic faith, the tenets of Buddhism that I use in practice and my personal life, and the Jungian philosophies my partner and I both embrace and discuss endlessly. Never, in a thousand years, I thought, would I find a book that would fit all of those bills.
   
   I was delighted to find that in David Richo's book, I found it all. And not just explanations - those I had in abundance - but practical ideas for how to move through and move past old and new hurts, how truly to GIVE in this relationship. My partner and I read from this book at least weekly, and the exercises within help us both think about what we do, why we do it, and how to do it differently.
   
   Dr. Richo's style is positive, normalizing, free of jargon and babble, spiritual, and very, very helpful. THANK YOU, Dr. Richo, for writing this wonderful book. The others are on my shopping list.

5 comments about The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times.

1. I don't usually take the time to write reviews, but this book is just the greatest, and I felt obligated to say something. Every sentence has so much meaning, that I hesitate to underline as I usually do. I might have to highlight or underline the entire book! This book gives good descriptions of the big picture (the ideas), but also practical things that I can do to open my mind and life. I look forward to reading more of Chodron's books.



2. Pema Chodron is a treasure for the mind and spirit. Her writing is profound, wise, gentle and humorous. "The Places That Scare You" is a book to help guide anyone, of any faith. It helps us understand how to live life in an open, balanced and fearless way. It is written from a solid Buddhist perspective but is relevant to all humans. When I have difficult moments, I pick up this book and it helps ground me. When a friend if going through a rough patch, I send a copy to them.
   
   I highly recommend this book and all of her publications as well.



3. When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times (Shambhala Classics)
   
   For people who are looking for a practice guide that will help them understand the process of observation with rigorous acceptance, integrity and compassion of all that which is observed. This is about finding peace through that process because the heart opens as a result. The opening and openness of the heart are at the core of that peace which we seek. Our incessant wanting is only satiated by an open heart. It represents a mature emotional and spiritual approach in understanding what we want and how we gain peace. Perhaps a truly fully open heart receives (perhaps even attracts?) what it wants because it cherishes what is.



4. I am new on those buddhism staff, so I became to realize that you never end reading and learning from this sort of books.
   
   Altough some terms results difficult to understand to me, It became a valuable source of advice.



5. Pema Chrodon's work is, as always is an insightful read about human nature and emotions and how we come to term with those emotions. I found the focus on the bodhichitta and the different sayings fascinating as well as enjoying further revelations about Buddhist beliefs and spirituality. All of what she writes is applicable to living life and facing the fears any of us could face.
   
   The only reason this is a four instead of a five is because you can find a lot of what she writes in here, in her other works. It still makes for good reading, but reading one of her works seems to get to heart of all of her writing.

5 comments about Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life.

1. this book is one of the best books I have read on peace and mindfulness.
   I have brought so many copies for my family and friends.
   Su Ong Nhat Hanh is my favorite author, and I highly recommend all his books :-)



2. Thich Nhat Hanh's book Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life is an enlightening read!
   
   The author does a great job of showing the inextricable connection between the mind, the body, and the environment. Mindfulness is an awareness of our living right now. It helps us to become and remain mentally and physically healthy and to live harmoniously in our symbiotic relationship with each other and our environment. Our survival on this planet depends upon it.
   
   Hanh encourages us to be mindful in everything we do--for example, when we peel a tangerine eat it mindfully. He encourages us to feel the spray as we peel it. Smell the fragrance and feel the texture of fruit. Enjoy the taste and nourishment. Think of the mother of the fruit--the tree, its leaves, its blossoms and our connection with it and the environment.
   
   The author encourages us to slow down, breathe, and live in the moment. Instead of being frustrated by the obstacles--red lights, traffic, layovers--that prevent us from getting from one place to another quickly, use those moments to practice Mindfulness.
   
   I recommend this book to people of all ages and backgrounds. The author's writing style is simple and insightful. His aim is to promote peace, happiness, health, and wisdom. He did a great job!



3. A gentle reminder of who we really are and why we exist. A must-read, at least once a year.



4. Peace is Every Step takes you into a world of peace and happiness, and you need nothing to get there but your attention. In the simplest everyday tasks, the author shows us how to get the most out of our lives and experience true enjoyment. We don't have to do or have different things, we just need to pay attention to what we have and what we are doing now. Nhat Hanh gently leads us to this practice. This book has changed my life for the better. I will keep it and read it over and over.



5. This is one of the incredible diamonds that has been created for the human race - a book that should be read by all world leaders to move each and every one towards an inner peace so that we can all experience results that will ensue from the outer manifestations arising from mediation, deep breathing and appreciation of every tiny step.
   
   Sally Shields, bestselling author of, The Daughter-in-Law Rules, 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-in-Law!