Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #77769 in Books
• Published on: 1999-06-03
• Binding: Paperback
• 296 pages

Synopsis
The author, himself a Zen master, here unfolds an explanation of core Buddhist teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. He makes these practices accessible to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, showing how our very suffering can be the path to our liberation.

Customer Reviews

The art of simplicity
This is by far the most accessible introduction to buddhism. Not only is this book free of jargon and simply written, but also extremely positive. Unlike some, Nhat Hanh reminds us constantly that suffering can be conquered. He also avoids reference to reincarnation and similar miracluous attributes some authors dwell on.

Buddhism is not a series of philosophy lectures but a tool to liberate oneself. It is the art of being awake and compassionate. Thich Nhat Hanh has mastered that art.

Enlightenment?
Many people out there have a romantic notion of being 'into' Buddhism. For those wanting to actually take this one step further and learn a little about the religion then Thich Nhat Hanh's book is the ideal starting ground.
The book is not too in-depth with its writings and gives the reader a fantastic insight into the world of Buddhism. Starting with the basics it goes onto explain the origins of the ancient religion and examples of its teaching. A lot of books addressing this subject are dismissed quickly by potential readers because of their technical and complicated prose but The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching does exactly the opposite. It gets to the subject matter without blinding the reader with complications. Covering everything that needs to be known in a quick synopsis of one of the world oldest religions the reader can gain confidence to take their interests to another stage. Covering all basic aspects it will give the reader, as it did myself, a good basic foundation which can or cannot be taken to the next level. If you are interested in learning more about Buddhism but don't want bogged down then this book is the ideal place to start. It may not give complete enlightenment but it at least tells you where the switch is.

a true synopsis of Buddhism
This book reflects the particular views that T.N.H. teaches Westerners about Buddhism. It is a synergistic product of all his previous books. I keep it beside my bed to read periodically in spurts. Each reading sheds new or brighter light on T.N.H.'s Mindfullness Training, the 5 Precepts, the 3 Jewels, the 4 Nobel Truths, the Eightfold Path, etc.

I highly recomment it to anyone who is at least slightly familiar with T.N.H. and his view of Mahayana Buddhism.