Hanh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who died in 2022 at age 96.  He spent his life lecturing and writing about peace and how mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy can enrich and even save one’s life.  I’ve read a number of his books, and try to read a new one each year to help me with my meditation practice.

The mindfulness literature is characterized by various authors stating and restating in a new order, the basic tenets of mindfulness practice.  Some of these authors like Pema Chadron and Hanh do so with remarkable creativity and beautiful writing, but the bottom line is the same—-live in the moment; don’t let your mind get kidnapped by regrets about the past or worries about the future; be kind and compassionate; live with equanimity and joy; be present in your daily life.

This book didn’t uncover anything startlingly new for me.  There were the usual Buddhist lists, e.g. the Five Mindfulness Trainings, the Three Dharma Seals, the five elements of the ‘I’, the Four Noble Truths.  These folks love lists.  There was the usual urging to be present in the moment, awake and aware.

But, as in every meditation book I’ve ever read, there were a few kernels of wisdom that I took away from reading it.  First, there was the excellent suggestion that upon waking in the morning, I might breathe in and out and tell myself that a new day has been offered to me, and I have to be here to live it. Good advice and better than starting my day with Wordle.  The second take-away from this book is a new mantra for my meditation.  It goes as follows:  In;out/Deep;slow/Calm;ease/Smile;release. Hanh points out that you can recite this little poem anytime during the day, and it will bring you back to the moment and calm you.  Going to try it.

If you’re a regular meditator, this could be a useful book. If you’re a beginner or contemplating beginning a meditation practice, there are better books for you.  Among them are most of Pema Chadron’s books, Tara Brock’s two books, and those by Susan Salzberg.  I highly recommend spending just 10 minutes of your day in this way—-good for you and good for those around you.