Book Review: Art of Power by Thich Nhat Hanh
Part – II Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the energy of attention and capacity to be 100% present to what is happening within and around us, right here and right now.
Whatever you do, you do with your whole being.
Invest yourself entirely in the here and now, without running away from here and now.
The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. If you miss the present moment, you miss your appointment with life.
We have been taught to do many things at once. Actually, forget this and everything. Instead of multitasking, we must restrict ourselves to 'unitask'.
If you are not capable of being in the here and now, you won't be able to recognise yourself, your happiness or your sufferings.
FIVE pieces of training for this:
- Be aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life. Not to kill anyone and be a supporter of killers.
- Be aware of sufferings caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and oppression.
- Sexual misconduct.
- Loving speech and deep listening.
- Have mindful consumption of drink, eating and consuming. We are what we consume.
It is being present in the present, with full mind-attention.
The Art Of Power
- Book Title: The Art Of Power
- Author: Thich Nhat Hanh
- Book reviewed by: Dr Bharat Desai, Bilimora on 19-Aug-2010
- Pages: 240 pages
- ISBN-10: 0061242365
- ISBN-13: 978-0061242366
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Book Review: Art of Power by Thich Nhat Hanh
Part – I
Our society is founded on a very limited definition of power, namely wealth, professional success, fame, physical strength, military might and political control. My dear Friends, I suggest that there is another kind of power, a greater power: the power to be happy right in the present moment, free from addiction, fear, despair, discrimination, anger and ignorance. This power is a birthright of every human being, celebrated or unknown, rich or poor, strong or weak.
A Vietnamese Buddhist Zen master, poet, scholar and peace activist THICH NHAT HANH wrote this book in 2007 to enlighten us on this subject of power and tell us how true power comes from WITHIN. What we seek is what we already have. He walks to talk and to tell us "LET US HAVE THE COURAGE TO BEGIN THIS WITH OURSELVES." To bring happiness to others, we must be happy.