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Thich Nhat Hanh
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Awakening of the Heart: Essential Buddhist Sutras and Commentaries Kindle Edition

by Thich Nhat Hanh (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.9 out of 5 stars 334 ratings
THE HEART OF BUDDHIST WISDOM: A comprehensive collection of the 9 key Buddhist sutras, with contemporary commentary by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

An essential companion to Happiness, Thich Nhat Hanh’s bestselling collection of meditation and mindfulness practices!

Thich Nhat Hanh has a unique talent to make the Buddha’s teachings accessible and applicable to our daily lives and times. Here, he takes us to the heart of Buddhist wisdom, offering illuminating insights on essential Buddhist sutras:

• Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra
• Diamond Sutra
• Sutra on Full Awareness of Breathing
• Sutra on The Four Establishments of Mindfulness
• Sutra on The Better Way to Catch A Snake
• Sutra on The Better Way to Live Alone
• Sutra on The Eight Realizations of The Great Beings
• Discourse on Happiness
• Teachings on the Middle Way

With a new introduction and updated commentary, Awakening of the Heart is a wonderful gift for anyone looking to deepen their practice and a unique resource for those looking for an introduction to Buddhism.
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  1. Print length
    546 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Parallax Press
  4. Publication date
    December 21, 2011
  5. File size
    1.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This anthology is a fulfillment of [Thich Nhat Hanh's] vision of a non-denominational developmental approach to Buddhist teachings. The book contains nine sutras combined with Thay’s commentary, often line-by-line. In these sparkling commentaries, the uniqueness of Thay’s capacities as a Dharma master continually shines. "
—Fred Eppsteiner in The Mindfulness Bell

About the Author

Thich Nhat Hanh was a world-renowned spiritual teacher and peace activist. Born in Vietnam in 1926, he became a Zen Buddhist monk at the age of sixteen. Over seven decades of teaching, he published more than 100 books, which have sold more than four million copies in the United States alone. Exiled from Vietnam in 1966 for promoting peace, his teachings on Buddhism as a path to social and political transformation are responsible for bringing the mindfulness movement to Western culture. He established the international Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism in France, now the largest Buddhist monastery in Europe and the heart of a growing community of mindfulness practice centers around the world. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 95 at his root temple, Tu Hieu, in Hue, Vietnam.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B006R6Z0RY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Parallax Press; Original edition (December 21, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 21, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 546 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 334 ratings

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Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh

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Thich Nhat Hanh (1926–2022) was​ a Vietnamese Buddhist Zen Master, poet, and peace activist and one of the most revered and influential spiritual teachers in the world​. Born in 1926, he became a Zen Buddhist monk at the age of sixteen. His work for peace and reconciliation during the war in Vietnam moved Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967. In Vietnam, Thich Nhat Hanh founded Van Hanh Buddhist University and the School of Youth for Social Service, a corps of Buddhist peace​ workers. Exiled as a result of his work for peace, he continued his humanitarian efforts, rescuing boat people and helping to resettle refugees. ​In 1982 he established Plum Village France, the largest Buddhist monastery in Europe​ and the hub of the international Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism​.​​ Over seven decades of teaching, he published a hundred books, which have been translated into more than forty languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
334 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's content enlightening, with one noting how Thay lovingly explains the traditional writings in the context of practice. Moreover, the book serves as an excellent study guide, with one customer highlighting how it's immediately relevant to daily life and practice. Additionally, the text is easy to follow and features heartfelt content, with one customer describing it as having the heart of a great being. They appreciate the translations, with one review mentioning the inclusion of Sanskrit and Pali versions.

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35 customers mention "Enlightened content"35 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the enlightening content of the book, which includes important sutras with commentaries and serves as an excellent reference.

"...As someone else put it as its a great reference book, and best to take it section by section versus trying to read it all at once...." Read more

".../sutras fundamental to many of the Buddha's teachings, plus a wonderful commentary by the Venerable Thich Nacht Hahn explaining how to live precepts." Read more

"...If you are looking for a good introduction to Buddhism then check out The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching...." Read more

"Buddhist teachings for a lifetime. Thich Nhat Hahn's commentary is down to earth, practical wisdom based on real life instead of imaginary nonsense." Read more

8 customers mention "Advice"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's advice life-changing and immediately relevant to daily life and practice, with one customer noting it serves as a study guide.

"...you are new to meditation and Buddhism like myself it's a perfect book to get you started...." Read more

"...This book is helpful for beginners and seasoned mindfulness practitioners alike. His writing is clear and concise for beginners...." Read more

"Life changing." Read more

"The Sutras in this collection offer practical advice on how to deal with our suffering, how to be among people, how to understand the teachings, and..." Read more

4 customers mention "Ease of use"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to follow.

"...Feels less like a chore even if its the same information...." Read more

"...It's well written and easy to understand." Read more

"Easy to follow, just what I was looking for...." Read more

"Easy to understand..." Read more

3 customers mention "Heartfelt content"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the heartfelt content of the book, with one review noting its compassionate and benevolent nature.

"...explanations are written so clearly and wisely, and from the heart of a great being, that I cannot overstate their impact to guide you to wise and..." Read more

"Thich Nhat Hanh is a brilliant teacher and a thoughtful soul. His compassion and goodwill toward all sentient beings is contagious...." Read more

"...Educational. Subtle. Answers. Answers. Brilliant. Enlightening. Heartfelt. Recommend it highly to anyone with an honest, inquiring heart." Read more

3 customers mention "Translation"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the translations in the book, with one mentioning the inclusion of actual sutra translations, while another notes the presence of Sanskrit and Pali versions.

"...I also like "The Other Shore" as he did a newer translation of the Heart Sutra, which is more accessible and easier to study based on the structure...." Read more

"I can't recommend this book highly enough. It contains the actual sutra translations - often with more than one version of the sutra if there are..." Read more

"...Constant referencing to Chinese, Sanskrit and Pali versions so as to give the reader a chance to interpret accordingly." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • sd
    5.0 out of 5 stars A cost-saving compilation
    Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Some of the sections are literally entire short books that he already published. I like it all in one place. However, I appreciate Thay's approach making smaller books with larger font. Feels less like a chore even if its the same information. As someone else put it as its a great reference book, and best to take it section by section versus trying to read it all at once. I could have saved some money if I bought this one first (beyond the self and the diamond that cuts are both here word for word) but I like the smaller books for a quick read. I also like "The Other Shore" as he did a newer translation of the Heart Sutra, which is more accessible and easier to study based on the structure. This book is like the omnibus that you need to have, but you'll still want the other books for ease and things like "the other shore" where there are some new insights
    22 people found this helpful
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  • JAAscione
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A thorough study of the particular suttas/sutras fundamental to many of the Buddha's teachings, plus a wonderful commentary by the Venerable Thich Nacht Hahn explaining how to live precepts.
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  • Ivan van Ogre
    5.0 out of 5 stars Years Worth of Wisdom.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    You'll be able to spend YEARS studying this book about Buddhist psychology and meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh. If you are looking for a good introduction to Buddhism then check out The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching.

    If your interest is more about meditation then there are only two books you'll need: 1. Transformation and 2. Healing and Understanding Our Mind.

    Transformation and Healing is like a beginning meditators book and Understanding Our Mind is like a bible, It is a very deep read and is a great re-read too!

    Whether it's Buddhism or meditation if you have these four books you will have all you will need for the rest of your life. Good Luck!
    25 people found this helpful
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  • Mayoral
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really transformative
    Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023
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    Buddhist teachings for a lifetime. Thich Nhat Hahn's commentary is down to earth, practical wisdom based on real life instead of imaginary nonsense.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Marc S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to follow, just what I was looking for.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I've been studying Buddhism through YouTube videos and web sites for four or so months. Mainly lectures by some of the prominent monks. The lectures are very good that I've found and I can say I know a lot from the short time I've been listening. For those interested check out the YouTube channel buddhisttemple for some of them. The problem is I'm studying alone and wanted some beginner steps and studies so I could work my way up to more advanced teachings. This book so far has met my needs. Thich Nhat Hanh is a very good and concise writer that explains everything simply and in an organized way. So if you are new to meditation and Buddhism like myself it's a perfect book to get you started. How and what (or what not) to think is very important when you meditate.

    While he does explain things simply, there is a lot of depth to what he writes. So I highly recommend this book for anyone at the same level as myself.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • dwdwdwdwdw
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The arguments from this book make sense and are valid. You might need a background in logic, maybe considering a “A Concise Intro to Logic” (Hurley).

    This is because the author does give some of the premises and the conclusion but are missing some of the other explanation.

    An example is breathing/walking being compared with a walker/breather:

    If no walking/breathing, then no walker/breather.

    The only 2 valid ways for this conclusion to end is by monens ponens and mollen tollens.

    MP. If no walking/breathing, no walker/breather.
    MT. If a walker/breather exists, walking/breathing exists.

    Changing this argument would make the conclusion invalid. So you cannot say “if no walker/breather, no walking breathing.” Think of it as a cause and effect. An effect cannot be a cause, but a cause can be a cause for an effect.

    Therefore, the person can exist, but the action always exists, since if there is no walking/breathing, there is no walker/breather.

    Overall, a really great book to go into Buddhism.
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  • Dogmama
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best Buddhist commentaries written
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Thich Nhat Hanh brings the Budda's words to Westerners in language that is understandable and practical. This book can be used as a study guide for anyone regardless of religious beliefs. It offers guidelines on incorporating mindfulness into everyday life. In our busy, multitasking, competitive society, it is a breath of fresh air. I find myself highlighting many passages for future reference.

    This book is helpful for beginners and seasoned mindfulness practitioners alike. His writing is clear and concise for beginners. He offers reminders and gentle nudges for those of us who are already practicing mindfulness but get caught up in the societal hamster wheel.

    Highly recommended.
    23 people found this helpful
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  • Andrew
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for new and old practitioners
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is probably one of the best places to start if you want to understand Buddhism. Contained are translations of several key discourses from the Buddhist scriptures, along with insightful commentaries by Thich Nhat Hanh, arguably the second most famous living Buddhist teacher.
    If you've been practicing for some time, this is a great book as well. Thay's famous insight and style exude from every page, and each return trip yields new observations and new wisdom.
    All of the content here is also available as books containing one or two of the enclosed discourses and commentaries. So by purchasing this you're really getting content that used to be spread out over five or six books.
    14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • and
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buddha semplice
    Reviewed in Italy on October 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    9 discorsi del Buddha commentati da un bodhisattva di oggi. Se masticate un po' d'inglese, meglio questa traduzione di qualunque traduzione italiana a cui mi sia avvicinato, tutte illeggibili.

    Forse le traduzioni in italiano delle traduzioni di Thich Nhat Hanh dovrebbero essere altrettanto semplici.

    Non proprio un'introduzione al buddhismo, direi più per gente che già qualche principio di buddhismo lo ha incrociato
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  • Craig C Nicholls
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful commentaries on core Buddhist sutras
    Reviewed in Australia on March 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great introduction and commentary on some of the core Buddhist suttas and sutras. Thich Nhat Hanh brings alive both practises of mindfulness and the core teaching on dependent origination - which he calls interbeing. Highly recommended for non-Buddhists, and Buddhist of any depth of practise. A really beautiful book that brings the Buddha’s teaching to life.
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  • Saurabh Singh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Teachings From A Buddha
    Reviewed in India on July 12, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely the most essential book for those seeking an end to suffering. The author, Thich Nhat Hanh, is a Buddha and only a Buddha can teach so perfectly. In this book he explains the essential Buddhist texts which are the instructions we need to be free from suffering. We suffer when we are separated from a place, person, an object or a condition that would make us happy. Death separated us from people we love. Poverty, old age etc. separate us from conditions that make us happy. These sutras are like a map detailing the path we need to take to end this separateness so we are never separated from people, places and conditions that make us happy.
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  • K. M. Mcintosh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Blessings in abundance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A wonderful book that is uplifting and easy to understand. Easy help for daily living. Thank you to a dear teacher of the dharma.
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  • Adeline
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reprise de textes classiques
    Reviewed in France on April 14, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Thich Nhat Hanh revient ici sur des textes fondateurs du bouddhisme du grand véhicule et éclaire avec une précision toute particulière plusieurs aspects de la pratique Zen/ Ch'an en les rapportant à leurs sources. Ce n'est pas un texte de vulgarisation, tout au contraire : ici on prend des notes et l'on reprend régulièrement la lecture de chaque chapitre. Excellent pour tous ceux qui n'ont pas une connaissance très nette des sources. En langue anglaise certes, mais lisible sans grande difficulté sur le Kindle.
    Report

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