The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation - Kindle edition by Hanh, Thich Nhat. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

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From the Publisher

A clear path to understanding suffering and finding peace

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

What should we think when on the one hand Buddhism tells us that life is suffering and on the other we are told to enjoy life's every moment? Loved around the world for his simple, straightforward explanations of Buddhism, Thich Nhat Hanh has finally turned his hand to the very core of Buddhism and conundrums such as this. In the traditional way, Thich Nhat Hanh takes up the core teachings one by one--the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Twelve Links of Interdependent Co-Arising--but his approach is as fresh as a soft breeze through a plum orchard. For illustration, he dips into the vast stores of Buddhist literature right alongside contemporary anecdotes, pointing out subtleties that can get glossed over in other popular introductions. He also includes three short but key sutras, essential source teachings from which all Buddhism flows. Studying the basics of Buddhism under Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh is like learning basketball from Michael Jordan. --Brian Bruya

Review

“Thich Nhat Hanh writes with the voice of the Buddha.”—Sogyal Rinpoche

“If there is a candidate for 'Living Buddha' on earth today, it is Thich Nhat Hanh.”—Richard Baker-roshi

“Thich Nhat Hanh shows us the connection between personal, inner peace, and peace on earth.”—His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“Thich Nhat Hanh is a real poet.”—Robert Lowell

From the Inside Flap

Heart of the Buddha's Teaching, Thich Nhat Hanh introduces us to the core teachings of Buddhism and shows us that the Buddha's teachings are accessible and applicable to our daily lives. With poetry and clarity, Nhat Hanh imparts comforting wisdom about the nature of suffering and its role in creating compassion, love, and joy--all qualities of enlightenment. Covering such significant teachings as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Three Doors of Liberation, the Three Dharma Seals, and the Seven Factors of Awakening, The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching is a radiant beacon on Buddhist thought for the initiated and uninitiated alike.

About the Author

Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, poet, and peacemaker who was nominated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the Nobel Peace Prize. The author of many books, including Living Buddha, Living Christ, he lives in France in the monastic community known as Plum Village and lectures and gives retreats regularly in North America.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Entering the Heart of the Buddha

Buddha was not a god. He was a human being like you and me, and he suffered just as we do. If we go to the Buddha with our hearts open, he will look at us, his eyes filled with compassion, and say, "Because there is suffering in your heart, it is possible for you to enter my heart."

The layman Vimalakirti said, "Because the world is sick, I am sick. Because people suffer, I have to suffer." This statement was also made by the Buddha. Please don't think that because you are unhappy, because there is pain in your heart, that you cannot go to the Buddha. It is exactly because there is pain in your heart that communication is possible. Your suffering and my suffering are the basic condition for us to enter the Buddha's heart, and for the Buddha to enter our hearts.

For forty-five years, the Buddha said, over and over again, "I teach only suffering and the transformation of suffering." When we recognize and acknowledge our own suffering, the Buddha--which means the Buddha in us--will look at it, discover what has brought it about, and prescribe a course of action that can transform it into peace, joy, and liberation. Suffering is the means the Buddha used to liberate himself, and it is also the means by which we can become free.

The ocean of suffering is immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land. The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy. When one tree in the garden is sick, you have to care for it. But don't overlook all the healthy trees. Even while you have pain in your heart, you can enjoy the many wonders of life--the beautiful sunset, the smile of a child, the many flowers and trees. To suffer is not enough. Please don't be imprisoned by your suffering.

If you have experienced hunger, you know that having food is a miracle. If you have suffered from the cold, you know the preciousness of warmth. When you have suffered, you know how to appreciate the elements of paradise that are present. If you dwell only in your suffering, you will miss paradise. Don't ignore your suffering, but don't forget to enjoy the wonders of life, for your sake and for the benefit of many beings.

When I was young, I wrote this poem. I penetrated the heart of the Buddha with a heart that was deeply wounded.

My youth
an unripe plum.
Your teeth have left their marks on it.
The tooth marks still vibrate.
I remember always,
remember always.

Since I learned how to love you,
the door of my soul has been left wide open
to the winds of the four directions.
Reality calls for change.
The fruit of awareness is already ripe,
and the door can never be closed again.

Fire consumes this century,
and mountains and forests bear its mark.
The wind howls across my ears,
while the whole sky shakes violently in the snowstorm.

Winter's wounds lie still,
Missing the frozen blade,
Restless, tossing and turning
in agony all night.l
I grew up in a time of war. There was destruction all around--children, adults, values, a whole country. As a young person, I suffered a lot. Once the door of awareness has been opened, you cannot close it. The wounds of war in me are still not all healed. There are nights I lie awake and embrace my people, my country, and the whole planet with my mindful breathing.

Without suffering, you cannot grow. Without suffering, you cannot get the peace and joy you deserve. Please don't run away from your suffering. Embrace it and cherish it. Go to the Buddha, sit with him, and show him your pain. He will look at you with loving kindness, compassion, and mindfulness, and show you ways to embrace your suffering and look deeply into it. With understanding and compassion, you will be able to heal the wounds in your heart, and the wounds in the world. The Buddha called suffering a Holy Truth, because our suffering has the capacity of showing us the path to liberation. Embrace your suffering, and let it reveal to you the way to peace.

The First Dharma Talk

Siddhartha Gautama was twenty-nine years old when he left his family to search for a way to end his and others' suffering. He studied meditation with many teachers, and after six years of practice, he sat under the bodhi tree and vowed not to stand up until he was enlightened. He sat all night, and as the morning star arose, he had a profound breakthrough and became a Buddha, filled with understanding and love. The Buddha spent the next forty-nine days enjoying the peace of his realization. After that he walked slowly to the Deer Park in Sarnath to share his understanding with the five ascetics with whom he had practiced earlier.

When the five men saw him coming, they felt uneasy. Siddhartha had abandoned them, they thought. But he looked so radiant that they could not resist welcoming him. They washed his feet and offered him water to drink. The Buddha said, "Dear friends, I have seen deeply that nothing can be by itself alone, that everything has to inter-be with everything else. I have seen that all beings are endowed with the nature of awakening." He offered to say more, but the monks didn't know whether to believe him or not. So the Buddha asked, "Have I ever lied to you?" They knew that he hadn't, and they agreed to receive his teachings.

The Buddha then taught the Four Noble Truths of the existence of suffering, the making of suffering, the possibility of restoring well-being, and the Noble Eightfold Path that leads to well-being. Hearing this, an immaculate vision of the Four Noble Truths arose in Kondañña, one of the five ascetics. The Buddha observed this and exclaimed, "Kondañña understands! Kondañña understands!" and from that day on, Kondañña was called "The One Who Understands."

The Buddha then declared, "Dear friends, with humans, gods, brahmans, monastics, and maras as witnesses, I tell you that if I have not experienced directly all that I have told you, I would not proclaim that I am an enlightened person, free from suffering. Because I myself have identified suffering, understood suffering, identified the causes of suffering, removed the causes of suffering, confirmed the existence of well-being, obtained well-being, identified the path to well-being, gone to the end of the path, and realized total liberation, I now proclaim to you that I am a free person." At that moment the Earth shook, and the voices of the gods, humans, and other living beings throughout the cosmos said that on the planet Earth, an enlightened person had been born and had put into motion the wheel of the Dharma, the Way of Understanding and Love. This teaching is recorded in the Discourse on Turning the Wheel of the Dharma (Dhamma Cakka Pavattana Sutta).2 Since then, two thousand, six hundred years have passed, and the wheel of the Dharma continues to turn. It is up to us, the present generation, to keep the wheel turning for the happiness of the many.

Three points characterize this sutra. The first is the teaching of the Middle Way. The Buddha wanted his five friends to be free from the idea that austerity is the only correct practice. He had learned firsthand that if you destroy your health, you have no energy left to realize the path. The other extreme to be avoided, he said, is indulgence in sense pleasures--being possessed by sexual desire, running after fame, eating immoderately, sleeping too much, or chasing after possessions.

The second point is the teaching of the Four Noble Truths. This teaching was of great value during the lifetime of the Buddha, is of great value in our own time, and will be of great value for millennia to come. The third point is engagement in the world. The teachings of the Buddha were not to escape from life, but to help us relate to ourselves and the world as thoroughly as possible. The Noble Eightfold Path includes Right Speech and Right Livelihood. These teachings are for people in the world who have to communicate with each other and earn a living.

The Discourse on Turning the Wheel of the Dharma is filled with joy and hope. It teaches us to recognize suffering as suffering and to transform our suffering into mindfulness, compassion, peace, and liberation.

1. "The Fruit of Awareness Is Ripe," in Call Me By My True Names: The Collected Poems of Thich Nhat Hanh (Berkeley: Parallax Press, 1993), p. 59.

2. Samyntta Nikaya V, 420. See p. 257 for the full text of this discourse. See also the Great Turning of the Dharma Wheel (Taisho Revised Tripitaka 109) and the Three Turnings of the Dharma Wheel (Taisho 110). The term "discourse" (sutra in Sanskrit, sutta in Pali) means a teaching given by the Buddha or one of his enlightened disciples.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B011G3HD6I
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harmony
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 22, 2015
Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st Broadway Books trade pbk. ed
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 276 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781101905739
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1101905739
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Best Sellers Rank: #18,399 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #2 in Tibetan Buddhism (Books)
- #2 in Buddhist Rituals & Practice (Books)
- #3 in Tibetan Buddhism (Kindle Store)
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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.

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Customers find this book life-changing, praising its excellent summation of key teachings and how it makes Buddhism accessible to western readers. The writing style is relatable, and customers appreciate its comprehensive coverage of basic tenets. Moreover, they value how it helps transform suffering into peace and joy, while providing practical guidance for everyday life.

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374 customers mention content, 366 positive, 8 negative

Customers find the book amazing and life-changing, describing it as the best book on Buddhism and perfect for beginning a spiritual journey.

Great book! Buddhist teachings elaborated methodically, slowly and systematically with patience and love. Probably the best of Mr T N Hanh.Read more

...Old Path, White Clouds is a good book if you are interested in the story of the Buddha. It has some teachings mixed in as well....Read more

This is an excellent book. I have learned many teachings of Buddha and this book keeps my mind pure.Read more

Great read.Read more

201 customers mention informative, 195 positive, 6 negative

Customers find the book informative, praising its excellent summation of key teachings and helpful explanations of essential Buddhist concepts.

Insightful and caringly presented. This functions well as a primer for Buddhism.Read more

Great book, fully detailed, very informative for those who like to learn about this great religion and its principals....Read more

...you understand just the basics of this Religion of peace , nobility , wisdom and purity of mind , body and heart.Read more

This is a really nice book, it is very insightful, and you can never stop learning....Read more

117 customers mention readability, 100 positive, 17 negative

Customers find the book very easy to understand, particularly noting that it makes Buddhism accessible to a Western audience.

...The principles are laid out in a way that’s easy to understand, and it doesn’t feel overwhelming even for someone new to the topic....Read more

This book was recommended as the first stop in learning more. It’s easy to read, and full of a lot of info....Read more

...Simple, yet profoundly complex, the Buddha's teachings and Thich Nhat Hanh's book deserve to be read, regardless of your religious or spiritual...Read more

Thich Nhat Hanh writes in a very clear and concise style. I really enjoy the calmness in his style of verbiage....Read more

71 customers mention writing style, 66 positive, 5 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written, peaceful, and relatable, with one customer noting that it flows easily from the page.

I enjoyed this book. It was well written and very poetic, but I gave it four stars instead of five for the simple reason that it was so poetic....Read more

This book is great. It is very well written and so easy to understand! Looking to learn about Buddhism this is a great book to start with....Read more

It is a deep, well written book that challenges your perceptions and beliefs about suffering and transforming it into true happiness - without...Read more

...author who writes about the Buddha's teaching in a beautiful and concise manner....Read more

35 customers mention peace, 35 positive, 0 negative

Customers find the book soothing and peaceful, describing it as a relaxing read that transforms suffering into true happiness and makes them feel grounded.

Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation Well written book....Read more

This as most of his book is just packed with smart and clean thoughts, calming and hope awakening, it really does make you understand you are in...Read more

...your perceptions and beliefs about suffering and transforming it into true happiness - without attachment....Read more

This is a great read. Makes me feel very grounded. I liked learning about the history of the religion and how to practice it in your daily life.Read more

34 customers mention comprehensive, 32 positive, 2 negative

Customers find the book comprehensive and detailed, providing a great overview of Buddhist teachings and covering all the basics.

It is a deep, well written book that challenges your perceptions and beliefs about suffering and transforming it into true happiness - without...Read more

...a little overwhelming all the information in this book, but it covers all the basics and answers a lot of questions....Read more

...Clear and Comprehensive: The book is written in a clear and engaging style, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds....Read more

...This book was life-changing. A beautifully comprehensive and articulate explanation of buddhism.Read more

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Customers find the book practical and helpful for everyday life, with excellent examples that show how to apply the teachings in daily situations.

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...so easy to read, with great illustrations of the concepts - very helpful. I occasionally buy a copy and send it to someone as a gift....Read more

Lots of Sanskrit words to learn from, good exercises for practice with his vast experienceRead more

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Customers appreciate the book's clear and concise presentation of Buddhist teachings, with excellent explanations and concepts that are easy to understand.

...entirely finished with this book, but I love it because it just MAKES SO MUCH SENSE!...Read more

...Thich Nhat Hanh does an excellent job explaining what it means to be a follower and gives the reader practical steps in leading the righteous path....Read more

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Susan
A Transformative Guide to Peace, Joy, and Liberation!
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Review:

'The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching' is a profound and accessible exploration of the core principles of Buddhism, offering a practical roadmap for transforming suffering into peace, joy, and liberation.

Clear and Comprehensive:

The book is written in a clear and engaging style, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Thich Nhat Hanh, the renowned Zen master and peace activist, presents the teachings of the Buddha with clarity and depth, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and other fundamental concepts.

Practical Applications:

Beyond theoretical explanations, the book emphasizes the practical application of Buddhist teachings in daily life. Thich Nhat Hanh shares mindfulness practices, meditations, and exercises that help readers cultivate awareness, compassion, and wisdom. These practices are designed to transform suffering and promote inner peace and happiness.

Transformative Insights:

The book offers profound insights into the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. Thich Nhat Hanh challenges common misconceptions about Buddhism, such as the idea that it is a pessimistic or nihilistic philosophy. Instead, he presents Buddhism as a transformative path that empowers individuals to overcome suffering and create a more fulfilling life.

Compassion and Inclusivity:

Throughout the book, Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes the importance of compassion and inclusivity. He teaches that all beings are interconnected and that our happiness is inextricably linked to the well-being of others. The book encourages readers to cultivate a compassionate heart and to work towards creating a more just and harmonious world.

Conclusion:

'The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching' is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and to apply its principles in their own lives. Thich Nhat Hanh's wisdom, compassion, and practical guidance make this book a transformative guide that can lead to profound peace, joy, and liberation. Highly recommended for spiritual seekers, practitioners of all faiths, and anyone interested in living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

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Steve Weibel
Buddhism easily understood, elegantly written book
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2010
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Of all the books I've read regarding Buddhism this by far is the best place to start. Thich Nhat Hanh is an accomplished writer with a unique ability to make what many appear to be complex subject matter easily understood, friendly, and approachable. Reading the first 50 pages or so brings the reader into a rich, non-threatening understanding of this wonderful way of thinking. Buddhism is non-sectarian, non-judgmental and simply elegant in it's basic premise...that life is about suffering and that if we deploy our own minds to fixing the problem, that we in fact can do just that. Unlike so many "religions", which Buddhism is NOT, it teaches us a kind and gentle way to operate in life. From the four Noble Truths to mindfulness, it shows a pathway to living a happy life, however you define that. The hard charging salesman, the gentle mother, the introspective person, the troubled couple, the recovering addict.....for all of these suffering is the same. And for anyone intent on changing their lives, to come face to face with the big problems of their lives, this book reminds the reader that the solution is simpler than you might think.
Buddhism evokes images of monks on fire in Vietnam, people wearing robes and sitting on a mountain top and all things in between. It's mystical in some ways, it's aura keeping many people away. But on first reading of this book it will speak directly to you. Remember back to when your grandparent, parent or good friend sat down and gave you great advice, that advice that made the tears stop and the resolve to set in, when you saw that your issue was fixable. This book is like that. The reminder of how simple honorable behavior, honesty, integrity and kindness can change you and change the world. Heavily dependent on your personal behavior and actions, it teaches you a path, Whether you take it or not is purely up to you.
The most ardent skeptic about Buddhism will be moved by this book. If you think Buddhism is a lot of bunk and that you can solve the problems of live on your own, think again. The path of happiness comes from all edges of the forest. This book will lead you to a clearing in your life. For a thinking person, a person with an open heart and an open mind, this book is truly tranformative. Read it aloud to yourself and to others. Everyone will benefit.
Steve Weibel

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Jessie Canon
Clear and insightful guide to Buddhism
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book makes learning about Buddhist teachings really approachable. The principles are laid out in a way that’s easy to understand, and it doesn’t feel overwhelming even for someone new to the topic. I enjoyed how clear and organized everything is.

It’s definitely a book I’ll be returning to again and again on my spiritual journey. Each read gives me something new to reflect on, and it makes studying Buddhism feel engaging and practical. Highly recommend for anyone looking to deepen their understanding.

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Trish
Curiosity had me purchase after my travels.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2026
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
After traveling to northern Thailand, the culture became captivating. I wanted to learn more so I decided to start here. I felt a better understanding of the Buddhist ways after reading. Great for a sense of understanding.

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Trish

Curiosity had me purchase after my travels.

Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2026
After traveling to northern Thailand, the culture became captivating. I wanted to learn more so I decided to start here. I felt a better understanding of the Buddhist ways after reading. Great for a sense of understanding.

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Billie Durbin
This book is a must read
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Amazing, changed my life, and freed my mind

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Ika
one of the most profound books I have ever read
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2026
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I have read this book multiple times. It is a perfect introduction to Buddhism for someone who wants a comprehensive understanding. Being written by a zen master means everything is examined from and with an emphasis on mindfulness. I have read many books by this author and it is my favorite due to its more comprehensive nature.

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Phenequa Chisholm
Informative
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book is incredibly informative and easy to follow, making complex Buddhist principles accessible to the beginner. I was immediately captivated by Thay's eloquent and peaceful writing style, which embodies the very wisdom he shares. I intentionally took my time with this one, and that measured pace truly allowed me to deeply absorb and appreciate its profound teachings. Reading this perspective opened me up to new and valuable concepts to explore within the world of Buddhism. I highly recommend The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching to anyone looking for a solid, foundational introduction to the subject.

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Iryna Tokar
Such an easy read
Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on October 15, 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I honestly find this book fascinating. I wish I bought it instead of "Secret" book. The insights to Buddhism are so inspiring and down to earth. Love the way writer explains main dogmas in authentic and easy way.

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The Book Badger
“This is definitely one of the most important books I have ever read.”
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 20, 2018
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TL;DR – This book is a basic introduction to the foundations of Buddhism, taught from the point of view of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Absolutely recommended.

RAGDOLL RATING: Exceptional

The Book…

The book covers the absolute fundamentals of Buddhism. Thầy introduces us to the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path and a handful of other concepts he considers to be the bedrock of the Buddhist faith.

The writing style is quite unusual – I have no idea of this a trait of Zen masters, poets, Vietnamese folks or just a personal quirk but it seems quite unique. Specifically, the writing seems to flow quite rapidly from one thing to another, usually from explanation to metaphor and back again. I don’t personally find it difficult to read because my mind tends to wander a lot anyway and I found it actually helped me take things in, but some people my find it a little tricky to deal with.

Thich Nhat Hanh (Who I will refer to as Thầy (teacher) from now on) is not only a Zen master but a poet too and this look is laced with sections of poetry on related topics. It’s a nice touch although I confess I am far to ignorant of poetry to be able to suggest how good it is.

The book is well referenced, linking to canonical texts, other Buddhist teachers works, and other books Thầy has written. It also includes, in the final section, a small selection of translated discourses which had been mentioned in the text.

Why I read it…

I’ve been trying to read a Buddhist text before my evening meditation and I just happened to buy this book not so long ago. I had listened to a guided meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh and found his insights really struck a chord with me.

Conveniently, this book also took up a position in my reading challenge in the “A book that will make you smarter” category.

Thầy has devoted a considerable amount of word-space to the teachings of the Four Nobel Truths and the Noble Eightfold path – 16 chapters in fact. He breaks down the teachings into their component parts, explains these parts, often with the use of poetry, metaphor and canonical sources. Then he explains how all these elements are connected, how the interplay and are how the ‘inter-are’ – when you truly focus on one element, you will be practicing all the elements automatically.

The third section of the book is dedicated to what I hesitate to call lesser known teachings. Perhaps if you have a good background in Buddhism then you would probably at least know what they were (I knew a handful) but if you are new to Buddhism then the chances are you wouldn’t know them. These teachings are well explained and most importantly linked in to the other elements. It was really good to read about these other important teachings.

Why I love It…

Firstly I have to mention the use of metaphor. This book is full of metaphorical explanations to aid the reader in their understanding. They help make the teachings easier to digest – and some of these teachings can be confusing at the best of times. One thing that really stuck in my mind was a metaphor about waves:

“When we look at the ocean, we see that each wave has a beginning and an end. A wave can be compared with other waves, and we can call it more or less beautiful, higher or lower, longer lasting or less long lasting. But if we look more deeply, we see that a wave is made of water. While living the life of a wave, the wave also lives the life of water. It would be sad if the wave did not know that it is water. It would think, ‘Some day I will have to die. This period of time is my life span, and when I arrive at the shore, I will return to nonbeing.’

These notions will cause the wave fear and anguish. A wave can be recognized by signs — beginning or ending, high or low, beautiful or ugly. In the world of the wave, the world of relative truth, the wave feels happy as she swells, and she feels sad as she falls. She may think, ‘I am high!’ or ‘I am low!’ and develop superiority or inferiority complexes, but in the world of the water there are no signs, and when the wave touches her true nature — which is water — all of her complexes will cease, and she will transcend birth and death,” (p.124/5)

While I was reading this passage (and many others), suddenly the ideas behind impermanence, rebirth and all sorts of other things started to make a bit more sense. The book is full of useful metaphors like these and by the end I felt like my understanding of the fundamental concepts was improved.

All the way through I found myself learning new things, and understanding concepts I already knew about much more clearly than I ever have before. I’m sure I missed more than I took in, and this book will definitely become a book I will re-read over and over.

The main reason this book is ranked ‘exceptional’ rather than just 5 buttons is basically because of my emotional reaction to text. With every chapter my understanding grew and I had clear guidance to help me understand some difficult concepts and encouragement to apply these things to me own life. I really strongly felt motivated to make improvements in my life and to follow the teachings of the Buddha more closely. I felt a really strong emotion of loving kindness in my heart as I read this book and that feeling continued after I put the book down each night. It was a rare experience and one I feel very happy to have gone through. I genuinely feel this may be one of the most important books I have ever, or indeed will ever read.

Recommended For…

Everyone with an interest in Buddhism, from the absolute beginner to the advanced practitioner.

Everyone generally. I would recommend this book to everyone actually – the contents are very Buddhism-centric (obviously) but there are lessons to be learned from this book that everyone from all works of life could make use of.

Final thoughts…

This book is probably one of the best books on Buddhism that I have read for a beginners view. The concepts can be difficult but Thầy offers excellent guidance and explanation to help you understand.

The book also contains a good deal that would be of value to a more experienced practitioner. Yes, it’s good as a reminder of the basic teachings but the poetry and imagery of this work make it well worth reading as a guide to deeper understanding and encouragement to deeper practice.

Everyone should read this book.

___________________________________________
Please note: I am in no way affiliated with the author or publishers. I bought this book with my own money for my own reasons. The opinions contained within are my own and have not been influenced by any external entity!

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Vikram Anand
A real storehouse of wisdom!
Reviewed in India on March 21, 2025
Verified Purchase
The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching is a true gem that left me feeling inspired and uplifted. Thich Nhat Hanh has a rare gift for taking profound Buddhist concepts—like the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path—and making them not only understandable but deeply relatable. His writing is clear, poetic, and filled with compassion, guiding readers toward a path of peace and liberation with every page.

What I loved most is how he connects personal suffering to a broader journey of healing. The idea that our struggles can become the very stepping stones to joy and freedom is beautifully expressed and incredibly empowering. His explanations are practical yet profound, offering insights that anyone—whether new to Buddhism or a seasoned practitioner—can apply to their life.

This book feels like a gentle, wise friend, patiently showing the way to inner peace and a more mindful existence. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking clarity, calm, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. Five stars for this life-changing masterpiece!

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Rafael Fritzsche
Lindo livro sobre os princípios budistas
Reviewed in Brazil on May 7, 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Este livro é o mais próximo que temos de uma "bíblia budista". O autor é um monge renomado e também poeta, seu estilo de escrita é destinto, explicando os conceitos e princípios fundamentais do budismo de forma linda. É uma leitura rica e que traz paz, pois os ensinamentos são lindos e a forma de explicação deles também é. Me apaixonei tanto pelo livro que já comprei vários outros do autor. Foi o livro que me fez descobrir que era budista, sempre tive um lado espiritual mas nunca consegui me identificar com religião alguma, mas neste eu me identifiquei com cada frase. Recomendo até para pessoas de outras religiões pois a filosofia budista é linda, as práticas são focadas em te tornar uma pessoa melhor, não só para si mesmo mas para os outros, qualquer um pode aprender e praticar.

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Baimai
Calm, Deep, and Life-Changing
Reviewed in Canada on December 10, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book explains Buddhist teachings in a very gentle and easy-to-understand way. It helps you see suffering differently and brings a sense of peace while reading. The lessons are practical and can be used in everyday life to feel more grounded and mindful.

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A Transformative Guide to Peace, Joy, and Liberation!

Buddhism easily understood, elegantly written book

Clear and insightful guide to Buddhism

Curiosity had me purchase after my travels.

This book is a must read

one of the most profound books I have ever read

Informative

Such an easy read

“This is definitely one of the most important books I have ever read.”

A real storehouse of wisdom!

Lindo livro sobre os princípios budistas

Calm, Deep, and Life-Changing