This week’s review is to all born-Buddhists/people-who-subscribe-themselves-as-Buddhists/wannabe-Buddhists/people-who-think-Buddhism-is-cool. For many people when the term Buddhism is heard they generally think of peacefulness. But how much do you know about it? Sure, you might already know that Buddha isn’t a god, but
This week’s review is to all born-Buddhists/people-who-subscribe-themselves-as-Buddhists/wannabe-Buddhists/people-who-think-Buddhism-is-cool.
For many people when the term Buddhism is heard they generally think of peacefulness. But how much do you know about it? Sure, you might already know that Buddha isn’t a god, but what is the Wheel of Dharma or the Eight-Fold Path?
Even if you have only a passing curiosity about Buddhism or are already a practicing Buddhist, Nobel Peace Prize-nominated author Thich Nhat Hanh (a Vietnamese Buddhist monk), has written one of the most accessible books to what this Eastern religion/philosophy (Buddhism) is all about.
“The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation” simply reveals the core tenants of Buddhism, and how, even after 2,500 years, they still apply to our daily life and experiences. Each chapter covers one of the fundamentals of Buddhist thought, such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Three Doors of Liberation, the Seven Factors of Awakening, etc.
Thich Nhat Hanh has a wonderful way of reducing these concepts into a way that is easy-to-grasp and feels completely applicable to our lives today. How many of us seek a moment of peacefulness amid the craziness of our lives or wonder how to seek solace when something in our life is causing us grief?
If Buddhist monks have used these teachings to help them feel only compassion and forgiveness in the worst of circumstances, then imagine how it could be used to help better your current state-of-mind with your boss, kids, wife, husband, in-laws, neighbors, etc. Best of all, whether you are devoutly religious (to any religion), an atheist, or simply agnostic, these time-tested teachings can be good “Golden Rules” for all human beings.
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Ed and Cynthia Justus are the owners of The Bookstore in Hanapepe.
