From Publishers Weekly
In narrating Nhat Hanh's spiritual guide, York did not have an easy task. The text is an accessible, solid introduction to Buddhist principles. Since Nhat Hanh is committed to what he calls "engaged Buddhism," he takes basic Buddhist practices (mindful breathing and walking meditation) and shows how they can transform not only a soul, but a family and even a nation. But can a narrator find drama in a series of meditation instructions? York does. While there is very serious drama in the text at times-Nhat Hanh was a young monk in Vietnam in the 1950s and '60s and brought his faith and his work with refugees right up to the front lines-this is a book of reflections, and York manages to find the poignancy in these reflections. Indeed, York's reading stays so close to the spirit of the text that listeners can practically hear the inflection of the monk himself. His voice is soothing, yet never hypnotic-a great match for a work that urges its listeners to wake up to their true natures.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
If one could convert the destructiveness of a nuclear bomb to the generation of peace, the result would be as powerful as this recording. Thich Nhat Hanh's carefully distilled anecdotes and instruction are rendered with warmth, sincerity, and compassion by actor Michael York. This is a near-perfect marriage of content and reader that could really improve the world. Hanh, a Zen Buddhist monk, offers concrete techniques and advice of use to each of us to instill real peace and harmony in our daily lives, families, communities, and the world. His personal experience of war and human suffering in his native Vietnam surely helped spur his wisdom. D.J.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM OUR EDITORS

After Pope John Paul and the Dalai Lama, Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh is the best-known world spiritual leader. In Creating True Peace, he presents his teachings on peace, nonviolence, and peacemaking. Applying Buddhist precepts, this Vietnamese monk reformulates and extends the lessons articulated in his bestselling Anger. The ecumenical message and accessible writing style make this, like all his works, uncommonly readable.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Bestselling author and Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the most respected peace activists in the world. Having lived through two wars in his native Vietnam, he strives to prevent conflict of all kinds, from the internal violence of individual thoughts to interpersonal and international aggression. For the first time, in Creating True Peace, he tells vivid, deeply affecting stories of his and his students' wartime experiences in Vietnam and how they were able to remain nonviolent and work for peace in the face of the most stressful, dangerous, life-threatening circumstances. The same teachings and practices that Nhat Hanh and his students use every day can help us, too, to create peace in our own lives, in every moment. With a combination of courage, sweetness, and candor, Nhat Hanh brings to life the ancient wisdom and stories of the Buddha and other sages and reveals a clear, practical blueprint for living nonviolently today -- no matter what your circumstances. For anyone who sincerely desires to create peace, here are practices to improve all our relationships -- friendships, partnerships, marriages, even our relationships with our elected representatives. Here, too, are beautiful, simple meditations and mindful practices for individuals, couples, and parents, along with ways to teach children how to create peace in their daily lives and to improve family communications. From this book, we can all draw the determination and inspiration to do the right thing, to make a difference. We are not helpless; we can create peace here and now. Creating True Peace shows us how.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

If Vietnamese Zen monk and peace activist Nhat Hanh has said the same thing over and over again, it's because his message can't be restated too often in a violent world: peace can be found in every step, every breath. Nhat Hanh's books, many of which are transcriptions of talks, have ranged widely, from poetry to Buddhist commentaries to reflections on Jesus. This newest is filled with meditations and practices for individuals and families; since relatively few people choose monasticism as a lifestyle, the practice of household peace through deep listening and loving speech is eminently useable. Moreover, as Nhat Hanh shows in his stories and examples of working with people in conflict, such techniques underlie peace in the political arena as well. Like the Dalai Lama, Nhat Hanh possesses an extraordinary ability to speak simply about complex Buddhist teachings such as the true, transient nature of existence and how to act mindfully and compassionately in light of that view. His simplicity goes hand in hand with a challenging austerity, counseling against the consumption of things that lead to unmindfulness, like alcohol or "toxic" media products that feed inner "seeds," or tendencies, toward violence. Written in Nhat Hanh's characteristically soothing way, this is a practical and basic book of his profound and comprehensive teachings, especially for families with children. (Aug. 6) Forecast: Thich Nhat Hanh's books have sold over a million copies, and he is one of the most recognizable figures in the Buddhist world today. He will be touring the U.S. in August; excerpts will appear in Yoga Journal and Spirituality and Health; and three book clubs have selected this title. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal