Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Overview

One of the world’s most beloved and acclaimed Buddhist leaders offers a profound guide to mastering our most powerful inner resource—silence—to help us find happiness, purpose, and peace

“The practice of mindfulness is very simple. You stop, you breathe, and you still your mind.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Burnout, anxiety, stress, brain fog, racing thoughts…all symptoms of our loud and chaotic world. In a time when attention is a commodity, yet disconnection and loneliness are at an all-time high, it can be hard to find a sense of self and belonging. We tend to look to external stimulus to bring us meaning, but what if by looking inward, we can discover what it truly means to be alive?

In his beautiful and beloved book, Buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh guides us through the enlightening mindfulness techniques that can forever alter how we see and make sense of the world, and ourselves. With gentle anecdotes, simple Buddhist wisdom and practical exercises, he shows us how to live mindfully so that all the internal chatter ceases, and we are left with the eloquent sound of silence.

This gift of silence doesn't require hours upon hours of silent meditation or an existing practice of any kind. Through accessible yet ancient Buddhist rituals, Silence teaches us how to become truly present in the moment, to recognize the beauty surrounding us, and to find harmony. With mindfulness comes stillness—and the happiness and well-being we long for. Through silence, Thich Nhat Hanh reveals, we are free to hear, to see— and just be.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062224705
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/26/2016
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Thich Nhat Hanh was a world-renowned Buddhist Zen master, poet, author, scholar, and activist for social change, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was the author of many bestselling books, including the classics Peace Is Every Step and The Art of Living. Through his books and retreats at the monasteries he has founded in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia, he became a pre-eminent figure in contemporary Buddhism, offering teachings that are both deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and accessible to all. 

Sister Chan Khong is Thich Nhat Hanh’s most senior monastic disciple and lifelong collaborator. A leading force in his engaged Buddhism programs and humanitarian projects, her books include Learning True Love and Beginning Anew.

Sister True Dedication is a former journalist and monastic Dharma Teacher ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh. 

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 A steady diet of noise 19

2 Radio non-stop thinking 45

3 Thundering silence 67

4 Deep listening 93

5 The power of stillness 115

6 Paying attention 141

7 Cultivating connection 165

About the author 191

Editorial Reviews

How do we practice mindfulness? As we have come to expect, Hanh’s instructions are accessible and concise: ‘You stop, you breathe, and you clear your mind.’” — Publisher's Weekly

“In his new book, Thich Nhat Hanh offers tips on finding some internal and external silence so we can hear the call of beauty. We discover how to pay attention, how to listen deeply, and how to be still. Silence, says Thich Nhat Hanh, is profoundly joyful and nourishing.” — Shambhala Sun

“How do we practice mindfulness? As we have come to expect, Hanh’s instructions are accessible and concise: ‘You stop, you breathe, and you clear your mind.’” — Sam Mowe, Spirituality & Health

“While not intended to be a reader’s first guide to Buddhism, Hanh’s newest title is a graceful contribution to contemporary Buddhist literature and one of the author’s finest works.” — Library Journal

“A powerful piece from an insightful and gentle guide who understands how to reach a broad Western audience through social media. Thich Nhat Hahn again shows how his brilliance shines in writing by demonstrating the eloquence of simplicity.” — Booklist

From the Publisher

A powerful piece from an insightful and gentle guide who understands how to reach a broad Western audience through social media. Thich Nhat Hahn again shows how his brilliance shines in writing by demonstrating the eloquence of simplicity.

Booklist

In his new book, Thich Nhat Hanh offers tips on finding some internal and external silence so we can hear the call of beauty. We discover how to pay attention, how to listen deeply, and how to be still. Silence, says Thich Nhat Hanh, is profoundly joyful and nourishing.

Shambhala Sun

How do we practice mindfulness? As we have come to expect, Hanh’s instructions are accessible and concise: ‘You stop, you breathe, and you clear your mind.’

Sam Mowe

A powerful piece from an insightful and gentle guide who understands how to reach a broad Western audience through social media. Thich Nhat Hahn again shows how his brilliance shines in writing by demonstrating the eloquence of simplicity.

Booklist