Summary and Analysis of The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation: Based on the Book by Thich Nhat Hanh
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Summary and Analysis of The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation: Based on the Book by Thich Nhat Hanh
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Overview
Crafted and edited with care, Worth Books set the standard for quality and give you the tools you need to be a well-informed reader.
This summary and analysis of The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh includes:
- Historical context
- Chapter-by-chapter summaries
- Breathing techniques and meditation exercises
- Important quotes
- Fascinating trivia
- Glossary of terms
- Supporting material to enhance your understanding of the original work
In his introduction to the practices of mindfulness and meditation, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh teaches how to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Under his guidance, simple tasks—such as drinking tea, peeling an orange, or washing the dishes—become opportunities to find fulfillment and happiness.
Through uncomplicated instruction, breathing exercises, and wise stories, Hanh proves that living a more meaningful life is accessible to all.
The summary and analysis in this ebook are intended to complement your reading experience and bring you closer to a great work of nonfiction.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781504043397 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Worth Books |
| Publication date: | 12/27/2016 |
| Series: | Smart Summaries |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 30 |
| Sales rank: | 900,033 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
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Summary and Analysis of The Miracle of Mindfulness
An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
By Thich Nhat Hanh
OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED MEDIA
Copyright © 2016 Open Road Integrated Media, Inc.All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-5040-4339-7
CHAPTER 1
Summary
Chapter One: The Essential Discipline
Thich Nhat Hanh recalls a conversation he had with his friend, Allen, as they watched Allen's rambunctious seven-year-old son, Joey, play around them. The two men discussed the hectic nature of family life and Allen revealed that he used to feel that the responsibilities of being a husband and a father didn't leave him with enough time for himself and doing the activities he enjoys, such as reading and going for walks. However, he realized that the time he spends with his family is actually his time. Spending quality time with his newborn baby or his wife, or doing chores around the house, was a gift. When Allen came to this conclusion, he found that instead of feeling he had no time for himself, he knew he had "unlimited" time.
Thich Nhat Hanh goes on to explain the importance of being present in everything one does, no matter how mundane it may seem. For example, washing dishes should not be seen as a chore to be completed quickly. One should wash their dishes with complete attention and awareness.
Similarly, one shouldn't eat a tangerine by mindlessly plopping sections into our mouths and chewing without regard for what we're eating. Nhat Hanh advises that when we eat the fruit, we should be one with what we're doing. This is important because without this sense of mindfulness, one is not able to appreciate the miracle of life. When we are taken out of the present moment by thinking about the future or the past, we cannot truly live.
When we are mindful and aware, we realize that everything we do, even chores and obligations to others, can be an enjoyable and treasured part of the day.
Chapter Two: The Miracle Is to Walk on Earth
The first step toward living a life of mindfulness is to be able to focus your awareness. Nhat Hanh explains how the concept of mindfulness can be practiced when one takes a walk in nature because when we are conscious of and enjoy each step, we can be mindful of the miracle of beauty around us.
If you can control your breathing, you can control your mind and the thoughts you allow yourself to entertain.
To control your breathing, work on extending the length of time you spend on inhalations and exhalations. Use a phrase to help count the length of your breaths. If your goal is to breathe in for a count of six, you may think a six-word phrase such as "My heart is now at peace." Similarly, if you're trying to extend your breaths to a count of seven, seven-word phrases like "I walk on the new green earth" can help. If you are practicing breathing control while walking, consider one word for each step you take.
Another way to control the breath is by counting it. As you take an inhalation, count one. Then as you exhale, count one. With each inhalation and exhalation, increase the number until you reach ten. After you've reached ten inhalations and exhalations, start counting at one again and continue. Do these counts with full awareness, focusing on each breath and number. Without this focus, it will be easy to lose count. If that happens, start over at one and remain conscious of what you're doing.
Being mindful is the process of living in the present moment, no matter what you're doing. Proper breathing is the key to maintaining mindfulness because it helps to keep us in the present. When we are in this state, we can live in the moment instead of worrying about the past or the future. For beginners, practicing mindful breathing while lying down is recommended.
Nhat Hanh says, "Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again." The skill of mindful breathing enables us to focus, and to appreciate every action we take.
Chapter Three: A Day of Mindfulness
In order to become accustomed to living a life of mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that beginners start by dedicating one day each week to practicing it, from the time you rise to the time you turn in at night.
During this day, practice focusing on your breathing and taking control of your thoughts. If household tasks are required, each should be completed in a relaxed, slow way. This will allow you to really become one with the work you're doing.
Taking a bath for at least thirty minutes will help you feel refreshed. Talking should be kept to a minimum, but if you must speak, do so in a conscious way. Prepare meals with intention, and eat slowly, considering and experiencing each bite.
Having a single day devoted to mindful living can, in time, shore up your skills and influence how you carry yourself throughout the week.
Chapter Four: The Pebble
Although we need sleep to function, the nature of how we sleep — tossing and turning, muscles tensing, and dreaming — is not particularly restful. Meditation, however, can offer one total rest.
Learning how to sit properly during meditation is crucial to enter a restful state. You might try:
• The lotus position: placing the left foot on the right thigh and the right foot on the left thigh.
• Half-lotus position: placing your left foot on your right thigh or the reverse.
• Sitting with your back straight and your head and neck aligned with your spine.
• Keeping your eyes open and concentrated on the space directly in front of you.
• Setting your mouth in a half-smile.
Imagery can be useful in learning how to meditate. One exercise you can try is picturing a pebble as it is tossed into a river; then imagine yourself to be that small stone falling effortlessly to the earth below the surface of the water; imagine yourself letting go as the pebble does.
As you sit in meditation, thoughts may still come to your mind, be they positive or negative. You should simply acknowledge each thought and let it go, so as to return to your mindful breathing.
Mindfulness of the mind is the goal of meditation. Observe and acknowledge your thoughts, then release them, rather than chasing them away.
It is important to understand that building up a meditation practice takes time, but the reward may enable you to live a more peaceful and joyful life.
Chapter Five: One Is All, All Is One — The Five Aggregates
In Buddhism, consciousness is made up of five different elements for thinking about and understanding the world. These elements, known as the five aggregates, are bodily form (your body), feeling, perception, mental functioning, and consciousness. Note that consciousness is made up of all of the other four aggregates, and that each plays a part in how we understand ourselves and everything we encounter in the world. The five aggregates are also known as dharmas.
When we meditate on the five aggregates, we strip away everything that separates us from the rest of the world — and this liberates us from suffering, fear, and dread. Focusing on each of the five dharmas helps you connect to the world, in a sense, because it offers a view of one's self as self and one's self as an object in the greater universe.
To acknowledge the interdependence of all things in the universe may lead to positive feelings of liberation and empathy.
In a discussion of life and death, Nhat Hanh offers a story from his own education when he was charged with meditating on a corpse. In short, to acknowledge what biologically happens to a body is to "look death in the face." Life and death are interdependent; each is a part of the other. As your life is important, all lives are important.
Chapter Six: The Almond Tree in Your Front Yard
There are three facets of reality: "imagination, interdependence, and the nature of the ultimate perfection." During meditation, one progresses through these concepts to shed the false views we've become accustomed to. This state is known as the nondiscrimination mind and it helps to liberate from the distinction between subjects and objects.
This allows one to enter into a communion with elements of nature, such as an almond tree: whole and true.
A liberated mind is able to feel a greater sense of compassion, which is needed in order to meditate or perform acts of service. When in this state of mindfulness, one ceases to sit in judgment and instead focuses on being one's best self — which will ultimately inspire others to do the same.
When we meditate, we become more compassionate toward others and less judgmental.
An exercise in recognition is recommended for beginners, whereby the practitioner considers all objects to be equal, and all feelings to carry the same weight. This sort of meditation has the power to "reveal" and "heal."
Chapter Seven: Three Wondrous Answers
Thich Nhat Hanh summarizes "The Emperor's Three Questions," a short story by Leo Tolstoy, in which an emperor wants to obtain the answers to three questions, in order to always be right:
• "What is the best time to do each thing?"
• "Who are the most important people to work with?"
• "What is the most important thing to do at all times?"
After asking for guidance from his subjects and receiving unsatisfactory answers, the emperor decides to visit a hermit who lives on a mountain. While the emperor helped the old hermit work in his garden — with no answers to his three questions — a wounded man stumbled and collapsed in front of them. After the emperor saved the man's life, the man revealed that he had been planning to kill the emperor to avenge his brother's death. However, after the emperor saved his life, that was no longer a task he could do in good conscience.
Thus, the emperor's life was spared, due to his acts of compassion for the recluse and the man who was once an avowed enemy.
The emperor still sought the answer to his three questions, and the hermit answered wisely: The most important thing to do with your time is whatever you are currently doing, the most important person is the person you are with in the moment, and the most important thing to do is act in the service of others.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Summary and Analysis of The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. Copyright © 2016 Open Road Integrated Media, Inc.. Excerpted by permission of OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED MEDIA.
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Table of Contents
Contents
Context,Overview,
Summary,
Exercises in Mindfulness,
Nhat Hanh: Seeing with the Eyes of Compassion,
Direct Quotes and Analysis,
Trivia,
What's That Word?,
About Thich Nhat Hanh,
For Your Information,
Bibliography,
Copyright,