Present Moment, Wonderful Moment: Mindfulness Verses for Daily Living - Softcover

Thich Nhat Hanh; Illustrator-Mayumi Oda; Translator-Annabel Laity

Softcover

ISBN 10: 093807721X ISBN 13: 9780938077213

Publisher: Parallax Press, 1991

Synopsis

Water flows over these hands May I use them skillfully to preserve our precious planet. These and other verses, or gathas, are designed to make everyday activitiessuch as washing the dishes, driving the car, or turning on the televisionopportunities to return to a state of mindfulness. As exercises in both meditation and poetry, gathas are very much in keeping with the Zen tradition. They help readers become attuned to each action, imbuing even the most mundane activity with heightened awareness. Reciting these poetic yet practical verses helps us to slow down and savor each and every moment. Thich Nhat Hanhs warm, thoughtful commentary provides insight and inspiration.

About this title

Review:

This small book is a wonderful companion piece for your mindfulness practice. Written by the famous Vietnamese activist Buddhist monk, there are "verses" that focus on daily activities, drawing out the potential meaning and connection to mindfulness in each --Brian's February 11, 2014

Thich Nhat Hanh is simply one of the easiest, most gentle authors on the practical application of eastern thought available today. Present Moment, Wonderful Moment is a delight to read. It is a collection of useful verses to keep us mindful throughout the day, recognizing how easy it is to lose sight of the present moment when the crash of life clamors about us constantly. Thich Nhat Hanh uses the technique of memorizing "gathas" for the purpose of focusing the mind on the thing you are doing now rather than on whatever other chatter is going on in the mind. Further, with each verse there is anywhere from a paragraph to a few pages of commentary that give the reader not only insight into the application of the verse, but also insight into the mind and soul of Thich Nhat Hanh. The result is inspirational, soothing, and useful. Of particular importance is the fact that the author, while a monk, is not in the least unaware of the realities of modern life, and included in his verses are ones for talking on the phone, turning on the television, and turning on an electric light. Those not familiar with mindfulness practice might wonder at the insignificance of those daily, mundane experiences, but Thich Nhat Hanh helps us to recognize that there is life "spent" in each of those (and countless other) little activities, and without recognizing that life mindfully, it is life wasted. This man has a simple message...live life fully, abundantly, happily and peacefully, with full awareness of that life as you experience it in the moment. This is a book you will refer to often as you practice mindfulness. --By A Customer

This book is about THE REST OF YOUR LIFE BEING THE BEST OF YOUR LIFE AND THE BEST OF YOUR LIFE BEING THE REST OF YOUR LIFE... Learn how to be in the moment and enjoy the here and now instead of letting your mind race through to the future or slow down to the palsy of the past. More than that, learn to value and cherish each moment of each day and to create awareness of every little thing that is part of your world. "Gathas are short verses which we can recite during our daily activities to help us dwell in mindfulness." Enjoy every "gatha" given in this book, as they help you open your eyes to the real truth and beauty of each little moment we live. --By A Customer

From the Publisher:

Verses to help us slow down and enjoy each moment.
"This small volume—simply and unassumingly wise—is a true miracle that gently reminds us who we are and what we are doing a subtle ballast that settles our racing minds and transports the mundane into the spiritual." —East/West Journal

Reading these poetic yet practical verses can help us slow down and enjoy each moment of our lives. There are verses for waking up to "24 brand new hours," taking a shower, answering the telephone, and starting the car. After each verse, Thich Nhat Hanh offers reflections on it, with insights into the issues of our time.

About this edition

• Publisher: Parallax Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 093807721X
• ISBN 13: 9780938077213
• Binding: Paperback