Living Without Stress or Fear

Just Listen

I have several of Thay's books and have even had the opportunity to "be" at one of his retreats at Spirit Rock (Northern California) many years ago. I find this audio book to be soothing to my soul. Some words are difficult to discern but upon closer (and mindful) listening his message comes through clearly. I do find that I listen to the same sections more than once, not because I didn't understand, but because the wisdom is rich and the reminders to "stop" and relax, and smile resonate with me in the midst of my busy-ness. He implores us to be kind to ourselves and that if we are to have a peaceful world we must be at peace with our own bodies.

This lecture is obviously a recording of a retreat session. I felt as though I was having my own "space" and he makes meditation accessible sprinkled with loving humor ("you don't have to force yourself to sit in a lotus position - sit in the magnolia position").

I am cultivating calm each time I hear this recording.

May you be happy, may you be free from suffering, may you live with ease.

72 people found this helpful

Challenge yourself to conquer Fear

What did you love best about Living Without Stress or Fear?

I have been a Thich Nhat Hanh fan long before he was available on Audible. Many times his voice has helped me out of a sticky situation, almost always of my own creation. At first his accent may be difficult for some but I strongly urge you to sit back, relax and let his soothing voice wash over you. Soon you will be swept away with the simplicity of the exercises he teaches. From my personal experience they work in almost every mess you find yourself in. No matter how dark or hopeless your current situation may seem there is light if you only open your eyes, in this case your ears, and allow yourself to at least try. This man is such an exceptional teacher, life guide, inspiration I promise you there are simple practical things you can do IMMEDIATELY to turn the fear to power.

Who was your favorite character and why?

When he tells stories of people he has inspired I know I can do it too. My favorite is when he challenges me to connect with the five year old me. To remember my inner child is still there. This fills me with hope.

What does the narrator bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice has the soothing touch of compassion. The sound of the bell vibrates through me .

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The simplicity of the meditative exercises I can do anywhere, anytime, for free, no restriction, no obstacle (beside for my obstinance). I listed to it over and over. Particularly when facing a personal challenge.

Any additional comments?

You don't have to live in fear.

24 people found this helpful

Please buy this audio program.

This is an unbelievable life changing teaching. We need this more now than ever.
You cant put a price on the peace this program will bring into your life.

7 people found this helpful

Thich Nhat Hanh Does It Again

There is no word for what you really are, just notions. When conditions are right things will manifest. And, when they aren't things will cease to manifest. Ultimate reality transcends the notion of being and non-being. Nothing is created and nothing dies. Something can't become nothing; there is only transformation, a continuation. This can be seen through impermanence. These concepts and more are presented and explained by Thich Nhat Hanh. I found this to be an extremely enjoyable listen. Treat yourself to it and watch your spirituality grow by leaps and bounds.

7 people found this helpful

poor sound quality

Even with the volume all the way up due to the fact that this Monk is whispering and has an accent I could not understand nor follow what he was saying which was very unfortunate because I was very excited about this book. you need to be able to turn the volume up higher

6 people found this helpful

Wisdom

This man is incredibly wise. It is a privilege to hear him speak. Also, his voice is very pleasant to listen to.

6 people found this helpful

Good introduction to some Buddhist teachings

It is great to hear directly from one of the great Buddhist teachers of our time. Recorded at a retreat, the Venerable speaks gently in a calm voice, mixed with some refreshing humour from time to time. He uses clear and simple examples to teach some of the profound Buddhist concepts that are relevant to our everyday lives.

Some of the key takeaways and learnings for me are:
1. Seeing family as a living organism. We all need to actively fight off 'diseases' that come into the family and work to keep the family strong and healthy.
2. Our children are extensions of ourselves. How they become is a result of our actions as parents, and we must accept this like it is an artwork that we produce. Just as we sign our name on the artwork, we must also sign our name on our children's actions, behaviour and outcome.
3. Everyone can be a Buddha, or a bodhisattva, and we can start right now.
4. The concept of non-duality - We are neither the same nor different to younger self, or to our children. A river is neither the same nor different at any point in time. The same water does not flow through it twice, but it doesn't mean that it is a different river...
5. The concept of non-discrimination: We should treat one another with respect and understanding. Just as our right hand doesn't discriminate against the left, and vice versa because of different strengths and weaknesses, we should not discriminate against friends, colleagues or other people.

Some of the concepts will take much more studying and contemplation to understand fully but this is a good introduction.

Last but not least, it took a little while to get use to the Venerable's English accent but after getting the hang of it, I started appreciating his teachings.

5 people found this helpful

Amazing Teacher

Some people find a reason to complain about everything.. because they are not happy with themselves. Possibly such as the person who left the 1st review here.

I just downloaded this book so I haven't heard it yet but I have listened to several of his other books which are written I spoken by him.. The Art of Power & The Ultimate Universe.. both of which were great. Of those 2, I recommend the Art Of Power... the Ultimate Universe is more for folks a bit deeper into the path.

His English is fine & understandable.. it's better to hear his calming voice in the way he intends to communicate his words. I have listened to & read close to 100 book on zen, buddhism & spirituality & Tich Nhat Hanh is definitely on the top of the list.. He is a very soft hearted communicator with a vary feminine energy which is unique for a male Zen Master.. This is because he is like a walking orb of love & light. That's the best way to describe Tich Nhat Han. Many resonate with his teaching style for this reason. For some, a more aggressive approach is more helpful but I find it a wonderful compliment to other more aggressive zen teachings.

I'm exited to hear more of this amazing Teaches works.

May we each find our way back home..

Endless Bows to Tich Nhat Hanh,

Endless Bows to all beings*

60 people found this helpful

Few people have such simple wisdom

My hearing is not the best but I had little trouble listening and understanding what he said. Not only do we get the words and wisdom from him, but the ability to listen and hear his voice is priceless. This audiobook has already changed my driving “practice“. I have beeped the horn much less in the past two weeks. Hahaha.

3 people found this helpful

Impooible to hear in parts

I am a huge fan of Thich Nhat Hanh, and have read many of his books. I have also listened to other lectures and I am accustomed to understanding his voice. This one is recorded so poorly in places it is completely inaudible. At best it is still set all wrong. Some chapters are easier, like the last one. A shame, because it seems like a good lecture.

3 people found this helpful