Analysis Of Thich Nhat Hanh 's Essential Writings

Deep breath, icy wind flows through her nostrils as her eyes drift closed. Silence the mind. Silence the obnoxious chatter. She shouldn’t think of that awful exam, she tells herself. She shouldn’t worry about how hurtful someone else’s comments were to her. Deep breath. Hold. Her shoulders slump. The wind howls around her, snow falls lulling the world into a dreamscape. Finally, there is silence. Goosebumps grow upward on her flesh, a shiver shakes her back, but there is no response. The cold has no effect, she is finally at peace. Mind empty, focusing on the now, she breathes until her body is relaxed and her mind is content

In its entirety, Buddhism has the capacity to be considered a way of life, more so than it does to be considered a religion. While the ideas that support this branching off from the religious normative are true, it is self-evident that Buddhism is, and should be, classified as a religion. Thich Nhat Hanh’s Essential Writings go far to showcase the constituents which play the greatest role in Buddhism as a lifestyle, but when observing the primitive aspects, as detailed within Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction, author Damien Keown highlights aspects that are more indicative of the run-of-the-mill religion. In theory, Buddhism can be seen as a religion. However, when the religion is carried out and the Eightfold path is followed, religious feelings disintegrate and the prominence of lifestyle comes forth.

Although misconceptions are prominent throughout beliefs about the Buddhist religion, Keown is quick to point this out, “Students of Buddhism have tended to fasten onto a small part of the tradition and assume their conclusions held true about the whole.” (Keown, 1) He proceeds to say that these beliefs ...

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...ive” (Hanh, 36) Thich Nhat Hanh speaks of being in the moment. Living in the moment. Without that living and being, importance on the present is lost. Thich Nhat Hanh focuses his beliefs on higher consciousness, which, as mentioned before, can be equated to the astral plane. It can be seen as a way to enlighten oneself, a steady meditation to lessen the struggles and suffering of everyday life.

What conclusions can be drawn from a religion which is not really a religion? What can be said about the simple minded listening that Buddhism instills in its students? There is a way of life, less conforming. Where rules aren’t the only factor, where the bettering of oneself is not looked down upon as selfish or greedy. Buddhism in its simplest form is the ability to practice self-love, kindness, and appreciation however it is perceived, lifestyle, philosophy, or religion.