Author: Thich Nhat Hanh
Publisher: Full Circle
Year: 1999
Language: English
Pages: 54
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8121606799
Description
This book is a translation and commentary on the Sutra on knowing the better way to live alone. This is the earliest teaching of Buddha on living fully in the present moment.
To live alone means to live in mindfulness: to let go of the past and the future, and to look deeply and discover the true nature of all is taking place in the present moment. Living alone does not mean to isolate ourselves from the society. If we know how to live alone, we can be in real touch with people and society, and we know what to do and what not to do to be of help.
The essential teaching of Buddhism is to be free of all anxiety concerning the past and desire for the future in order to come back into the present. Life can be found only in the present moment, because ' the past no longer is' and 'the future has not yet come'. Liberation, awakening, peace, joy, and happiness can only be found in the present moment. Our appointment with life is in the present moment.
Contents
PART ONE
The Sutras
PART TWO
The Subject Matter of the Sutras
PART THREE
Putting the Teaching of the Buddha into Practice
Appendix