BeautifulSeptember 29, 2008 2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the most devout and peaceful men that one will ever have the pleasure of reading. A lifelong peace activist, Buddhist monk, and beacon of hope of in a dark world, "Taming the Tiger Within" is not unlike reading a few notes from the chorus of a monastery and hearing them at the same time.
Essentially, Hanh is only telling us what we should already know and practice with ourselves and our loved ones in a tone of gentleness and love--without a hint of condescencion. Many of us would ask, "How can we actually return home after a busy, nettlesome day and not express our anger in immature ways, just to vent?" (privately, of course). Hanh's response is simple: talk about it. Be it. This means shedding a lot of the illusions (the ego goes first, of course) and being totally vulnerable which a lot of are simply not willing to do. Without this willingness which sets free, however, we are always a slave to destruction.
Despite being more of a "quick read" as many reviewers have pointed out, this quick read contains more wisdom than busty tomes of theology on Buddhism or any faith. Perfect.
As inspirational, helpful, intelligent ...as his other great works.September 1, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Actually I find it hard to comment on the author's books with words other than the standard positive ones coz they are always as intelligent, bright, inspirational, helpful....as they can be. I just keep do so to keep a record for my own reference. Pardon me. In short, recommended.
Below please find some of my favorite passages for your reference.
Every time you feel lost alienated, or cut off from life, or from the world, every time you feel despair, anger or instability, practice going home. Mindful breaking is the vehicle that you use to go back to your true home. pg 99
If your house is on fire, the most urgent thing to do is to go back and try to put out the fire, not to run after the person you believe to be the arsonist. pg 107
The reason we are foolish enough to make ourselves suffer and make the other person suffer is that we forget that we and the other person are impermanent. Someday, when we die, we will lose all our possessions, our power, our family, everything. Our freedom, peace, and joy in the present moment is the most important thing we have. But without an awakened understanding of impermanence, it is not possible to be happy. pg 119
If it is your partner who is angry, just listen. Listen and do not react....Do not listen for the purpose of judging, criticizing, or analyzing. Listen only to help the other person express himself and find some relief from his suffering. pg 159
We cannot enjoy life if we spend a lot of time worrying about what happened yesterday and what will happen tomorrow. We worry about tomorrow because we are afraid. If we are afraid all the time, we cannot appreciate that we are alive and can be happy now. pg 179
really good for anyone that has ever been angry (even in the slightest)April 17, 2008 2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Many people in the west are not accustomed to Buddhism or the practices. Unfortunately, many of the so called religious people (christians, muslims, and jewish people) do not fully understand compassion, nor does their religion teach it completely and without dogma as Buddhism does. This book is a must have for everyone that has even been angry even once in their life. It outlines what many Buddhist practice and provides a clear and concise path to replacing anger with compassion.
GoodMarch 7, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Great things to say in this book... I was a little disappointed to find that it's just a compilation of quotes from his other books (many of which I have already read). It is just one quote per page... felt a little gypped... not a bad book for daily meditation though.
transformational!!!November 11, 2007 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
simply said whenever i am wrestling with a difficult energy or emotion i read a passage or two from this book and the intense energy i feel is relieved and i become to feel more at peace once again
