Chanting from the Heart: Buddhist Ceremonies and Daily Practices

As a 12er Shia Muslim, I believe that Gautama Buddha was a Prophet of God. What I like about Thay's approach is that he allows Theists to participate in his practice centers. He is known for helping people whether or not they are Buddhists. He was criticized by Communists and non-Communists for helping anyone in need during the Vietnam War. That is only one example of what I would call his "charity work". Of all the books by Buddhist authors on my shelf, this book and a few other books by Thich Nhat Hanh are my favorites.I began doing sitting and walking meditation using this book. Later, I purchased his commentaries on various sutras, as well as The Heart of Truth. The most recent book I read by Thay was Old Path, White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha, which is actually the first book I would recommend one read by Thich Nhat Hanh. This book is a biography of Gautama Buddha that seems to be written for one who will be practicing Thich Nhat Hanh's flavor of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. After reading Old Paths, White Clouds, I believe a practitioner with no practice center nearby would have a bit easier time using Chanting from the Heart than if he or she started practicing only having the knowledge in this book.Of course, as a 12er Shia Muslim, I make Salat prayer, seek refuge in Allah, and read Quranic Sutras and follow the halal food laws. For those Buddhists who not only Five Mindfulness Trainings (5 Precepts) but are also Vegetarian or Vegan or just eat raw foods, those are excellent diets. Meat is allowed for Muslims, but Muslims are not obligated to eat meat. Thus, it is possible for a Muslim to practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings and even follow a meatless diet. In fact, the 1st of our 12 Imams, Ali Ibn Talib, who is the 4th Caliph of Sunni Muslims, wrote that one should not eat much meat. He also wrote that all people are either one's brother or sister in Islam, or one's equal in Adam, so a true Muslim ought to treat non-Muslims charitably and justly. That may seem like too much information, but I wrote the above for those Buddhists who may have had bad experiences with professing Muslims. Plenty of Sunni and Shia Muslims, including Sufis, love the Buddha and Buddhists. I am especially appreciative of Thich Nhat Hanh, as well as Theravada monk Bhikkhu Buddhi, who has produced a good large compilation of suttas and excerpts of suttas from the Pali Canon, as well as a good short book on the Eightfold Noble Path.Be happy practicing with Chanting From the Heart!

It's a very in depth book. And easy to understand. I have learned a lot on what and how to practice. It really hit home and opened my eyes to so many self inflicted struggles and sufferings. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants insight on living a loving, and peaceful life.

Another great book from the Vietnamese Buddhist Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh. This book is a collection of beautifully written ways "to help strengthen our practice of mindfulness, nourishing the seeds of love and understanding within us". Who wouldn't benefit from that? I am using this book as a daily read, to enhance my mornings of meditation, and to carry these thoughts with me throughout the day. As I continue to read, I have decided to incorporate the chantings and recitations in my own Sangha, of which I have been asked to lead the meditation group on Sunday mornings. Also, before I begin to meditate in the morning and after reading spiritual literature, I have added listening to the Youtube video of "The Heart of Perfect Understanding" sung by the Plum Village and reading it along with the song being sung. This is written in the Daily Practice Session section of this book. Such a wonderful way to start your day. I literally started hearing singing in my own head as I was pausing, opening curtains and doing other things around my house. A kind of chant for every thing throughout my morning. In my opinion, a must read, to be incorporated into daily living!

This book is a complete guide for daily personal practice and/or group practice. It is the only book I've found that offers an outline for everyday practice as well as an explanation and outline for ceremonies, which may be conducted throughout the year. Everything is explained in simple, easy-to-understand English, which is so typical of Thich Nhat Hahn's style.The book begins with a brief explanation of basic exercises. Next is a section on daily practice, which includes an outline of exactly what to do on a daily basis, and choices of recitations so you can change your routine periodically. Then the book has a section on ceremonies which is almost two-hundred pages in length. Instructions include ceremonies on the basics - refuge and mindfulness, the Buddha's birthday, New Year's ceremony, aspiration and praise ceremony, and a complete section on death, cremation and burial ceremonies. (A blessing ceremony and wedding ceremony are also included.) A section of discourses is next, and last is a section of music. It is a beefy book - 431 pages to be exact, and a nice ribbon marker is included in the binding.Even though Thich Nhat Hanh is a Zen Master, I have easily incorporated many of these practices into my daily Tibetan Buddhist routine.This is a great resource for the beginner or well-seasoned practitioner. Thank you Master for filling a void which has existed until now in western practice. I bow to you in great reverence for bringing easy-to-practice and understand Buddhism to the west. Thank you!

This is a beautiful book with a multitude of ceremonial options. I love Thich Nhat Hahn’s books and this is just flat out amazing.

A very nice book to develop a home practice mirroring those found in Plum Village. As noted elsewhere the book has Basic Exercises, various aily Practices, Ceremonies, and wonderful Discourses. Although a nice addition, the music and songs will tend to be lost on those with no musical inclinations.

This book arrived quickly, is a pleasure to read, and should help me on my journey of meditation and spiritual growth. Thich Nhat Hanh never disappoints.

I love everything about this book. It offers so many ways to practice.

Beautiful book delivered on time and in perfect condition

It is exactly what i required for the journey I am on. It is very clear and easy to follow.

great

I keep this book by on my bedside table!!! A must have.

Great book and shipped fast