The Present Moment

By: Sister Chan Khong, Thích Nhất Hạnh

Narrated by: uncredited

Buddhism teaches that the present moment contains the seeds of all poosibilites for out lives- freedom from suffering; true comapssion for other; and a calm, spacious mind that welcomes change. Originally recorded at a week-long retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh, The Present Moment shares the essential Buddhist practices designed to "touch the energy of mindfulness" that we carry within us. It is through these time-honored teachings that anyone can open the seeds of joy that are always present and waiting to change our lives. As a Buddhist monk in 1966, working to relieve the suffering caused by the Vietnam Way, Thich Nhat Hanh was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr. Today this Zen master and bestselling author is admired for his special way of teaching the dharma (essential Buddhist truths) to students of all faiths, while addressing the unique challenges of our day. The seeds of internal and external peace are already inside you., Thich Nhat Hanh teaches. You need only learn to contact and nurture them. This is the path to transcending fear and anger; this is the path to a more peaceful world. Through easy-to-follow exercises, you will earn a treasury of meditation to help you walk, breathe, communicate- even cope with traffic- more deeply and consciously.

Here is your invitation to experience these key practices for living joyfully, with respected master of this 2,000-year-old wisdom tradition, in The Present Moment.

©1994 Sounds True; 1994 Thich Nhat Hanh and Sr. Chan Khong

GREAT LISTEN

Loved it! I listened to it 3 times. Definitely a book to give you peace!

The most beautiful of all Dharma Teachings

Allyne Rosenthal

The deepest truths presented with simplicity compassion and love. An astonishingly precious gift from Thay and Sister True Emptiness.

Amazing

I am so happy this event was recorded. It is good to hear from a True Master.

Describing this book in words?? Ha!

... shed light of the 5 sandals and found them equally empty. after this pent ration he overcame all ill being.

The master at his best.

If you could sum up The Present Moment in three words, what would they be?

Peaceful, pointed, profound.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the dharma talks by Master Hanh. He is truly amazing and has so much insight into human nature.

Have you listened to any of the narrator’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The book is a recording and not so much a narration of a book. I have listened to other recordings of Thich Naht Hanh though and the quality of this recording is so-so.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

That would be a long sitting.

Any additional comments?

I could have done strangely monotone introduction and the singing and talks of Sister true Emptiness. But those chapters are easily skipped. You can listen to the chapters independently and not lose anything because they don't build on each other too much.

In all, this is profound and potentially life-changing stuff.

Thay’s teachings are wonderful, Sounds True interruptions a bit frustrating.

This recording is a good example of how wonderful Thich Nhat Hanh’s (Thay’s) retreats and teachings are. The recording is from a retreat and some may not enjoy that however if you’ve ever been to a Plum Village retreat it takes you to the event.

I have not been able to see Thay in person at a retreat, but programming like this help me learn, grow, and experience him and his work. It is really amazing.

My biggest frustration with this recording is that Sounds True had to put what feels like mini advertisements between each chapter and over the sounds of the bell, chanting, singing which really disrupts the flow of a true retreat. The bell, chanting and songs are so important in the Order of Interbeing that this really feels disjointed and that maybe Sounds True is misaligned with their practices.

Overall I’m a fan of Sounds True’s work, but this was difficult as I wanted to stop, listen closely and breath in these moments. I did, but I was surprised at chapter promotions over the bell.

There is so much wisdom in Thay’s work that this is a great addition to his books and other teachings. If you are new to retreats or curious about how Thay lead retreats, this is a great listen.

I really enjoyed it. I will relisten to this program again in the future and recommend it. I hope you give it a try as we need more people practicing his wisdom as he continues on through each of us.

Calming

Very good book , this is my first of Thich's books , Was concerned of the language barrier but I had no problems understanding, so off to purchase another of Thich's books. Thank you.
Oh! forgot to mention the audio is a little echoe but fully understandable I think the talk is in a hall or similar but it's still worth rating of 4 out of 5 imho.

Speaker

Speaker is Thich Nhat Hanh. Recording was made during a retreat. I recommend this book.

Balm to the ears and the soul

I could listen to Thich Nhat Hanh for ever. He has the most mellifluous and gentle voice and he is so thoughtful in his delivery.

This audiobook is a good introduction to mindfulness meditation and buddhism.

Very inspiring

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the inspiring teaching and practical guidance for mindful living and being