The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. LXIV, Part 1-2, 1976 - Khamkoo

REVIEWS 319
Thich Nhat Hanb, The Mz'rac/eof Being Awake, Mobi Quynh Hoa trans.,
Jim Forested. (Bangkok, Sathirakoses-Nagapradipa Foundation, 1976),
66 pp.
Thich Nbat Hanh may be called a monk of many parts: the poet,
the social worker, the political activist. In The Miracle of Being Awake,
we come to appreciate the penetrating and lucid mind of a Buddhist
philosopher who can apply the truth of Buddhist teachings to our everyday
actions. His exposition on the "Sutra of Mindfulness" provides the
reader with 'signposts' that will guide him on the path towards
recognition of the miracle of life, liberation from suffering, and peace.
Thich Nhat Hanh, through the simple yet effective technique of
using examples from everyday life as commonplace as eating a tangerine
or washing dishes, is able to make us focus on our inability to accept and
appreciate the reality of a moment in time to wonder at the peace and
joy which awareness of the present gives us. Thich Nhat Hanh carefully
leads us to an understanding that mindfulness frees one from "forgetfulness
and dispersion", and makes it possible to "live each minute of
life".
The author subsequently outlines certain basic techniques to be
used in reaching the exalted state of "mindfulness", focusing on
meditation. Nbat Hanh gives detailed instructions on breathing exercises
which, if properly carried out, will lead toward mindfulness.
An accompanying guide outlines 32 exercises and methods in
meditation exhorting the reader to choose the ones roost appropriate to
himself. The exercises vary in complexity from assuming a "half-smile
when irritated" to "contemplation on your own skeleton", "contemplation
on emptiness" and'' contemplation on detachment''.
The subtitle of this book is "A manual on meditation for the use
of young activists". Throughout the text, Thich Nhat Hanh refers to
the need for the socially committed and involved social worker to carry
out his duties in the spirit and context of mindfulness. Only through an
acceptance of mindfulness and its practice can social service be
meaningful and effective. However, the readership of this intellectually
vital and socially relevant religious treatise should not be limited to
social service activists. Each of us, scholar, civil servant, manual
worker, or housewife can benefit from its wisdom, and hopefully achieve
the "miracle of being awake".
William J. Klaustter