Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Welcome to the freshly created Reading Peace book club, hosted and maintained by Parallax Press!

Please introduce yourselves in this thread, including any pertinent info you'd like to share about your favorite books, sangha affiliation, and/or mindfulness practice.

I guess I'll start!

My name is Jason and I am the Digital Media Director at Parallax. I create content for and maintain all of Parallax's digital and social media in addition to working on the marketing side.

I also teach part-time as an adjunct professor.

I consider my home sanghas the East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, CA as well as Deer Park Monastery.

My favorite Parallax title is Together We Are One: Honoring Our Diversity, Celebrating Our Connection and my favorite work of fiction is "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco. I am also an avid reader of sci-fi and fantasy novels.

Pleased to meet you all!

Hi, My name is Carondelet. I call myself an independent mindfulness meditation practitioner. My root teacher I consider to be Thich Nhat Hanh. I've read some of Thay's books, Pema's books and various other American Buddhist such as Susan Piver from the Open Heart Project.

I'm not sure how much time I have to devote to this group. I will be trying this group out.

Thanks!

Hi my name is John and my Buddhist name is Forest Mountain. I am a Christian Buddhist and after attending the Finding Our True Home retreat at Deer Park I have taken TNH as my "root" teacher. I have been practicing since 1992, and currently am a member of the Mindfulness Community of Puget Sound in Seattle.

One of my favorite books by TNH is Old Path, White Clouds /book/show/2... and the first book that really touched me about Buddhism was Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind /book/show/4....

Pleased to me you.

Smiling,
John

I'm Leslie Rawls, True Realm if Enlightenment, from Charlotte NC. I am a longtime Order of Interbeing member (1995), former editor of The Mindfulness Bell, and one of Thay's Dharma teachers. I love to read books that encourage and support my practice. I also enjoy many types of fiction, including science fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy. Favorite contemporary fiction authors: Reynolds Price, Margaret Atwood, David Mitchell, and many others.

My name is Elaine Fisher, Limitless Compassion of the Heart, from Akron, Ohio. I am an Aspirant to the Order of Interbeing. Favorite authors besides Thich Nhat Hanh include Barbara Kingsolver, Chaim Potok, and Susan Howatch (the Starbridge and St. Benet's novels). I sit with the Go As a River Sangha. With a bow and smile to all -
Elaine

My name is Mindy Lawrence, Peaceful Compassion of the Source, from Springfield, Missouri. I enjoy reading books that are encouraging and connect me to deep practice. I sit with both the Springfield Sangha and the Ozarks Dharma Group.

It is wonderful to see so many practitioners here. Thank you for your precious practice and presence!

Hello everyone I'm Ali, True Fluent Energy.

I practice with two online groups - Plumline Heart Sangha and Deep Looking Sangha. The second group is oriented around studying and practicing "Understanding Our Mind." We meet in a practice environment studying one chapter a week. It's been a great way to go deeper into the book and learn from and develop friendships with others on the path.

I'm a member of Plumline - a support group for online communities in the Plum Village tradition. We are here to help other communities like Deep Looking Sangha get up and running. So if there's a book that really resonates and you'd like to form an online group around it just drop me a line and I'll see if I can help.

Jason thank you so much for this initiative :)

Hello all,
I am a new member to Good reads after seeing this group linked through google+. I am a Marylander, an English teacher in training, tutor, fiance, pet owner, nature lover, and meditator. I like reading Buddhism books of various traditions and trying out practices from different traditions, though I probably identify most with TNH's engaged practices and Gil Fronsdal's (Insight tradition) pragmatic dharma talks. I am especially interested in the heart practices/Bramhaviharas (sp?). Looking forward to practicing with this group, cheers
-Tim

Hi,
I'm Pascale, from Brittany in France.
I've been reading Thay's books and practicing on my own for a long time. I went to my first retreat in Plum village last April and received the Five trainings. Now I'm in Britanny (since mid-June, was in the North region of France before), I'm able to practice with a Sangha and that's great.
I was already reading The mindfulness survivor kit when I received the mail announcing the creation of this book club... ;-)
Nice to virtually meet you !
With a lotus,
Pascale

Hello to All!

I am still studying and building my practice so I'm hoping that this community will be helpful.

I am a business school professor in Birmingham Alabama.

I have just begun my study in earnest and thought that this group would be an excellent way to guide my study. I'm late getting started as I'll just be ordering this month's book today.

Stephanie

Hello! I have read quite a few of Thich Nhat Hanh and consider his work to be the basis of my practice. I also like his books for children, as well as others from Parallax, and try to encourage the practice with the family.

I am a professor of writing in Idaho.

While I have been reading his books for a few years now, I still consider myself a beginner. I look forward to the discussions here.

In peace - Lauren

Hello! I'm Gwen Satoh, an occasional participant at Dharma Bums Temple in San Diego. Jack Kornfield, Pema Chodron and Thay are the writers I look to for spiritual guidance and direction. I have attended several retreats at Deerpark Monastery. Living in Mexico now, I'm delighted to find this online sangha and look forward to our discussions!

JT from a suburb of Detroit. I was introduced to Vipassana by a yoga teacher and through continual curiosity gravitated to TNH's teachings. I have read a few books and have only been involved with the practice over the past year. I am excited to listen and share experiences through this forum!

Hi, this is my first group attendance. I have been reading Thay for more years than I can remember. I have practiced Soto Zen, but have lapsed in recent years. I look forward to this as a renewal of my practice.

Hello. My name is Kathy and I consider Thay to be my primary teacher, although I read widely. I currently do not have a sangha, having moved cross country to Los Angeles and am somewhat surprised to not be able to find a group with which to sit.

I have attended several retreats at Magnolia Grove.

I look forward to the discussion.

Hello, my name is Craig. I took a class in Mindfulness in my area and have read a number of books related to Mindfulness, I am a Christian who finds no conflict between these Teachings and my religion. No see them as different manifestations of the same truths. I am working with my teacher and another student to create a mindfulness group practice on a regular basis, where we can share and practice as a community.

Hi, my name is Jan,
. I live in the Midwest and found this group because I follow TNH on Facebook. I am reading his most recent book about the Art of Communicating. I have also read books by Jack Kornfield and Pema Chodron and listen to podcasts by Tara Brach. I read a wide variety of books across many genres except I do not care for horror. I am excited to participate in the discussion and learn and share with all of you.

Hi Kathy,
There is Organic Garden Sangha that means in Culver City on Sat mornings at 7 am. There is Los Angeles Compassionate Heart Sangha in Hollywood on Sundays and many small Sanghas meeting around LA. Where do you live? If you need any more information, let me know, Kerry in Topanga

Hi, my name is Lynne and I live in England. I feel somewhat behind after reading all these fabulous introductions. I have not been practicing, and have so far read the first chapter only. I shall have to read it again before I go to Chapter 2! I am guessing my first lesson is to practice patience... I am looking forward to... Hm, is that being mindful, to look forward?? Anyway, I am thankful for the book (& that it is handbag size!) and thankful for your Sangha company. Happy Reading x

Hello, my name is Sue. I live in the Midwest and have practiced for quite some time. My primary teachers have been Pema Chodron, Thay, and Deepok. I look forward to Thay's continuation day tomorrow. He has taught me the deep meaning of the cloud. Of course, much much more, but it is so pleasant to be able to see and feel the clouds warmth even while in the shower.

Hello,
My name is Paula and I'm from the Philadelphia area. I have read many of Thay's books and listened to many of his talks. I am just a beginner and have not found a local Sangha. It is such a joy to find this group.

Hello, everyone! I'm Alexa, and I live in Pennsylvania. I've only very recently started reading works by Thich Nhat Hanh (as proof, I'm only now realizing that he's often called Thay!)

I'm excited to have found this group when I have, as I think it'll be a great way to more deeply understand and learn these teachings, and of course to have a community of like-minded people to discuss with!

Can't wait to be a part of this, I hope everyone is having a great day! =)

Hi, my name is Sabine and I live in Queensland.
I have started out with Mindfulness as part of a therapy, and soon discovered TNH's work.
It is the first time that I take part in a group on line.
I am sure it will be great to share.

Welcome, Sabine! I, too, became more intentional about my mindfulness practices as a therapeutic program - for me, the practice was a cornerstone to help me live with chronic pain. What a gift that has been! And Brother Thay is always one of my beloved teachers.

Hi there!

My name is Jen and I live in northwest Ohio. I have a husband and two little boys, ages 7 and 5. I am a practicing Christian, but really identify with many aspects of Buddhism. It is taking my spiritual walk to a different level of inward reflection and outward compassion. I view Buddhism as a philosophy and not a religion, so it is compatible for me and my beliefs. Whatever I don't agree with, I really don't dwell on. I believe even the Buddha said to never just take what he said as the truth, but to discover it for yourself. So whatever doesn't resonate with me really isn't a problem.

I love reading Dear Thay's works. I feel like when I fill my mind with the words and thoughts of someone who is gentle and compassionate, it makes me a more gentle and compassionate person, too.

While I try to make each moment mindful, my life is mindfully full, so I don't know how much time I will have to comment in the group. If I get the reading done, I will be very happy! But I will read as many comments as I can and hopefully contribute once in a while.

Warm wishes for all of you!

My name is Janice and I live in Ontario, Canada. My natural curiosity of Buddhism has led me to read several books on the subject. My hope is to learn more and apply these practices more consistently to my daily life.

Hello all. My name is Holly and I live in Black Forest, Colorado. I am a professor of health sciences, a mother of two teenage boys, and a student of Buddhism for a few years now. There are no sanghas nearby, but I have lots of resources in Boulder, which is only two hours away. We travel there many times a year and I would love my boys to go to college there so I could move there as well. One day I hope that will happen.

I am an avid reader of anything I can get my hands on, but this group in particular is special to me as a way of deepening my practice. I have read many Thich Nhat Hahn books and look very forward to digging into this book with all of you.

With great respect

Hello friends. My name is Kenley Neufeld and I have been a student of Thich Nhat Hanh since 1995. In 2012 I received Lamp Transmission from Thay. I live in Ojai, CA and teach and lead sangha mostly in Southern California. As an avid reader, I look forward to the insight and experience that people will bring to this group.

The first Thay book I read was "Peace is Every Step" and I'm very fond of "Old Path, White Cloud" and "Stepping Into Freedom". Reading all the sutra commentaries is also a regular ongoing practice. Just a page or two a day. :-)

Peace.

I have just read Peace in Every Step and realy enjoyed it. It's a very good book to recommend to Mental Health clients that I work with as an introduction to Thays work and Mindfulness.

Hi everyone, my name is Joanne (Jo) from Perth, western australia and this is my first group on goodreads. I am not part of a sangha - i am unaware of any here, so this group is my sangha. I have read a few of Thay's books and practice mindful steps and loving speech on a daily basis. I am happy to have found this group. Yours in the cultivation of peace. smiles, Jo

Hi everyone, my name is Joanne (Jo) from Perth, western australia and this is my first group on goodreads. I am not part of a sangha - i am unaware of any here, so this group is my sangha. I have read a few of Thay's books and practice mindful steps and loving speech on a daily basis. I am happy to have found this group. Yours in the cultivation of peace. smiles, Jo

Hi everyone, namaste! My name is Ram Das Batchelder, I'm the author of "RISING IN LOVE: My Wild and Crazy Ride to Here and Now, with Amma, the Hugging Saint." The book releases in December but many reviews are already coming on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ; here's the link: /book/show/2...
And here is a webpage I'm designing to spread the word about the book:

I'd be very happy to have any feedback about it. Is anything missing? Does it work well for you?
Thanks and love to all of you!
Ram Das

Hello my book friends, I'm Sebastian, Compassionate Strength of the Heart. Father, small business owner, Japanese sword arts instructor. In 2008 I decided to finally step out of books and attend a retreat at Blue Cliff monastery. I use to attend the Estes park Colorado retreats also. Now I'm very busy with my new daughters. I hope I have time to contribute here but I'll definitely read all your posts!

Evening all!
I joined the group back in October and am still working on The Mindfulness Survival Kit. Toddler and two jobs :) I accept being a bit behind. I call it Life with Toddler.
I am a Buddhist and introvert trying out a book group for the first time and pretty excited about it. I am very glad to be reading with a group and have enjoyed seeing all the questions and responses. I hope to someday soon catch up and be more active in the discussions.
Namaste,
Catherine

Evening all!
I joined the group back in October and am still working on The Mindfulness Survival Kit. Toddler and two jobs :) I accept being a bit behind. I call it Life with Toddler.
I am a Buddhist and introvert trying out a book group for the first time and pretty excited about it. I am very glad to be reading with a group and have enjoyed seeing all the questions and responses. I hope to someday soon catch up and be more active in the discussions.
Namaste,
Catherine

Hello to all!

I am very excited about this online book club. My name is Lisa and I'm a member of Mountain Mindfulness Sangha in Asheville. I have not read any of this month's book yet as I'm in the middle of buying a home with my husband, and moving in a few weeks! But I plan to begin in December or January. I enjoy reading books in Thay's tradition and a book club with the online global Sangha sounds so wonderful. This year, my favorite mindfulness practices are walking meditation and mindful flower arranging :) Looking forward to our discussions!

A lotus to you,
Lisa

Hello all. My name is Jaimie and I am a member of
Merging Rivers Zen Practice Center in Grants Pass Oregon. I am new to Buddhism and I look forward to learning with all of you. Namaste!

Welcome, Jaimie and Lisa! Enjoy this beautiful day that is upon us. With metta, Eileen

I am also new and excited about learning new things and discussions. Buddhism is and awesome outlook on life :)

Eileen wrote: "Welcome, Jaimie and Lisa! Enjoy this beautiful day that is upon us. With metta, Eileen"

Thank you!

Greetings, all. My name is Kathi. I am not affiliated with any sangha (yet), but have become interested in practicing Mindfulness in every day life. The first book Of Thay's that I read was Peace is Every Step, and it still resonates with me.

I am just now learning to navigate this discussion group, but I cannot find out what the book for January is. Help, please?

Hi katbethell! The December book is our January book as we haven't started the December book. lol Our moderator had a busy, busy December.

Thank you, Tim! I will find the book and follow along.

Hi, I'm a children's book author and illustrator. I write on spirituality for kids. Could you please add my books to the bookshelf

who are you?
B00R9QQDWM

I rule world
B00QS7JA64

Books:

Hi I'm Heather, Liberating Joy of the Source. I enjoy reading Thich Nhat Hanh books and most books in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. I also enjoy many other genres such as non-fiction (science and nature books mostly), fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, folk tales), and poetry (Neruda and Rumi are favorites).

Not sure why I have my introduction twice - could not delete one of them. I am from Charlotte, NC.

Hi Rumia, welcome! Which books of those authors have you been enjoying?

Rumia wrote: "Hello to you too Joshua. I have not read too many books by those authors, but by Pema I have read "Awakening Loving-Kindness", a little of "The Places that Scare You" and have now received "...
Rumia. I actually haven't read any of those Pema books, but 'The Places That Scare You' is on my list for sure. Living Buddha Living Christ was the first Thich Nhat Hanh book that I ever read. I'd really like to check out that one you mentioned by the Dalai Lama since I am from a Christian background practicing Buddhism. I really liked The Universe in a Single Atom by the Dalai Lama too. And probably his that has had the biggest impact on me is Healing Anger. I used to work in a group home for adults with mental disabilities and when they acted out for hours on end I would become very frustrated, but the meditations in that book really helped me bring compassion back to the forefront of my mind and not lose my ability to be helpful and keep my own peace. I've read a lot of Thich Nhat Hanh's books since I decided to join a Sangha in his tradition and really like his take on Buddhism. Would you mind sharing what some of your insights/benefits were from reading those books you mentioned?