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A review by dorothy_gale
The Heart of Understanding: Commentaries on the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra by Thích Nhất Hạnh
4.0
FABULOUS LISTEN TO CALM AN ANXIOUS MIND. I had something short of an anxiety attack yesterday after overdosing on COVID stories, news, and data. I listened to this book to wind down after my kids went to bed, and while attempting simple origami for the first time. It was only about an hour long, it was free through Audible's PLUS catalog (for members), and narrated by Edoardo Ballerini who had the perfect voice for it. This was my second Thich Nhat Hanh book, and I realized his last name is pronounced the same as my maiden name.
It earned 4★ since "I really liked it." It didn't earn a 5th star because it failed one of my litmus tests for non-fiction; the ideas weren't organized and/or sticky enough to remember. Whereas this author's Peace is Every Step (his most popular book, published in 1990) is written with a main theme with cohesive sections that support the theme, The Heart of Understanding (his 21st most popular book on GR, published in 1987) is just what the title says -- Commentaries. I'd say it's less cohesive, and that for me made it less memorable.
What I DID remember was the comparisons of roses to trash, this concept of "Interbeing" which I couldn't really wrap my mind around, and a discussion on emptiness (which was similar to Landmark Education). Since it is so short, I may try it again some day, or even use it to fall asleep!
In general I have found Buddhist ideas to be thought-provoking and sometimes even paradigm-shifting. The challenge I have is being able to access those ideas at my pace of life.
It earned 4★ since "I really liked it." It didn't earn a 5th star because it failed one of my litmus tests for non-fiction; the ideas weren't organized and/or sticky enough to remember. Whereas this author's Peace is Every Step (his most popular book, published in 1990) is written with a main theme with cohesive sections that support the theme, The Heart of Understanding (his 21st most popular book on GR, published in 1987) is just what the title says -- Commentaries. I'd say it's less cohesive, and that for me made it less memorable.
What I DID remember was the comparisons of roses to trash, this concept of "Interbeing" which I couldn't really wrap my mind around, and a discussion on emptiness (which was similar to Landmark Education). Since it is so short, I may try it again some day, or even use it to fall asleep!
In general I have found Buddhist ideas to be thought-provoking and sometimes even paradigm-shifting. The challenge I have is being able to access those ideas at my pace of life.