It's bizarre that Yoda the Jedi master actually spouted some basic Buddhist wisdom: "...always dreaming of the future, never his mind on WHERE HE WAS! Humph! WHAT HE WAS DOING!" Those words sum up the idea of living in the present moment that is one of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. This book presents small sayings (or "gathas") that can be used to allay a distraction and get back into the present moment. There are verses for opening a window, looking in the mirror, using the toilet, getting dressed, lighting a candle, sweeping, eating, walking, gardening, taking out the garbage, using the telephone, and even watching television. All gathas emphasize the interconnectedness of things, and living in the present moment: "We can be very happy just by being aware of what is in front of us." Themes of justice and injustice also permeate the section on food. This is a very good small, readable and comprehensible collection of Buddhist wisdom. Newcomers may have a little trouble, but the text is not very difficult, and unknown terms can be easily looked up. Buddhism incorporates very underrated perspectives and lifestyles that can reduce stress, conquer anger, and give meaning to daily existence.
We live, whether we acknowledge life/action, or we simply 'go through the motions', we live.
We may live fully, capturing the moment (as we might during a carcrash or orgasm) or we might wish to 'just get this over' (as we might during a trafficjam or while on our last hour at the office on Friday). Either way, we live.
Stress (which smirks beneath many masks: anger, greed, lust, jealousy, obsession, selfishness, pride, hate) haunts, terrorizes, debilitates, consumes... if we allow stress to run wild. Living in the present moment and embracing the present moment as a wonderful, unique, meaningful moment strips stress of its power... it can even vanquish stress.
Thich Nhat Hanh compiles (and shares with us) gathas utilized at Plum Village. These gathas can help us focus our thoughts/actions, to facilitate living each moment in appreciative fullness. These gathas are not tools of rote memorization, meant to be cure all's simply because they are memorized. These gathas are methods to focus, liberating us to meaningful action: "When we focus our minds on a gatha, we return to ourselves and become more aware of each action. When the gatha ends, we continue our activity with heightened awareness," (viii). This book helps me both through the Plum Village gathas, and through the inspiration to create my own pertinent gathas (gathas for: walking my dog, opening the mailbox, charting on residents, reading books, listening to music, playing basketball, shaving my face, etc.). Hanh even encourages creating gathas: "Composing new verses is a way of enriching the tradition," (ix).
This book is inexpensive, purchase it and experience peace and freedom in each moment -- your own peace and freedom.
