Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise

Written by Thich Nhat Hanh

Narrated by Dan Woren

The Zen master and one of the world's most beloved teachers returns with a concise, practical guide to understanding and developing our most powerful inner resource—silence—to help us find happiness, purpose, and peace.

Many people embark on a seemingly futile search for happiness, running as if there is somewhere else to get to, when the world they live in is full of wonder. To be alive is a miracle. Beauty calls to us every day, yet we rarely are in the position to listen. To hear the call of beauty and respond to it, we need silence.

Silence shows us how to find and maintain our equanimity amid the barrage of noise. Thich Nhat Hanh guides us on a path to cultivate calm even in the most chaotic places. This gift of silence doesn't require hours upon hours of silent meditation or an existing practice of any kind. Through careful breathing and mindfulness techniques he teaches us how to become truly present in the moment, to recognize the beauty surrounding us, and to find harmony. With mindfulness comes stillness—and the silence we need to come back to ourselves and discover who we are and what we truly want, the keys to happiness and well-being.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jan 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9780062394811

Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh was a world-renowned Buddhist Zen master, poet, author, scholar, and activist for social change, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was the author of many bestselling books, including the classics Peace Is Every Step and The Art of Living. Through his books and retreats at the monasteries he has founded in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia, he became a pre-eminent figure in contemporary Buddhism, offering teachings that are both deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and accessible to all.  Sister Chan Khong is Thich Nhat Hanh’s most senior monastic disciple and lifelong collaborator. A leading force in his engaged Buddhism programs and humanitarian projects, her books include Learning True Love and Beginning Anew. Sister True Dedication is a former journalist and monastic Dharma Teacher ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh. 

Reviews for Silence

[Raimondas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

another great teaching by zen master. I would recommend looking into he's other works.

[camelia sade · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent read helps reduce anxiety. Highly recommend. Teaches technics of self awareness

[Nabil Kania · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very underrated author. Excellent book. It improved my life quality.

[Bella · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very practical way to live a better and more fulling life.

[Gergana Aleksandrova · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Best support in my journey on becoming quite and still. Thank you ❤️!

[June Caine · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite TNH book ever as it covers much about being present and meditation. Great for beginners as well as a refresher for advanced practitioners. It seems almost a review of all of TNH’s in one. Smile!

[Tülin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Be aimless". Another beautiful book, everything Thich Nhath Hanh has to say is important and worth listening to.

[shea knowles · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just love all his books. Absolutely the best advice for living a more appreciated and balanced life!

[jim · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great information on peaceful living and very easy to adapt to daily living

[Martín Yugdar Tófalo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In this book, we understand that sitting in silence, as easy as it might seem, is a great challenge. Accomplishing silent moments in our busy lives is actually one of the best ACTIVITIES we can pride ourselves in.

[happy365 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you so much .. I really enjoy ! I loved it

[gmgoytia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful reminder on how to immerse into mindfulness and leave a more peaceful quiet life in the midst of crazy living

[beautyqueenmil · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Inspiring. I’m new into “silence” and this book made me decide to Go deeper into the Buddhist path

[LilyRG · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great lesson and magnificent reflection on silence. Being aware of the spiritual and mental power of "not saying anything" should be a usual teaching and practice. And what can be said about the spiritual friend, the true friend in silence, wonderful. (Translated from Spanish)

[PatoNotaristefano · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I met this author in January of this year when he died, through my Tai Chi Master, who wrote a biographical sketch. Reading it made me want to know more about him, a monk committed to the peace of his country and the planet. Then I discovered that he is the creator, or one of the creators, of "mindfulness," which has become so fashionable and of which so many people talk and say they teach.

Well, all that "noise" has nothing to do with this book. Thich Nhat Hanh says that mindfulness is achieved by breathing, being aware of the air that comes in and the air that goes out. Nothing more. You just need that, a couple of minutes to stop the rush and breathe. Obviously, as this is practiced, it will extend throughout the day. “Mindfulness gives you the inner space and stillness to look within yourself, to discover who you are and what you want to do with your life,” he says at the beginning. And it is this idea that is developed throughout the book, including some simple practices and anecdotes as examples.

If you need to slow down, do not hesitate to read it. You will find it much more than just useful; it will be a beauty.

Curious fact: Perhaps it is because I recently read Hesse's Francis of Assisi, but many of the issues he raises are not very different from those that the Saint suggested. In fact, an anecdote about Buddha's encounter with an evil criminal reminded me of Francis' encounter with the wolf. (Translated from Spanish)

[Jessmena · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"People say that walking on water is a miracle, but for me, walking in peace on earth is the true miracle ♥️?✨"
thich nanth nath
Reading his teachings left me with a beautiful experience... I was recommended it ♥️ and I recommend it. (Translated from Spanish)

[Karin ⚡️ · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting, it mainly talks about the importance of being in the present moment and allowing space in the mind for silence and connection with oneself. It has practical exercises to achieve this state. It's worth reading. (Translated from Spanish)

[jasoncomely-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There are a few insightful stories here, including some context on Thich Quang Duc, the monk who poured gasoline on himself and sat in lotus position in perfect stillness while he burned to death. The book was both boring and fascinating for me.

[Annamh151 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great book on meditation that helps to understand the immense importance of silence in connecting us to the world. (Translated from Spanish)

[Augusto1974 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's excellent. You don't need to be a Buddhist or even sympathize with Buddhist culture. It's for everyone. (Translated from Spanish)

[rajivc_18 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an absolutely brilliant book. I would go so far as to say that not one word is superfluous.

This is an essential book for modern living and, is especially relevant in todays times, which are full of noise and chaos.

Having and treasuring those moments of silence is very important for clear thinking, building relationships, having a calmer disposition.

Very simple to read. Extremely relevant, as I have said. The lessons are timeless.

[bodhisattva_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The "silence" is both internal and external. Mindfulness as a remedy to "Radio NST" -- Non-Stop Thinking. A powerful reminder of the need for quiet and meditation throughout the day.

[debnance_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thich Nhat Hanh's Silence is subtitled The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise. Just reading this book reminded me of the importance of taking time to sit in silence and stillness, and so I did.

[st5croixsue · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hanh guides us on a path to cultivate the calm within ourselves to experience the profound power of quiet amid our noisy everyday lives. It is about the wisdom and practice of mindfulness and its connection to silence.