We would like to share this wonderful new book featuring the wisdom of the late great Zen monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh
Here is a message from co-author Rashani Réa.
aloha kākou, (hello everyone)
it’s an honor, to say the least, to have co-authored a book with Thich Nhat Hanh, known by many as “Thây”.
not only was i given permission by him—and several of his sangha members—but i also received their loving encouragement and precious blessings.
those of you who know me well—or who've even spent minimal time with me—Know that i have had a strong aversion to “marketing.”
i rarely market my cards, books or cd's.
occasionally, i post information about them but mostly i prefer to let others simply know when a new book is available. collages, books,
songs and cd’s are what appear when i'm seized by the muse, when an indescribable, unstoppable creativity takes root—when “i” get out of the way.
currently, since completing “go slowly, breathe and smile” i’m accepting the invitation from my editor & publisher and many friends to let others know about this book, which is being published next month by mango publishing group.
throughout this past year, as well as publishing four other books, i had the privilege of piecing together “go slowly, breathe and smile” with my wonderful editor and agent, arnie kotler, who founded parallax press many years ago.
the book includes 44 colorful collages, interwoven with words by Thây, created between 1988 and last year. opposite each collage are short lead-ins by Thây. each section of the book includes a beautiful introduction. one by joan halifax, another by mobi warren (previously known as mobi ho) and another by nel houtman, a wonderful dharma teacher who lives in switzerland.
the afterword was written by sister chân không—a remarkable nun—and i wrote a long chapter about my experiences with Thây and my time at plum village. i also added a post script at the end of the book.
thank you for taking the time to read this and i do hope you will order the book:
in gratitude,
rashani
Praise for the Go Slowly, Breathe, and Smile
“This beautiful book is a feast for the senses and pure nourishment for the soul.”
–Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance
“These simple and deep words from Thich Nhat Hanh interwoven into the delightfully tender and colorful collages by Rashani Réa have made the living dharma available to the mainstream.”
—Peter Russell, author of The Global Brain
“I am very happy Rashani has put together this wonderful book of her art with Thây’s sayings for you to benefit from and enjoy.”
—Sister Chân Không, author of Learning True Love
“Thich Nhat Hanh said, ‘The more you understand, the more you love. The more you love, the more you understand.’ Seeing Rashani’s stunning collages, I have the distinct feeling that I’m understanding and loving the moment in a way I hadn’t before. Her art and this book will grow your capacity to understand, and your capacity to love.”
—Dawna Markova, author of Living a Loved Life
“What a rare treat when the delicacy of images amplifies an already profound message! Rashani’s extraordinary collages perfectly mirror Thich Nhat Hanh’s simple yet powerful teachings. An exquisite collection.”
—James Baraz, author of Awakening Joy
“Thich Nhat Hanh writes, ‘Our own life has to be the message.’ Thây’s life has touched millions in this world—a message of peace, interbeing, love, and present-moment awareness. Rashani’s life, like her art, also conveys a beautiful message of truth. This book is a celebration of the beauty and radiance of each expression, each grain of true golden sand.”
—Dorothy Hunt, author of Ending the Search: From Spiritual Ambition to the Heart of Awareness
“Thich Nhat Hanh’s message is not only deceptively simple and deeply true, it’s also beautiful, elegant, and poetic. Rashani’s art perfectly complements Thây’s poetic words. Both tap deeply into the web of life that underlies and connects all. In Go Slowly, Breathe and Smile, Thây and Rashani lift the veil a little and offer us a glimpse of the Way.”
—Paul Tingen, author of Miles Beyond: The Electric Explorations of Miles Davis
“Go Slowly, Breathe and Smile is simply beautiful. As a profoundly co-creative interaction, it touches my heart, inspires my spirit, and gives me faith in existence.”
—Carol Stewart, The Mystery School, Nelson, British Columbia
“Go slowly, breathe and smile; and allow Rashani’s beautiful art and Thich Nhat Hanh’s deeply wise sayings to accompany you along the way.”
—Joan Halifax, author of Standing at the Edge
