In Good Citizens, Thich Nhat Hanh lays out the
foundation for an international solidarity movement based on a shared
sense of compassion, mindful consumption, and right action. Following
these principles, he believes, is the path to world peace. The book is
based on our increased global interconnectedness and subsequent need for
harmonious communication and a shared ethic to make our increasingly
globalized world a more peaceful place. The book will be appreciated by
people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds.
While based on the basic Buddhist teachings of the Four
Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path, Thich Nhat Hanh boldly leaves
Buddhist terms behind as he offers his contribution to the creation of a
truly global and nondenominational blueprint to overcoming deep-seated
divisions and a vision of a world in harmony and the preservation of the
planet.
Key topics include the true root causes of discrimination;
the exploration of the various forms of violence; economic, social, and
sexual violence. He encourages the reader to practice nonviolence in
all daily interactions, elaborates on the practice of generosity, and
teaches the art of deep listening and loving speech to help reach a
compromise and reestablish communication after misunderstandings have
escalated into conflicts.
Good Citizens also contains a new wording of the
Five Mindfulness Trainings (traditionally called “precepts”) for lay
practitioners, bringing them in line with modern-day needs and
realities. In their new form they are concrete and practical guidelines
of ethical conduct that can be accepted by all traditions.
Good Citizens also includes the complete text of
the UN Manifesto 2000, a declaration of transforming violence and
creating a culture of peace for the benefit of the children of the
world. It was drafted by numerous Peace Nobel Prize recipients and
signed by over 100 million people worldwide.
Coinciding with the US presidential election year of 2012, Good Citizens
reaches across all political backgrounds and faith traditions. It shows
that dualistic thinking—Republican/Democrat, Christian/Muslim—creates
tension and a false sense of separateness. When we realize that we share
a common ethic and moral code, we can create a community that can
change the world.
129 pages. Paperback.