In a time of terrorism and uncertainty, how can we feel truly safe? Calming the Fearful Mind offers key teachings designed to help heal the misunderstanding, fear, and hatred that divide us as individuals, groups, and nations. Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh looks at the roots of terrorism and fear, and offers step-by-step instructions for calming the mind and looking deeply into our own misperceptions. His own generosity of spirit and love for all beings models a path out of uncertainty and towards peace and the understanding of how terrorism be transformed and uprooted.

Thich Nhat Hanh has survived three wars, persecution, and more than thirty years of exile. A Buddhist monk, he is the master of a temple in Vietnam, the lineage of which is traceable across two centuries to the Buddha himself. Hanh has written more than 100 books of poetry, fiction and philosophy, wit over a million copies in print. He live in France and Vermont, He is the author of Living Buddha, Living Christ and Anger.

"Recommendation" by Thich Nhat Hanh                7  
CHAPTER ONE: Uprooting Terrorism
  Understanding the Roots of Terrorism             9  
  America's Suffering                              13 
  Deep and Compassionate Listening                 17 
  A Council of Sages                               19 
  The Most Beautiful Export                        23 
  A Peace Conference As a Retreat                  28 
  Believing in Our Spiritual Path                  29 
CHAPTER Two: Compassion Is Our Best Protection
  Defending Ourselves without Violence             32 
  Preserving Our Humanity                          34 
  Torture Is Never Justified                       35 
  Our Collective Karma                             37 
  A Knife to Kill or Chop Vegetables               38 
  Mindful Consequences                             42 
CHAPTER THREE: Nourishing Peace
  The First Nutriment: Edible Food                 47 
  The Second Nutriment: Sensory Food               51 
  The Third Nutriment: Our Deepest Desire          55 
  The Fourth Nutriment: Consciousness              59 
CHAPTER FOUR: Leading with Courage and
Compassion
  Peace Is Made of Peace                           63 
  Five Steps for Coming Home to Ourselves          71 
  Organizing Nonviolence Retreats                  75 
  Cultivating Mindfulness                          80 
  Peace Actions                                    82 
CHAPTER FIVE: A Century of Spirituality
  The Blue Sky                                     87 
  Go As a River                                    90 
  Building Safety through Communication            91 
  The Family of Nations                            95 
  Displaying the Light of Wisdom                   97 
APPENDIX 1: Writings on Terrorism
  The Best Flowers of Our Practice                 99 
  Cultivating Compassion to Respond to Violence    101
  What I Would Say to Osama bin Laden              103
APPENDIX 2: Practices for Peace
  Walking Meditation                               113
  Deep Listening and Loving Speech                 117
  Beginning Anew                                   121