Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

A vital approach to combating climate change and creating a better world for us and our future generations—from beloved Buddhist teacher, Zen master, and environmental activist Thich Nhat Hanh

We face a potent intersection of crises: ecological destruction, global warming, inflation, rising inequality, racial injustice, and the lasting impacts of a devastating pandemic. As shown time and time again, the situation is beyond urgent. To face these challenges through the practice of engaged Buddhism, we need to find ways to strengthen our clarity, compassion, and courage to act. As beloved Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh said, “When you wake up and you see that the Earth is not just the environment, the Earth is us, you touch the nature of interbeing.”

He is blazingly clear: there’s one thing we all have the power to change, which can make all the difference, and that is our mind. Our way of looking, seeing, and thinking determines every choice we make, the everyday actions we take or avoid, how we relate to those we love or oppose, and how we react in a crisis.

This powerful book on deep ecology is for anyone who cares about the growing and devastating impacts of climate change, mindful consumption, how human and nature’s interconnectedness is paramount for the well-being of all humanity, and creating a better, regenerative world for us and for future generations.

Energetic and altruistic, and filled of Thich Nhat Hanh’s inspiring meditations, Zen stories and experiences from his own activism, Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet shows us individual actions help guide institutional change, and bring healing and harmony to ourselves, our relationships, and our planet Earth.

This urgent call for collective awakening offers a clear path forward:

• A New Way of Seeing: Discover how to touch the nature of interbeing, see that the Earth is not just the environment—the Earth is us—and break free from the illusion of a separate self.
• Engaged Buddhism in Action: Learn why your way of looking, seeing, and thinking determines every choice you make, and how small individual actions can guide institutional change.
• The Power of Mindfulness: Apply Thich Nhat Hanh’s inspiring meditations and Zen stories to cultivate clarity, compassion, and the courage to act in a crisis.
• Mindful Consumption: Explore the deep connections between our consumption habits, ecological destruction, and the well-being of all humanity.
• A Regenerative Path: Find concrete ways to bring healing and harmony to ourselves, our relationships, and our planet for future generations.