Book Review : Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh

I picked two books by Thich Nhat Hanh during my visit to Nepal. Savor is a powerful guide to mindfulness, teaching us how to find peace and joy in our everyday lives, no matter the challenges we face. Drawing on Buddhist teachings, particularly the Four Noble Truths, the book encourages us to take small, steady steps each day to cultivate awareness and reduce suffering. Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes the importance of persistence and patience — reminding us that lasting change doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistent, mindful practice.

One of the core ideas in Savor is the understanding of suffering. Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that suffering is a part of life for everyone. We all experience pain, loss, and disappointment. However, the book offers a powerful message: we can identify the root causes of our suffering and, through mindfulness, take steps to end it. By becoming aware of our thoughts and emotions, we gain the insight needed to transform our suffering into wisdom and compassion. The book teaches that by following the right path, we can free ourselves from the cycle of suffering and move towards a more peaceful, contented life.

The Four Noble Truths, a central tenet of Buddhist philosophy, guide the book’s teachings. These truths are:

1. Suffering is an inescapable part of life.
2. We can identify the causes of suffering, such as desire, attachment, and ignorance.
3. It is possible to put an end to suffering.