In Joyfully Together, Thich Nhat Hanh explores the spiritual, emotional and practical aspects of developing a community for life. He stresses the importance of communication in all our relationships as the basis for resolving difficulties and maintaining an atmosphere of harmony in sanghas, families and in our daily encounters. The book presents both traditional and currently evolving practices that are applicable to today's global concerns of peace and security, reconciliation and mediation.
One of the best known and most respected Zen masters in the world today, poet, and peace and human rights activist, Thich Nhat Hanh has led an extraordinary life. Born in central Vietnam in 1926 he joined the monkshood at the age of sixteen. The Vietnam War confronted the monasteries with the question of whether to adhere to the contemplative life and remain meditating in the monasteries, or to help the villagers suffering under bombings and other devastation of the war. Nhat Hanh was one of those who chose to do both, helping to found the "engaged Buddhism" movement. His life has since been dedicated to the work of inner transformation for the benefit of individuals and society.
Thich Nhat Hanh continues to live in Plum Village in the meditation community he founded, where he teaches, writes, and gardens; and he leads retreats worldwide on "the art of mindful living."