How to See by Thich Nhat Hanh (a brief summary)

Key Teaching: Our mind holds countless perceptions that rise and fall like waves in a river.

Practice: Observe a thought as it arises, stays, and fades—without clinging.

Reflection: How do I cling to certain perceptions as if they’re permanent?

Key Teaching: Suffering arises from misperceptions. By looking deeply, we dissolve fear.

Practice: When you feel fear or anger, ask: “Is this perception accurate?” and look for the root.

Reflection: What suffering could be soothed if I examined what I’m actually perceiving?

Key Teaching: Labels and judgments cloud our clarity.

Practice: In daily life, pick one object and observe it without naming (no “flower,” “chair,” etc.).

Reflection: How often do I judge before even looking?

Key Teaching: Seeing with openness—without preconceptions—brings freshness and insight reddit.com+15bookey.app+15bookey.app+15.

Practice: Approach someone or something familiar and imagine it’s your first encounter.

Reflection: What new aspects emerge when I let go of past opinions?

Key Teaching: True seeing opens the heart to compassion—understanding others’ suffering.

Practice: Truly look at someone in your life as you breathe; sense their humanity and vulnerability.

Reflection: What did I notice when I really saw someone?

Key Teaching: No phenomenon stands alone—everything is interconnected and arises together .

Practice: Choose an object (tree, cup) and trace its elements: water, earth, worker, sun, etc.

Reflection: How does awareness of interconnection shape my sense of belonging?

Key Teaching: Relying on appearances leads to illusion. Insight arises when we look beyond signs .

Practice: Notice when you judge based on looks. Pause and ask: “Is this all there is?”

Reflection: How does my inner story diverge from the full reality?

Key Teaching: When perception transforms into insight, clarity dawns.

Practice: With each breath today, note: “Perception, insight.”

Reflection: Where do I see a shift—from reaction to seeing?

Stillness clarifies perception.

Judgments are mental overlays, not truths.

Beginner’s mind liberates us from static views.

Compassion arises from seeing interconnection.

Insight transcends appearances and reveals deeper truth.

What assumptions sprang to mind before I looked?

What new detail I noticed when I used beginner’s mind?

How did seeing interbeing change my appreciation of everyday things?

Calm Reflection:

Still your mind and practice lake visualization.

Rope/Snake Memory:

Recall mistaken perceptions and question them.

Label-Free Observation:

Observe an object without naming it.

Connect-the-Dots Exercise:

Trace all elements making up an object.

Compassionate Gaze:

Look at a loved one and feel your heart open.