Peace Be with You - by Michael Hoffner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Christian-Buddhist guide to cultivating a peaceful heart.

"The Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila"

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you,

All things are passing: God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

Nothing is lacking to those who possesses God;

God alone suffices.

Author Michael Hoffner writes with an interspiritual approach, with the perspective of a Christian and follower of Jesus who is also a practitioner in the Buddhist Plum Village Tradition and student of Thich Nhat Hanh, and experienced in recovery. With two decades of recovery from addiction, Hoffner also shares his personal story of healing and transformation. We can no longer think of world peace and inner peace as two separate paths. In times such as these, the need to commit ourselves to deep and lasting peace (personally and collectively) is our only hope.

Review Quotes

"St. Teresa of Avila is a giant in the history of spirituality. This new book, by turns moving, challenging and inspiring, lets her be your own personal guide to the life of the spirit." --James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray

"Peace begins within--the quiet understanding and acceptance of ourselves as we are. When we are at peace internally, we become more patient, kind, and compassionate toward our neighbors, recognizing our shared humanity. This book helps readers along this path. With its gentle emphasis on compassion--for oneself and others--this book helps us foster a sense of inner peace and resilience, guiding people toward healing with presence and intention. This book helps remind us that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a sacred harmony between self, others, time, and the divine. We need peace in the world now more than ever!" --Dawn Decosta, executive director, Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health, Harvard University

"This is a healing companion for our times, a profound meditation on the prayer of St. Teresa of Avila through the lens of both Christianity and the Buddhist tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Rooted in the author's own courageous journey of recovery and transformation, this book steadies the heart, awakens courage, and reminds us that peace and healing are possible, even in the midst of struggle." --Kaira Jewel Lingo, Buddhist teacher, author of We Were Made for These Times and co-author of Healing Our Way Home

"A powerful reminder of the journey we all must take. Eloquently reminds us of the challenges life places before us but also of the hope, that healing and transformation are possible." --Fr. Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, DCSW, founder and executive director, Hope House Ministries

"Peace Be With You offers a beautiful bridge of two vibrant spiritual traditions, both with so much to offer in this time. This book offers reflections from direct experience about how to be skillful, loving, and peaceful in the context of challenge and uncertainty, and offers something for practitioners, the spiritually inclined, or just anyone interested in goodness." --Aaron Stryker, founder and executive director, Dharma Gates

"A timely and transformative work that blends personal narrative, interspiritual wisdom, and mystical insight, leading readers toward deep inner connection and collective change." --Tia Norman, contemplative teacher; guide + pastor at Awakenings

"To be in the presence of Michael Hoffner is to feel the peace that emanates from him. A spiritual educator who has been through the fire, he leads with quiet integrity and a fierce radiance. This book takes us inside his beautiful heart. Through personal memoir and inspired instruction from Buddhist and Christian wisdom, Hoffner's book reads like the meditation bell he always carries, calling us back to ourselves--and our infinite capacity to love." --Valarie Kaur, bestselling author of See No Stranger and Founder of the Revolutionary Love Project

About the Author

Michael Hoffner runs the Adelphi University Mindfulness Center and Interfaith Center. He received his masters in social work from Fordham University. Michael is a retreat leader, counselor, and mentor who practices within the Christian and Buddhist tradition and is a member of the Plum Village Order of Interbeing. Michael weaves together his wisdom as a contemplative Christian and practitioner of Engaged Buddhism and Mindfulness and his personal experiences with nearly two decades in recovery from addiction to help guide people to healing, growth and transformation. The focus of his work centers on peace and healing, community, and belonging. He lives on Long Island, NY.