A step-by-step guidebook to the Beginning Anew ceremony which has deeply touched many students during Thich Nhat Hanh's retreats and meditation workshops. Based on the loving kindness and compassion meditation of the Lotus Sutra, this is one of the most popular and transformative practices of Thich Nhat Hanh, who describes it as having the capacity * to put an end to obstacles brought about by past wrongdoing * to renew the feeling of being joyful to be alive * to renew faith and develop compassion The Beginning Anew ceremony is an opportunity to heal our relationships through forgiveness and embrace our ancestors, parents, teachers and ourselves. Touching the Earth contains clear instructions of the Beginning Anew practice with over 40 guided meditation verses, allowing the reader to practice alone or with others.