The Life of Thich Nhat Hanh.
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Thich Nhat Hanh giving a talk in Toronto on August 17th, 2017.
The world has lost one of its most outstanding spiritual leaders. Thich Nnat Hanh passed away on January 22nd, 2022; he was 95. It's an incredible loss, yet I do not doubt that his profound teachings will live on because we need them now, more than ever.
Thich Nhat Hanh was born in Viet Nam on October 11th, 1926. He was a global spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist, renowned for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. When nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., called him "an apostle of peace and nonviolence". Exiled from his native Vietnam for almost four decades, Thich Nhat Hanh has been a pioneer in bringing Buddhism and mindfulness to the West and establishing an engaged Buddhist community for the 21st Century. (Source)
I've followed his teachings for at least 20 years and was fortunate enough to see him in person in Toronto on August 17th, 2013. He gave a talk called "The Present Moment: Wisdom for Global Peace and Happiness." It was a very challenging time as my Mother was in the last days of her life, and I'd been at her bedside for days. I had purchased the tickets months prior, and when August 17th arrived, I felt that there was no way I could attend this event. Between my friend Katherine's encouragement to participate in the event with her, and Ben's reassurance that he would stay with my Mom, I decided to go.
I was so anxious about leaving my Mom, but I knew she was in good hands with Ben. Thich Nhat Hanh walked onto the stage shortly after we were seated, and I was immediately taken by the sense of calm, peace and kindness that he emitted in an ethereal way. I cried throughout his entire talk especially when he talked about Mothers and the sacredness of their role in the world and our lives. He said something about when a baby is crying, they are comforted when their Mother holds them and that we must do the same for ourselves when we are experiencing emotional pain.
I also took solace in understanding that what was happening was part of the circle of life and something most of us experience at some point.
My Mom passed away on August 19th, 2013. I was grateful that I was with her and thankful for Thich Nhat Hanh's wisdom instilled in me that weekend.
Thich Nhat Hanh wrote over 40 books, and I've only read two of them. I have some reading to do. I have a copy of his book “Peace is Every Step.” It’s one of his most popular books, and one that I have read many times. In this book he shows us how to make positive use of the very situations in our daily life that usually pressure and antagonize us.
Some of my favourite Thich Nhat Hanh quotes:
There is no way to happiness - happiness is the way.
Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.
Feelings come and go, like clouds on a windy day. Conscious breathing is my anchor.
Love in such a way that the person you love feels free.
Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity.
Let us fill our hearts with our own compassion - towards ourselves and towards all living beings.
If you are interested in learning more about his incredible life and work, check out Plum Village
Peace and blessings.
Anita
