In Memory of Thich Nhat Hanh

One of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time

On Jan. 22, 2022, the world lost one of its most influential spiritual leaders — Thich Nhat Hanh — who died at the age of 95. Newsweek named him as one of the top hundred spiritual leaders worldwide.

Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet, and peace activist. He was a Zen master who wrote over one hundred books on Buddhism and social engagement.

His work was considered influential in the Western Buddhism movement. Thich Nhat Hanh coined the term “Engaged Buddhism”, an approach to his belief that personal transformation could not be separated from social justice work.

He was also a peace activist who promoted peace during Vietnam. He was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1967 and 1968.

He received many other awards for his work with refugees, boat people, and those who were sick or dying in war zones. He was a public critic of the Vietnam War, nuclear weapons, and other socially sanctioned violence.

People generally regarded him as a very wise and compassionate individual with great insight into the human condition.

Thich Nhat Hanh taught mindfulness through his books, poetry, and lectures. He stressed the importance of engaging fully in whatever you are doing at that moment without dwelling on past or future concerns.

Living in the present moment helps us be more peaceful and compassionate. Mindful living can also help us become aware of our true nature and the nature of all people, which leads to greater peace and happiness.

I’d like to share a few of Thich Nhat Hanh’s quotes on mindfulness:

“The miracle is not to walk on water but to walk on the green Earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.”

“If you are a poet, you will see clearly that there is a cloud floating in every sheet of paper. Without a cloud, there will be no rain; without rain, the trees cannot grow; and without trees, we cannot make paper.”

“Peace can exist only in the here and now.”

“Smile, breathe, and go slowly.”

“When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don’t blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce. Yet if we have problems with our friends or family, we blame the other person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well.”

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

“An ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory.”

And my personal favorite…

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.”

Rest in peace Thich Nhat Hanh.

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