Thich Nhat Hanh

Live in the now.

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh.

 “Live the actual moment. Only this actual moment is life. Don’t be attached to the future. Don’t worry about things you have to do. Don’t think about getting up or taking off to do anything. Don’t think about ‘departing.’” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh

“The main cause of your suffering is the seed of anger in you, because it has been watered too often, by yourself and by other people.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh.

He inspires me, and I hope you will feel inspired if you read any of his books.

I have read so many of his books and heard his recordings. He was a gentle soul, and his teachings were simple and profound. In Plum Village, he describes how it was his turn to wash the dishes. Everyone else was watching a TV program, and he hurried so he could join them. It suddenly occurred to him he would never have this moment again. So he slowed his washing and enjoyed the warm Sunday water, and savor the clean dishes. And savor drying the dishes. Live each moment because you will not have it again. Such a simple teaching and so profound.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, poet, and global peace activist, was a beacon of wisdom and compassion in a world of turmoil. His teachings, rooted in the Zen Buddhist tradition, emphasized the power of mindfulness, interconnectedness, and engaged living.

At the heart of Thich Nhat Hanh's message lies mindfulness practice. As he often explained, mindfulness brings our full attention to the present moment. It isn't about emptying our minds or escaping reality; it's about embracing the here and now with open awareness. Observing our thoughts, bodies, sensations, and the world without judgment allows us to cultivate a profound sense of presence and clarity. With mindfulness, we see the habitual patterns of our minds that often lead to suffering, and we learn to live our lives with greater intention and joy.

Thich Nhat Hanh taught that mindfulness isn't a practice reserved for silent meditation; it's a way of being that can be infused into every aspect of daily life. Whether walking, eating, working, or even washing dishes, we can practice mindful awareness, transforming mundane activities into opportunities for deep connection and appreciation.

Another key cornerstone of Thich Nhat Hanh's philosophy is the concept of interconnectedness, known as inter-being. He emphasized nothing exists in isolation. We are all interwoven in an intricate web of existence, where every thought, word, and action has a ripple effect throughout the cosmos. Recognition of this profound interconnectedness fosters a deep sense of compassion, understanding, and ethical responsibility. When we realize that our well-being is intertwined with the well-being of all, we can no longer view others with indifference, fueling a desire to relieve suffering within ourselves and the world.

Thich Nhat Hanh was a proponent of engaged Buddhism, a movement emphasizing social and political dimensions of spiritual practice. He believed true spirituality isn't about retreating from the world but actively building a more peaceful and just society. He fearlessly spoke out against war and oppression, reminding us that peace begins within each individual. Mindfulness and compassion, he taught, are the tools for transforming conflict and creating a world where all beings can flourish.

In his gentle and accessible teachings, Thich Nhat Hanh offered a path toward true freedom, healing, and inner peace. His legacy inspires countless individuals worldwide, reminding us of the transformative potential of mindfulness, inter-being, and a compassionate heart.

 Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings were a wellspring of profound wisdom, rooted deeply in Zen Buddhist principles and emphasizing the transformative power of living fully present in each moment. He explained that dwelling in the now was a pathway to breaking free from cycles of suffering and discovering an abiding sense of peace and joy.

For Thich Nhat Hanh, mindfulness was the gateway to living in the now. Mindfulness involves paying non-judgmental attention to the present moment – observing our thoughts, sensations, and surroundings as they unfold. It's not about striving for a blank mind or denying our difficulties. Rather, mindfulness cultivates a sense of spaciousness towards our experiences, allowing us to witness them with gentle understanding.

This kind of present-moment awareness grants us startling insights. We recognize the relentless pull of the past, anxieties about the future, and patterns of thought that perpetuate our unhappiness. By staying grounded in the now, we weaken these mental habits' hold on us. We begin to inhabit each moment as bystanders and active participants, savoring the richness of the present experience.

Thich Nhat Hanh stressed that living in the now doesn't cause hours spent in formal meditation. He believed that mindfulness should permeate every aspect of our daily lives. Simple acts like walking, eating, or interacting with others can become profound acts of presence when imbued with mindful awareness. This practice transforms the mundane into a source of deep connection and wonder.

Thich Nhat Hanh freed us from the tyranny of regret and worry by teaching us to dwell in the present moment. He reminded us that the past has already unfolded, and the future is yet to be written. The only true point of power lies in this moment, the only space where we can cultivate happiness, understanding, and compassionate action.

Living in the now, by Thich Nhat Hanh's guidance, isn't just a pleasant concept; it's a radical act of transformation. As we learn to inhabit the fullness of the present, we unburden ourselves from the regrets of the past and fears of the future. Here, in the fertile soil of the now, we plant the seeds of peace, joy, and a deeper connection to the vibrant tapestry of life.

Thich Nhat Hanh taught that mindfulness isn't a practice reserved for silent meditation; it's a way of being that can be infused into every aspect of daily life. Whether walking, eating, working, or even washing dishes, we can practice mindful awareness, transforming mundane activities into opportunities for deep connection and appreciation.

Another key cornerstone of Thich Nhat Hanh's philosophy is the concept of interconnectedness, known as inter-being. He emphasized that nothing exists in isolation. We are all interwoven in an intricate web of existence, where every thought, word, and action has a ripple effect throughout the cosmos. Recognition of this profound interconnectedness fosters a deep sense of compassion, understanding, and ethical responsibility. When we realize that our well-being is intertwined with the well-being of all, we can no longer view others with indifference, fueling a desire to relieve suffering within ourselves and the world.

Thich Nhat Hanh was a proponent of engaged Buddhism, a movement emphasizing social and political dimensions of spiritual practice. He believed true spirituality isn't about retreating from the world but actively building a more peaceful and just society. He fearlessly spoke out against war and oppression, reminding us that peace begins within each individual. Mindfulness and compassion, he taught, are the tools for transforming conflict and creating a world where all beings can flourish.

In his gentle and accessible teachings, Thich Nhat Hanh offered a path toward true freedom, healing, and inner peace. His legacy inspires countless individuals worldwide, reminding us of the transformative potential of mindfulness, inter-being, and a compassionate heart.

Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings were a wellspring of profound wisdom, rooted deeply in Zen Buddhist principles and emphasizing the transformative power of living fully present in each moment. He explained that dwelling in the now was a pathway to breaking free from cycles of suffering and discovering an abiding sense of peace and joy.

For Thich Nhat Hanh, mindfulness was the gateway to living in the now. Mindfulness involves paying non-judgmental attention to the present moment, observing our thoughts, sensations, and surroundings as they unfold. It's not about striving for a blank mind or denying our difficulties. Rather, mindfulness cultivates a sense of spaciousness towards our experiences, allowing us to witness them with gentle understanding.

This kind of present-moment awareness grants us startling insights. We recognize the relentless pull of the past, anxieties about the future, and patterns of thought that perpetuate our unhappiness. By staying grounded in the now, we weaken these mental habits' hold on us. We begin to inhabit each moment as bystanders and active participants, savoring the richness of the present experience.

Thich Nhat Hanh stressed that living in the now doesn't necessitate hours spent in formal meditation. He believed that mindfulness should permeate every aspect of our daily lives. Simple acts like walking, eating, or interacting with others can become profound acts of presence when imbued with mindful awareness. This practice transforms the mundane into a source of deep connection and wonder.

Thich Nhat Hanh freed us from the tyranny of regret and worry by teaching us to dwell in the present moment. He reminded us that the past has already unfolded, and the future is yet to be written. The only true point of power lies in this moment, the only space where we can cultivate happiness, understanding, and compassionate action.

Living in the now, by Thich Nhat Hanh's guidance, isn't just a pleasant concept; it's a radical act of transformation. As we learn to inhabit the fullness of the present, we unburden ourselves from the regrets of the past and fears of the future. Here, in the fertile soil of the now, we plant the seeds of peace, joy, and a deeper connection to the vibrant tapestry of life.

When Thich Nhat Hanh said, "Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised, live in the moment," he offered a gentle yet profound reminder of a simple truth: the present moment is all we truly have. Here's a breakdown of what he meant:

• Yesterday is gone: The past, with its successes, failures, joys, and sorrows, is no longer within our grasp. We cannot change what has already happened. Dwelling excessively on past events can lead to rumination and regret, ultimately prolonging our suffering.

• Tomorrow is not promised: The future is uncertain. While it's wise to plan and have hopes, obsessing over what might happen robs us of the present. Worrying about the future can lead to anxiety and prevent us from fully appreciating what we have today.

• Live in the moment: The present moment is the only space we can try.

 Plum Village is a Buddhist monastery and practice center founded by the revered Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in 1982. Located in the Dordogne region of southwest France, Plum Village serves as a sanctuary for individuals worldwide seeking to cultivate mindfulness, peace, and personal transformation. Here's a deeper look into what Plum Village represents:

A Living Tradition: Plum Village embodies the Plum Village Tradition, a branch of Zen Buddhism shaped by Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings. This tradition emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and engaged living, weaving traditional Buddhist practices with a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Monastic Community: At the core of Plum Village is a vibrant community of monks and nuns who dedicate their lives to the study and practice of Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings. They live simply, practice mindfulness in every aspect of their lives, and inspire visitors.

Retreat Center: Plum Village is a sought-after retreat destination for individuals seeking to deepen their mindfulness practice. The monastery offers various programs throughout the year, from weekend retreats to extended stays focused on meditation, mindful living, and exploring Buddhist teachings.

Global Reach: Plum Village's influence extends beyond its physical location in France. It is the heart of a global network of practice centers inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings. These centers offer workshops, mindfulness programs, and community gatherings worldwide, making the Plum Village Tradition accessible to practitioners from all backgrounds.

A Way of Life: More than just a physical place, Plum Village represents a way of life rooted in mindfulness, compassion, and interconnectedness. Visitors and residents learn to cultivate these qualities through daily practices such as sitting and walking meditation, mindful eating, deep relaxation, and mindful communication.

Plum Village is where people from all walks of life can come together to learn how to live more peacefully and joyfully, both for their well-being and that of the wider world. It's a testament to the enduring power of Thich Nhat Hanh's vision and the transformative potential of mindful living.

Mindful meditation is an excellent way to let go of simmering resentments.