Image: Plum Village
A Tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh
Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh left this world at age 95 on January 22, 2022. He was a peace activist, poet, author of more than 100 books, and aside from his impressive resume, possibly the most calming influence of any teacher I’ve ever come across.
If you’ve read Harry Potter you’ll recall how Dumbledore’s eyes were always twinkling.
Likewise, were Thich Nhat Hanh’s. His mischievous smile and gentle manner were a chill-pill wrapped up in a face.
Of course, now that he’s gone, I feel I know too little about him.
I’ve been slowly making my way through his 2017 book The Art of Living. It’s only taken me two years, but hey, if I can’t slow down reading the words of a Buddhist monk, when can I?
As I’ve flicked through the pages since his passing, the following passages jumped out at me:
Our quality of being determines our quality of doing.
There are those who say, “Don’t just sit there – do something!” When we see injustice, violence, and suffering all around us, we naturally want to do something to help…. in all this work, we learn that the quality of our action depends on the quality of our being…
So as well as saying, “Don’t just sit there, do something!” we can also say, “Don’t just do something – sit there!” Stopping, being still, and practising mindfulness can bring about a whole new dimension of being. We can transform our anger and anxiety, and cultivate our energy of peace, understanding, and compassion as the basis for action…
We can still be very active but do everything from a place of peace and joy. This is the kind of action that is most needed.
It’s an interesting sentiment to not just do something but sit there. It goes against our natural proclivities and yet which action is more hardcore? Doing or being?
I especially remember Thich Nhat Hanh for the simple phrases he would offer for breathing meditation:
Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.
Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.
Breathing in, I see myself as a flower.
Breathing out, I feel fresh.
Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain.
Breathing out, I feel solid.
Breathing in, I see myself as still water.
Breathing out, I reflect all that is.
Breathing in, I see myself as space.
Breathing out, I feel free.
These pave the way for one to adapt for their own needs in the moment.
Breathing in, I invite peace.
Breathing out, I let go.
Breathing in, I am energised.
Breathing out, I feel relaxed.
Rest in peace, Thich Nhat Hanh.
