Thich Nhat Hanh quotes

Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022) was born in Vietnam and trained in the Zen tradition. He has written over 100 Dharma books and has opened monasteries around the world. He started the Order of Interbeing which has a special emphasis on social engagement work (charities, environmentalism, anti-war). His tradition blends Zen with Theravada mindfulness and western psychology. He was nominated for the Noble Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his work against wars.

Quotes

• When you understand the roots of anger in yourself and in the other, your mind will enjoy true peace, joy and lightness.

• When you feel anger arising, remember to return to your breathing and follow it. The other person may see that you are practicing, and she may even apologize.

• Your first love has no beginning or end. Your first love is not your first love, and it is not your last. It is just love. It is one with everything.

• One included all, and all were contained in one.

• The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.

• Your true home is in the here and the now. It is not limited by time, space, nationality, or race. Your true home is not an abstract idea. It is something you can touch and live in every moment. With mindfulness and concentration, the energies of the Buddha, you can find your true home in the full relaxation of your mind and body in the present moment. No one can take it away from you. Other people can occupy your country, they can even put you in prison, but they cannot take away your true home and your freedom.

• Going vegetarian may be the most effective way to fight global warming. Buddhist practitioners have practiced vegeterianism over the last 2000 years. We are vegetarian with the intention to nourish our compassion towards the animals. Now we also know that we eat vegetarian in order to protect the earth...

• Love is the capacity to take care, to protect, to nourish. If you are not capable of generating that kind of energy toward yourself — if you are not capable of taking care of yourself, of nourishing yourself, of protecting yourself — it is very difficult to take care of another person.