If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Celebrating all his ancestors who are alive in this moment, Vietnamese poet and scholar Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-) has worked tirelessly for world peace.
"In each of us is a seed of understanding. The seed is God," said the peacemaker.
The Buddhist monk has inspired many, including Martin Luther King, Jr. who nominated Hanh for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967.
"The true miracle is not walking on water or walking in air, but simply walking on this earth," Hanh believed.
The spiritual leader's philosophy of Ahimsa, "kindness to all life," mirrored the spiritual teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Hanh believed that a person can work with anger by breathing. He taught that the walking meditation is often better than directly expressing anger.
"When your mind is liberated, your heart floods with compassion," he said. "One should rule their mind first to bring peace in their relationships with others.
Hanh now lives in a meditation community in France and leads worldwide retreats and workshops. The author of over 60 books, Hanh's philosophy of "Engaged Buddhism" sought reconciliation in his homeland. His books have been banned by both North and South Vietnam governments.
His book, The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching (1999) celebrated mindfulness and the transformation of despair into hope. "The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it."
More HANH Quotations
Chose to be alive in this moment.