Today we read that our favourite living Zen Buddhist monk had moved on from this physical existence.
HANOI, Vietnam -- Thich Nhat Hanh, the revered Zen Buddhist monk who helped spread the practice of mindfulness in the West and socially engaged Buddhism in the East, has died. He was 95.
What a human, and what a life. He taught us a great deal, and since his teachings survive, he will continue to teach us much, much more in the years to come.
This Zen Master is not dead if he continues to exist in me, in you, and in the Universe.
And thankfully, he does. No birth, no death.
Rather than being sad, Linda and I celebrated this incredible man's passing with a meditation, and by shaving our heads in a sign of humility and respect.
Thank you Thich Nhat Hanh. We are better, happier, more compassionate people because of you.
We learned from you that there is no way to happiness, because happiness is the way.
Because of you, we have made it our way.
I am so grateful I learned of his passing on NBA. So fitting. It was a surprise and met with tears of sadness and joy, but mostly joy. I will meditate this week on all I’ve learned from his teachings and how much peace they bring me. And I’ll make a watercolor to celebrate his amazing LIFE. He was a conduit for a larger, loving vision of what the world can be. May he rest and get ready for his next incarnation. Peace to all, Erin
ReplyDeleteHe was so gentle, a rare quality in most people, or most men.
DeleteI would like to see that watercolour.
Several years ago I had the privilege to transcribe over fifty hours of interviews with residents of Plum Village and was given an insight into the minds of "ordinary joes" drawn to the teachings of this fascinating teacher. I like to look to the fruits and this tree certainly bore fruits of fulness.
ReplyDeleteWow, that sounds fascinating. What an opportunity, and learning experience.
DeleteWhat a beautiful tribute, you both look lovely with your shaved heads and I love Linda's purple wrap.
ReplyDeleteI know very little about Thich Nhat Hahn, but he sounds wonderful. I know a lady in my yoga class once said that coming across him was a major turning point in her life, I'm pretty sure she said she "came across him and just fell in love".
I am Christian but open to learning from all faiths. Thich Nhat Hahn wrote a book called Living Buddha, Living Christ, I've only read the introduction so far but a wonderful quote from it which stands out to me is "alive Christians recognise their sisters and brothers in the Holy Spirit anywhere". I have certainly met some wonderful Buddhists in my time and learned much from Buddhist philosophy that has positively enriched my life.
I was raised as a Christian, but have not practiced since I became old enough to choose for myself, at about 16 years old. I decided I wanted to learn from all traditions, and my life has been enriched as a result. They all pretty much emphasize the same basic ideas, and I have found they have much in common. Basically be a good person and love unconditionally. Buddhism especially appeals to me.
DeleteLinda's wrap was made by my aunt. She has sent us many beautiful things that we use all the time to keep warm and snuggly.