I keep making promises to myself to write more on mindfulness. But it hasn’t happened as yet. Instead, today, I’d like to showcase the quotes of one of the masters of mindfulness – Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Today he celebrates his 90th birthday. I always associate him with the concept of mindfulness because I first heard of it through his writings. I thought it was only fitting that I do this post today.
Who is Thich Nhat Hanh
He is a global spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist, revered throughout the world for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. His key teaching is that, through mindfulness, we can learn to live happily in the present moment—the only way to truly develop peace, both in one’s self and in the world.
Thich Nhat Hanh has published over 100 titles on meditation, mindfulness, and Engaged Buddhism, as well as poems, children’s stories, and commentaries on ancient Buddhist texts. He has sold over three million books in the United States alone, some of the best-known include Peace Is Every Step, The Miracle of Mindfulness, The Art of Power, True Love and Anger.
Thich Nhat Hanh has been a pioneer in bringing Buddhism to the West, founding six monasteries and dozens of practice centers in the United States, Asia, and Europe, as well as over 1,000 local mindfulness practice communities, known as ‘sanghas.’ He has built a thriving community of over 600 monks and nuns worldwide, who, together with his tens of thousands of lay students, apply his teachings on mindfulness, peace-making, and community-building in schools, workplaces, businesses – and even prisons – throughout the world. – via
Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation
Thich Nhat Hanh Quotes
“Life is available only in the present moment.”
“Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.”
“Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos — the trees, the clouds, everything.”
“The source of love is deep in us and we can help others realize a lot of happiness. One word, one action, one thought can reduce another person’s suffering and bring that person joy.”
“Around us, life bursts with miracles–a glass of water, a ray of sunshine, a leaf, a caterpillar, a flower, laughter, raindrops. If you live in awareness, it is easy to see miracles everywhere. Each human being is a multiplicity of miracles. Eyes that see thousands of colors, shapes, and forms; ears that hear a bee flying or a thunderclap; a brain that ponders a speck of dust as easily as the entire cosmos; a heart that beats in rhythm with the heartbeat of all beings. When we are tired and feel discouraged by life’s daily struggles, we may not notice these miracles, but they are always there.”
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”
Happy birthday, Thich Nhat Hanh. Keep inspiring us!
Picture credit for Water Drop from Shutterstock
Great – and thoughtful – quotes. Your post was a good way to start my morning!
Corinne I really love the quote about Hope! Thanks for sharing these mindfulness quotes.
Have you seen how to a child’s eye, every thing is full of wonder and magic? The child knows how to enjoy the moment, and how to appreciate the beauty and the countless wonders around us. The quotes made me think of my little kids who are so mindfully alert and present.
I love the hope quote about it making the present more bearable. Thanks for sharing!