One of the world’s greatest spiritual teachers, Thich Nacht Hahn, died at 95 on January 22nd. Thay, as his students called him, was a Buddhist and mindfulness teacher known for accessible mindfulness teachings and his peace activism, which included opposing the Vietnam War. His friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led Dr. King to oppose the Vietnam War and nominate Thich Nhat Hahn for the Noble Peace Prize.
Thay reminded us that we need not fear suffering, that life is both of suffering and of joy, and joy is found in noticing the simple things of life.
One of my favorite of Thich Nhat Hahn’s poems expresses this teaching:
Drink your tea slowly and reverently,
as if it is the axis
on which the world earth revolves
– slowly, evenly, without
rushing toward the future;
Live the actual moment.
Only this moment is life.
– Thich Nhat Hahn
May Ticht Nhat Hahn’s teachings guide us as we navigate our days. May we find joy.
Blessings,
Rabbi Bellows
To watch Thich Nhat Hahn’s interview by Oprah, click here
More information on Thich Nhat Hahn is here.
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