|
|
|
|
 A Buddhist monk
since 1942 and the founder of "Engaged Buddhism," Thich Nhat Hanh is
the foremost teacher today of the "Art of Mindful Living." Few Americans knew of Thich Nhat Hanh
during the years of the Vietnam War, as he organized one of the most profound
movements in the history of nonviolent resistance. One project carried out by
monks, nuns, and lay people following his guidance was the rebuilding of
schools, health clinics and villages destroyed by bombing. During the 1960s, Thich Nhat Hanh came
to the U.S. to study and teach at American universities. In 1966, he went on a
speaking tour to bring the unheard voice of the Vietnamese people to American
military leaders, lawmakers, religious leaders, students, and social activists.
It was during this time that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. nominated him for the
Nobel Peace Prize. "I know of no one more worthy of [this prize] than this
gentle monk from Vietnam," said King. In 1969, Thich Nhat Hanh led the
Vietnamese Buddhist Peace Delegation to the Paris Peace Talks and remained there
until the peace accords were signed in 1973. Subsequently, when he tried to
return to his homeland, the Vietnamese government barred him. Settling in
France, he continued to serve his people by organizing a rescue effort for the
boat people in the Gulf of Siam. The Thai and Singapore governments soon shut
down this courageous attempt. With his long-time colleague, Sister
Chan Khong, Thich Nhat Hanh established a monastic community in southwestern
France in 1982. Plum Village is not only a refuge for those seeking inner peace
through the practice of mindfulness; it is also a "home away from
home" for many expatriate Vietnamese people, where they may visit and
experience many elements of their traditional culture. Today Thich Nhat Hanh continues to
write, teach, and speak for peace. The author of numerous books on meditation,
healing, and transformation, he is also a prolific poet. He leads retreats
around the world, including healing workshops for veterans of the Vietnam War. Thay, as his students know him, travels regularly to America where he continues to teach engaged Buddhism, social responsibility and the dissolution of violence through the practice of mindful living. In 1997, the Maple Forest Monastery and Green Mountain Dharma Center were established in Vermont as home centers for this tradition in America. Thich Nhat Hanh has authored many books on Buddhism and Mindfulness, including the following.
|
| Subscribe to ZenWeb | |
| Powered by www.egroups.com | |
