22 Jan2020
Channel Inner Peace With Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh
Photo credit Deposit Photos
The new year often marks a time for reflection, renewal, and resolutions. Buddhist monk and peace activist Thích Nhất Hạnh can help you cultivate mindfulness and tap into inner peace. The Vietnam native and founder of the Plum Village Tradition has been sharing his teachings of “interbeing” and mastery of self for nearly 40 years. Hạnh has “opened new ways forward for mediators, peacemakers, activists, educators, business people, and politicians around the world,” according to the Plum Village website, his practice center in southern France.
Ordained as a monk at age 16, Hạnh is a revered spiritual leader who has pioneered teachings on mindfulness, peace, and global ethics, drawing an international community at his many practice centers. He is also a bestselling author, penning more than 100 books, including The Miracle of Mindfulness and Peace is Every Step. Hạnh has reached mainstream society by making Buddhism accessible through his simple yet profound teachings.
Weaving Buddhist insights into every aspect of society—and into everyday life—Hạnh has taught that any activity can become joyful, relaxed, and meaningful with the energy of mindfulness. His revolutionary approach brings peace and clarity to countless practitioners as they follow mindful living.
Mindfulness is an energy we create when we are fully present in the moment. We generate this energy through intentionality, bringing our mind back to our body. Whether we are brushing our teeth or driving a car, mindfulness isn’t hard work. Rather, it takes focus and can be very enjoyable. Hạnh teaches meditation and mindfulness of breathing, walking, sitting, eating, and resting, among others. Sitting meditation, in particular, can be very healing and nourishing, providing an opportunity to be with whatever is present within us.
As you embark on this new year, consider practicing mindfulness with people in your community. Take time to consider what you say and do, and what you think and feel, in the moment and beyond. Explore it. Analyze it. Mindfulness can lead to peace, healing, and transformation of ourselves and the world.
To learn more about Thích Nhất Hạnh’s teachings on mindfulness and inner peace, click here.