Honouring Thich Nhat Hanh – An Inspiring Teacher
Thich Nhat Hanh, the renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk died yesterday, aged 95. I smiled with gratitude and felt a warmth in my heart for this beloved teacher. I sat and watched my breath.
I am aware that I am breathing in. I am aware that I am breathing out.
Thay’s practices have been a strong thread in my mindfulness meditations which have been my strength and support, especially in these last few weeks. His simple yet powerful guidance has held me steady through so many challenging and joyful moments. One of my favourite sayings, ‘No mud, no lotus’.
In. Out. Breathing Meditation
(The first word is brought to mind on the inhalation, and the second word, on the exhalation)
in – out (a few times)
deep – slow (a few times)
calm – ease
smile – release
present moment – wonderful moment
(or, ‘present moment – there are wonderful things in this moment…)
On Death and Dying
The teaching of the buddha tells you clearly and plainly to make this the most magnificent and wonderful moment of your life. This present moment must become the most wonderful moment in your life. All you need to transform this present moment into a wonderful one is freedom. All you need to do is free yourself from your worries and preoccupations about the past, the future, and so on.
The deep insight of impermanence is what helps us do this. It is very useful to keep our concentration on impermanence alive. You think the other person in your life is going to be there forever, but that is not true. That person is impermanent, just like you. So if you can do something to make that person happy, you should do it right away. Anything you can do or say to make him or her happy— say it or do it now. It’s now or never.
Articles
Thich Nhat Hanh on Dying and Living
The First Eight Exercises of Mindful Breathing
Guided Meditations and Teachings
Introduction to Practice – 9 short teachings
Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.
Thank you for your sharing. For the reminder of the breathing exercice. And for the reminder to contribute to happiness in the present moment.
For myself I find it very helpfull to also remind me to stay present to myself. My pitfall is to do more for others than I can handle. So before the action: breath in, breath out, and feel, feel, feel,…
This beautiful being – his presence, wisdom and teachings – have been a part of my life for decades. I was even blessed to be with him personally in a group of many when he was in the Bay area of California.
Thank you for sharing some of the essence of his teachings Wendy. His legacy shall live on in all of us….
Yes, impermanence becomes even more alive within us as we age or face life altering challenges. Love now, laugh now, play now, celebrate now…..breathing in and breathing out….now.