It’s been 20 years since I studied with Thich Nhat Hanh, both in the US and at his retreat center Plum Village in France, yet I still remember so much of what I learned from him.
He was the first person I knew who emphasized the importance of gratitude. He used to say, “when you have a toothache, you say ‘I would be so grateful if my tooth didn’t ache.’ But when it is gone, will you remember to say ‘I am so grateful for my non-toothache’?”
Today I am grateful for my non-toothache, and so much more, including all the teachings I received from Thay (his nickname, meaning teacher).
Photos: taken on “dental row” in Kathmandu, Nepal
That tag cloud is cool! He definitely comes up in a lot of your posts. Your contact with him must have been very meaningful. He has been an amazing teacher (Thay) and has been such a positive influence in the world. At West Wind last night we took a break from – Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening by Joseph Goldstein which is about the Satipathana Sutta, to read a small book of TNH – The Heart of Understanding: Commentaries on the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra. None of us were terribly surprised that, holographic as Bhuddha Dharma is, there was an almost immediate reference to the Satipathana Sutta. The reading begat a great discussion.
Seems to me that TNH has, as have many of our teachers in the west, transcended any separateness between different schools of Buddhism. I am so grateful for that – for their non-separateness?
He is in my heart.
Steve
Thanks for telling me this. I love The Heart of Understanding. There’s a wonderful passage to read at memorial services about the leaf not being afraid to leave the tree. I got word from someone else that he is back in PV. http://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/buddhism/beloved-buddhist-leader-thich-nhat-hanh-returns-to-plum-village
I loved his retreats–it was like going to Buddhist summer camp. Very little silence, lots of art, celebrations, etc. But as an early attendee, it soon became clear that I would be expected to work at the retreats. Also began to feel a little cult-like. So I stopped attending. I’m sure I’ll have more posts on lessons from him.