Thich Nhat Hanh Quotes

Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022), Vietnamese Zen master, peace activist, and founder of the Plum Village tradition, was one of the most influential Buddhist teachers in the West. Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr., he pioneered the concept of "engaged Buddhism" and authored numerous books on mindfulness and peace.

To think in terms of either pessimism or optimism oversimplifies the truth. The problem is to see reality as it is.
Thich Nhat Hanh
The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.
Thich Nhat Hanh
My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.
Thich Nhat Hanh
When you look deeply into your anger, you will see that the person you call your enemy is also suffering. As soon as you see that, the capacity for accepting and having compassion for them is there.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Peace in oneself, peace in the world.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Compassion is a verb.
Thich Nhat Hanh
The source of love is deep in us and we can help others realize a lot of happiness. One word, one action, one thought can reduce another person's suffering and bring that person joy.
Thich Nhat Hanh
When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.
Thich Nhat Hanh
To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.
Thich Nhat Hanh
People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth.
Thich Nhat Hanh
When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help.
Thich Nhat Hanh
If you love someone, the greatest gift you can give them is your presence.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.
Thich Nhat Hanh
People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.
Thich Nhat Hanh
In true dialogue, both sides are willing to change.
Thich Nhat Hanh
When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Understanding means throwing away your knowledge.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Smile, breathe, and go slowly.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Because you are alive, everything is possible.
Thich Nhat Hanh