Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
If you get angry easily, it may be because the seed of anger in you has been watered frequently over many years, and unfortunately you have allowed it or even encouraged it to be watered.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Anger can stem from long-standing habits and experiences that we permit to grow over time.
This quote by Nhat Hanh highlights the idea that our emotional responses, particularly anger, are often the result of longstanding patterns that we have cultivated throughout our lives. By recognizing that these feelings may have developed through repeated exposure to anger-inducing situations, we can take responsibility for our emotional well-being and consciously work to change these patterns to promote inner peace.
Themes
AngerEmotionsMindfulnessSelf-AwarenessResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about managing emotions, this quote can be used to illustrate how anger builds over time.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes →I have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
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I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
Nhat HanhRead
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
Nhat HanhRead
The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Nhat HanhRead
Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
Nhat HanhRead
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