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
Contemplate to see that awakened people, while not being enslaved by the work of serving living beings, never abandon their work of serving living beings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the balance between personal awakening and selfless service to others.
Thich Nhat Hanh's quote highlights the paradox of awakened individuals who, despite their enlightenment and freedom from attachment, choose to dedicate themselves to serving others. It suggests that true awakening encompasses both personal liberation and a deep commitment to the well-being of all living beings, illustrating a profound sense of interconnectedness and compassion.
Themes
AwakeningServiceCompassionEnlightenmentInterconnectedness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might say, 'As Thich Nhat Hanh suggests, awakened individuals choose to serve others selflessly.'
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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