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
In order to heal others, we first need to heal ourselves. And to heal ourselves, we need to know how to deal with ourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We cannot help others effectively until we take care of our own well-being.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-awareness in the process of helping others. It suggests that in order to support others in their healing journey, one must first embark on their own path of healing, which requires understanding and managing one's own thoughts and emotions.
Themes
HealingSelf-CareWell-BeingSelf-AwarenessHelping Others
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on mental health, this quote was shared to emphasize the need for personal healing before assisting others.
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.
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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.
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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