Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the greatest teachers of our time. He reaches from the heights of insight down to the deepest places of the absolutely ordinary.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the ability of Thich Nhat Hanh to convey profound insights in a relatable manner.
Robert Thurman's quote emphasizes Thich Nhat Hanh's unique talent for bridging the gap between profound spiritual insights and everyday experiences. He exemplifies how spiritual teachings can be accessible and impactful, helping individuals find deep understanding in ordinary life. This reflects the belief that wisdom does not reside only in lofty ideals but can be found in the simplicity of daily moments.
In practice
During a speech on mindfulness, one could reference this quote to emphasize the importance of finding depth in simple moments.
The tradition of nonviolence, optimism, concern for the individual, and unconditional compassion that developed in Tibet is the culmination of a slow inner revolution, a cool one, hard to see, that began 2,500 years ago with the Buddha's insight about the end of suffering. What I have learned from these people has forever changed my life, and I believe their culture contains an inner science particularly relevant to the difficult time in which we live.
It took me forty years of dealing with buddhism to finally realize that actually Buddha's discovery was happiness and bliss.
Nonviolence against humans cannot take firm hold in society as long as brutality and violence are practiced toward other animals.
People are afraid that if they let go of their anger and righteousness and wrath, and look at their own feelings-and even see the good in a bad person-they're going to lose the energy they need to do something about the problem. But actually you get more strength and energy by operating from a place of love and concern. You can be just as tough, but more effectively tough.
Those caught in the cycle of self-concern suffer helplessly, while the compassionate are more free and, implicitly, more happy.
The Buddhists think that, because we've all had infinite previous lives, we've all been each other's relatives. Therefore all of you, in the Buddhist view, in some previous life ... have been my mother - for which I do apologize for the trouble I caused you.
Almost all rich veins of original and striking speculation have been opened by systematic half-thinkers.
A remark generally hurts in proportion to its truth.
You see, you closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too--even when you’re in the dark. Even when you’re falling.
In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.
I have crossed over to a place where I never thought I’d be. I am someone I would have never imagined. A secret. A dream. I am this, body and soul. Burn me. Drown me. Tell me lies. I will still be who I am.
False thinking and false ideologies, dressed in the most pleasing forms, quietly - almost without our knowing it - seek to reduce our moral defenses and to captivate our minds. They entice with bright promises of security, cradle-to-grave guarantees of many kinds.
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