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.
Control thy passions lest they take vengence on thee.
I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been silent.
Reckon then that to acquire soul-winning power, you will have to go through mental torment and soul distress. You must go into the fire if you are going to pull others out of it, and you will have to dive into the floods if you are going to draw others out of the water. You cannot work a fire escape without feeling the scorch of the conflagration, nor man a lifeboat without being covered with the waves.
Long live impudence. It was my guardian angel in this world.
As solid rock remains unmoved by the wind, so the wise remain unmoved by blame and praise.
The greater intellect one has, the more originality one finds in men. Ordinary persons find no difference between men.
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