Millions of people around the world were saddened this week by the passing of Thich Nhat Hanh. The International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, which he founded in 1982, posted this message on their website:
The International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism
announces that our beloved teacher Thich Nhat Hanh
has passed away peacefully at Từ Hiếu Temple in Huế, Vietnam
on 22nd January, 2022, at the age of 95.We invite our global spiritual family
to take a few moments to be still, to come back to our mindful breathing,
as we together hold Thay in our hearts in peace and loving
gratitude for all he has offered the world.
I thought it beautiful that they acknowledged without dwelling on the shared grief of many; instead calling people back to stillness, mindfulness, breath, presence and gratitude.
Over the years, I have had only a passing acquaintance with this beloved teacher, primarily aware of his use and explanation of the word/concept of “interbeing” (https://www.garrisoninstitute.org/blog/insight-of-interbeing/). However, among the many tributes and biographical sketches published in these past few days, Emergence Magazine has shared “Ten Love Letters to the Earth,” a series of meditations written by Thich Nhat Hanh.
These beautiful and deeply felt letters spoke immediately and directly to my heart—in fact, they feel like they are written on or even come from my own heart. After devouring them all in one sitting, I’ve decided to read them again, one each day, with time for reflection, meditation and journaling. I’m only three days in as I write this blog post, but in the stillness of this frigid Iowa winter, they kindle the fire at my core, leaving warmth and love to radiate outward.
You may be much more familiar with Thich Nhat Hanh’s life and teachings than me. At first, I felt regret that I had not spent more time with his work while he was alive. But I soon learned that he has said “there is no birth, there is no death” and that he is a “continuation.” As one who still has much to learn from him, I take great comfort in this teaching.
The “Ten Love Letters to the Earth” can be found at https://emergencemagazine.org/essay/ten-love-letters-to-the-earth/.
—Jenifer Hanson, Prairiewoods director