Thich Nhat Hahn
(1926-present)
Thich Nhat Hahn is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk. He worked tirelessly during the Vietnam War to heal the wounds of his bleeding country, teaching engaged Buddhism, which brought together traditional meditative practices with active nonviolent civil disobedience. He supported the movement that grew out of these teachings, forming the most influential center of Buddhist studies in Vietnam, the An Quang Pagoda. He created relief organizations to help the people whose lives and villages had been destroyed by war. He was instrumental in bringing together the Buddhist community to provide aid to those who suffered, and to begin to rebuild the villages that had been bombed, looted, and burned. He instituted The School of Youth for Social Service, started a magazine for writings, commentary, and stories on peace and nonviolence, and provided support and focus for the Buddhist community during this horrific time. He also worked to urge world leaders to use nonviolence in order to realize peace. In 1966 at the age of 40, Thich Naht Hahn was exiled from his home in Vietnam for his role in undermining the war efforts of both sides, North and South Vietnam. Since then he has lived in exile at a monastery in Southern France, called Plum Village. Though he misses his home deeply, he speaks of being a citizen of the world, and also of finding home within, and with sangha, at Plum Village.
Thich Naht Hahn, or Thay (teacher) as he is affectionately called by his students, has written many books on mindfulness, peace, and engaged Buddhism. His gentle tone is apparent in his writing, which shines with beautiful simplicity and wisdom. His transmission of unconditional love and peace is felt by many who read his books, and many are inspired to come together and study his teachings in sangha (family, circle).
The
following are “Thays 14 precepts,” found at
http://www.om-guru.com/html:
“Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. All systems of thought are guiding means; they are not absolute truth.”
“Do not think that the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be opened to receive others viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout your entire life, and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times.”
“Do not force others, including children, by any means whatsoever, to adopt your views, whether by authority, by threat, money, propaganda, or even education. However, through compassionate dialogue, help others renounce fanaticism and narrowness.”
“Do not avoid contact with suffering or close your eyes before suffering. Do not lose awareness of the existence of suffering in the life of the world. Do find ways to be with those who are suffering by all means, including personal contact and visits, images, sounds. By such means, awaken yourself and others to the reality of suffering in this world.”
“Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Do not take as the aim of your life fame, profit, wealth, or sensual pleasure. Live simply and share time, energy, and material resources with those who are in need.”
“Do not maintain anger or hatred. As soon as anger and hatred arise, practice the meditation on compassion in order to deeply understand the persons who have caused anger and hatred. Learn to look at other beings with the eyes of compassion.”
“Do not lose your self in dispersion and in your surroundings. Learn to practice breathing in order to be gaining composure of body and mind, practice mindfulness, and to develop concentration and understanding.”
“Do not utter words that can create discord and cause the community to break. Make every effort to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.”
“Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people. Do not utter words that cause diversion and hatred. Do not spread news that you do not know to be true. Do not criticize or condemn things you're not sure of. Always speak truthfully and constructively. Have the courage to speak out about situations of injustice, even when doing so may threaten your own safety.”
“Do not use the Buddhist community for personal gain or profit, or transform your community into a political party. A religious community should, however, take a clear stand against oppression and injustice, and should strive to change the situation without engaging in partisan conflicts.”
“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 which helps realize your ideal compassion.”
“Do not kill. Do not let others kill. Find whatever means possible to protect life and to prevent war.”
“Possess nothing that should belong to others. Respect the property of others but prevent others from enriching themselves from human suffering or the suffering of other beings.”
“Do not mistreat your body. Learn to handle it with respect. Do not look on your body as only an instrument. Preserve vital energies (sexual, breath, spirit) for the realization of the way. Sexual expression should not happen without love and commitment. In sexual relationships be aware of the suffering that may be caused. Preserve the happiness of others. Respect the rights and commitments of others. Be fully aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the world. Meditate on the world into which you are bringing new beings.”
“Do not believe that I feel that I follow each and every of these precepts perfectly. I know I fail in many ways. None of us can fully fulfill all these things. However I must work toward a goal. These are my goals. No words can replace practice, only practice can make the words true.”
“The finger pointing at the moon is not the moon.” ~Thich Naht Hahn
Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and most any other Buddhism religion teach simple mindfulness in meditation, religion, and art. This meditation mindfulness is also shown in the Buddhist temple setting, portrayed in Buddhist art, and practiced by almost every Buddhist monk or Tibetan monk. A Tibetan monk in a temple practicing a guided meditation can be a symbol used to focus your meditation and lead to mindfulness.