Although Thich Nhat Hanh died two years ago (22nd January, 2022), it is possible to argue that he is still very much alive. His philosophy and life-affirming perspective on how to live lives on in his many books, videos, and various retreats/centres around the world where students of his teachings continue to practise and disseminate his wisdom on embracing life with fearlessness, serenity, and joy.
“The Art of Living” is a perfect distillation of Thay’s abiding themes: peace in the present moment; interconnectedness; joy; letting go; peace in the present moment. To read anything by Thich Nhat Hanh and then put his philosophy into practice is like entering a refreshing river of clarity and contentment. Thay never preaches; instead, he shows the way for the receptive reader to embrace life with an open heart and realise the truth that every day is a fresh page in which we can write beautiful thoughts, speak wise words, and perform noble actions. A constant refrain is the idea of cultivating our spiritual dimension and to do this we need to be mindful of out being. As Thay so eloquently expresses, “our quality of being determines our quality of doing.” Our minds and bodies are inextricably connected. When our thoughts are grounded in rooted spirituality and joyful love, then so will our actions. This is an imperishable pearl of wisdom that we can apply throughout our lives.
In his chapter on “Impermanence”, Thay compares our minds to gardens, which is a beautiful metaphor, reminding us that we aren’t apart from nature, but part of it. Just as gardens need to be managed, so do our minds. It all depends on what seeds you water. Ultimately, it is our responsibility whether we will cultivate seeds of happiness or seeds of anger. Thich Nhat Hanh writes in such a gentle and non-objective manner, that the tone rather than being like a lecture (as it could so easily lapse into in a less accomplished writer) is instead one of care and encouragement. It doesn’t matter where you are on this precious journey that is life, you still have great powers within you, “what you grow is up to you.”
In a world riven with polarisation, discord, hatred, and bitterness, Thay’s message of peace, healthy communication, looking at life with unfeigned awe, and acting with balanced compassion for fellow humans and the Earth couldn’t be more timely. He reminds us that nothing we say or do is ever wasted, that everyone can live a full and wholehearted life, if you accept that nothing stays the same, you act out of intention, and you remain attentive to the positive energies you have the capacity to radiate with your loved ones and the world.
“The Art of Living” will leave you feeling renewed, refreshed, and rejuvenated – ready to love life with engaged vitality, awareness, and deeper insight than before.
“Your words can be beautiful gems, reaching across space and time to create mutual understanding and love.”
Alexis
Love Life 