Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote:
Looking deeply is to remove the frontier between our notions and reality.
One of the best known and most respected Zen masters in the world today,
poet, and peace and human rights activist, Thich Nhat Hanh (called Thây by his students)
has led an extraordinary life. Born in central Vietnam in 1926 he joined
the monkshood at the age of sixteen. The Vietnam War confronted the monasteries
with the question of whether to adhere to the contemplative life and remain meditating
in the monasteries, or to help the villagers suffering under bombings and other
devastation of the war. Nhat Hanh was one of those who chose to do both, helping
to found the "engaged Buddhism" movement. His life has since been dedicated
to the work of inner transformation for the benefit of individuals and society.
In Saigon in the early 60s, Thich Nhat Hanh founded the School of Youth Social Service,
a grass-roots relief organization that rebuilt bombed villages, set up schools and medical
centers, resettled homeless families, and organized agricultural cooperatives.
Rallying some 10,000 student volunteers, the SYSS based its work on the Buddhist principles
of non-violence and compassionate action. Despite government denunciation of his activity,
Nhat Hanh also founded a Buddhist University, a publishing house, and an influential
peace activist magazine in Vietnam.
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