About Thich Nhat Hanh ,Mindfulness

[Emmet]

In my nearest city we have both a Soto Zen Center and an Order of Interbeing Center. I enjoy going between both.

I sat for a long time with a Zen Center (Harada/Yasutani spinoff), and later with a TNH sanga over in the next city. At the Zen Center, the focus was almost exclusively upon zazen; we were very careful not to be too religious so as not to offend the delicate sensibilities of the 'bompu Zen' folk. Instruction was confined to a monthly Dharma talk and dokusan. We struggled with developing a sense of community, but never seemed to develop beyond a disparate collection of individuals who came together to sit in silence a few times a week, and then disperse.
By comparison, the TNH folk were very focused on sangha, and unapologetically practiced 'all Buddhism; all the time'; it permeated everything they did. While I prefer my Zen practice, I quite liked sitting with the TNH folk, I feel that TNH's teaching offered me new perspectives and deepened my practice. Despite my best efforts to practice equanimity, I deeply regretted moving away.

Sat today.

[Ryushi]

As one who loves to hear the sounds of my own voice, I've found Thich Nhat Hanh's explanations of deep or compassionate listening to be helpful and transformative. Every time I've listened to one of his talks or interviews, I've come away enriched.

However, I'm also uncomfortable with what I see as a cult of personality around him. And the consistent reference to being nominated for a Noble Prize. Nominations are supposed to be secret and being nominated is not the same as being awarded the prize. It seems uncharacteristically unhumble.

Sat today. Gassho.

[Jundo]

However, I'm also uncomfortable with what I see as a cult of personality around him. And the consistent reference to being nominated for a Noble Prize. Nominations are supposed to be secret and being nominated is not the same as being awarded the prize. It seems uncharacteristically unhumble.

Well, personally, I think he deserves his reputation for kindness and peacework. Actually, I believe that he was nominated for the prize by Martin Luther King, which itself is something very good.

https://charterforcompassion.org/practicing-peace/thich-nhat-hanh-and-martin-luther-king

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

[Ryushi]

Actually, I believe that he was nominated for the prize by Martin Luther King, which itself is something very good.

Yes, I left that out. It's always included whenever this is mentioned. It's high praise, and deserved. But also against the intent of the committee's rules to keep nominations secret. Clearly, it's a personal hang-up on my part, tho'.