Happy Birthday Thich Nhat Hanh

The Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh turned 90 years old yesterday. Words can’t even describe what this man’s books, thoughts, and actions have meant to me. To celebrate his birthday I thought I would share some of my favorite quotes of his.

“People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.”

“Enlightenment is always there. Small enlightenment will bring great enlightenment. If you breathe in and are aware that you are alive—that you can touch the miracle of being alive—then that is a kind of enlightenment.”

“People suffer because they are caught in their views. As soon as we release those views, we are free and we don’t suffer anymore.”

“Life is available only in the present. That is why we should walk in such a way that every step can bring us to the here and the now.”

“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.”

“You carry Mother Earth within you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is possible to have real communication with the Earth, which is the highest form of prayer.”

“Most of us experience a life full of wonderful moments and difficult moments. But for many of us, even when we are most joyful, there is fear behind our joy.”

“There are many, many Christians who practice Buddhism, and they become better and better Christians all the time.”

“Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature.”

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”