This news about our beloved teacher comes to us from the recent Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation email.
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| Within a few weeks, on October 11th, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) will be 94 years old. We are so happy that Thay has compassionately stayed with us since his massive stroke almost six years ago, offering his presence, stability, and witness, as we step up to nurture and grow the Plum Village international community, and continue his teachings and legacy. Since October 2018, Thay has been residing at Từ Hiếu Temple in Huế, where he first entered the monkhood almost 80 years ago. He has been able to make frequent visits to the familiar temple grounds, join the monastic community for walking meditations, ceremonies, and festivals, and interact with his students and well-wishers coming from all over the world to pay their respects. Since the coronavirus pandemic emerged, the temple has been closed, and precautions put in place to protect Thay’s health. Thay’s health is still very variable, with times when he is weak, and other times when he is stronger. Although his spirit remains bright and strong, in the last month or so, Thầy’s body has been notably weaker, and he has lost his appetite. We know that what nourishes and sustains Thay’s spirit the most, is to hear all the ways that his students, both lay and monastic, all over the world, are continuing to put his teachings into practice in their daily life and in society. To celebrate Thay’s “continuation day” on October 11th, we are inviting all of Thay’s hundreds of thousands of students to practice walking meditation, and to forgive and love those with whom they have difficulties. This is a beautiful way to continue Thay in the world, and nourish his spirit while he is still with us. May the energy of the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion continue to embrace our Teacher, our community, and all those who face difficult moments during this time. |
Mindfulness Community of Greater New Orleans 
There has never been an author or person who has touched me more, a spirit of love that I read over and over again and who seems to speak in my language although so far away in distance and culture we are. Thank you Thay for your gift to the world and for making my life so much richer and more understanding to my roommates in this life. And for a greater future when your voice is heard in my ears for as long as I live.