The sound of one monk jumping

There are enough Zen centers. We need more Zen corners.
Those are the words of the Vietnamese Zen master, peace activist and pioneer of 'engaged Buddhism' Thich Nhat Hanh. He was speaking at the Plum Village Meditation Practice Center founded by him in 1969 in the Dordogne, France, and among his many books is the best selling Being Peace. The photo was taken by photojournalist Paul Davis at Plum Village and accompanies a thought-provoking article by him about Thich Nhat Hanh's work. Soundtrack is Smiles of the Buddha by the the Vietnamese composer Ton-That Tiêt. More on his music in Hints of Penderecki, Ligeti and Stimmung.

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Comments

Pliable said…
There is an interesting story attached to this post. My copy of Thih Nhat Hanh's Being Peace was bought, like so many of my books, second hand from an Amazon reseller.

When it arrived I found the previous owner's name written on the flyleaf - Sam Shingleton. Shingleton is quite a rare name and I have no knowledge of Sam who is not a relative as far as I know.

Strange coincidence...
Pliable said…
Comment received:

That must be the most delightful picture I've seen in quite a while.

It has forced me ... no, not really "forced" ... inspired me to order two of his books from Amazon.

Thanks.

Scott
Unknown said…
Scott:

Yes, my favourite books of Thich Nhat Hanh are Being Peace and Touching Peace. Reading Kabat-Zinn and Stahl lead me to read many of Thich Nhat Hanh's books. Though I had meditated with Acem several years, I expanded my reading and study of mindfulness as a result of a bout with serious depression resulting from work related stress. I found mindfulness as one of five pillars (GP, therapy, mindfulness, friends & colleagues and family) that lead me successfully through this period.

Hopefully, you have enjoyed Being Peace, and I am glad that another person was able to use my copy.

Regards,
Sam Shingleton

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