A new translation by Thich Nhat Hanh with his commentary on why he felt the new translation was necessary.
Thich Nhat Hanh's poem depicting the last day in the life of his disciple, Nhat Chi Mai, who immolated herself in protest of the Viet Nam War in 1966.
Thich Nhat Hahn gives a brief reflection on the right understanding of reincarnation.
"Homage to you Refreshing Earth Bodhisattva
Mother of this world with its many species."
"Mother earth has a power to heal herself, and has the capacity to help us heal if we know how to take refuge in her."
"Born on the top of a mountain, the little spring dances her way down. The stream of water sings as she travels. She wants to go fast. She is unable to go slowly. Running, rushing, is the only way, maybe even flying. She wants to arrive. Arrive where? Arrive at the ocean. She has heard of the deep, blue , beautiful ocean. To become one with the ocean, that is what she wants."
Thich Nhat Hanh answers a child's question, "Why do we have to die one day?"
"That is why we have to see that birth and death take place every moment in us.
That is why the role of death is very important... looking deeply you don't see
birth and death, you see a continuation."
"That is why we have to see that birth and death take place every moment in us.
That is why the role of death is very important... looking deeply you don't see
birth and death, you see a continuation."
"Impermanence is good news. Without impermanence, nothing would be possible."