I recently began reading the book “Being Peace” by Thich Nhat Hanh. His words are always so simple and yet powerful. There are hundreds of powerful Thich Nhat Hanh quotes in his books and in his speeches and I have been collecting them and writing them down. I stick them around my house to inspire me and keep me mindful.

If you have not heard of Thich Nhat Hanh he is Zen Master, global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist. He is a Buddhist Monk and travels around the world giving talks on spirituality and mindfulness. His books are breathtaking and most definitely worth reading.

Now that he is older, Thich Nhat Hanh was asked if he intends to keep doing speaking engagements or dharma talks. This is what he said:

“n Buddhism we see that teaching is done not only by talking, but also by living your own life. Your life is the teaching, is the message. And since I continue to sit, to walk, to eat, to interact with the Sangha and people, I continue to teach, even if I have already encouraged my senior students to begin to replace me in giving Dharma talks. In the last two years, I have asked Dharma teachers, not only in the monastic circle but also in the lay circle, to come up and give Dharma talks. Many of them have given wonderful Dharma talks. Some Dharma talks have been better than mine. I see myself in my continuation, and I will not retire. I’ll continue to teach, if not by Dharma talks then in my way of sitting, eating, smiling, and interacting with the Sangha. I like to be with the Sangha. Even if I don’t give a Dharma talk, I like to join walking meditation, sitting meditation, eating in mindfulness and so on. So don’t worry. When people are exposed to the practice, they are inspired. You don’t need to talk in order to teach. You need to live your life mindfully and deeply. Thank you.

Here are some of the most powerful quotes by Thich Nhat Hanh:

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About the Author

Suki Eleuterio is a blogger, spiritualist, yoga enthusiast and poet living in South Florida. She is the founder of Found My Light, and the creative mind behind Sookton’s Space. She enjoys writing and discussing spirituality, holistic health, and vegetarianism. Growing up in Kenya with parents from different religious and cultural backgrounds, Suki has spent time finding her own path. You can follow her musings on Twitter and Instagram.