Quotes from Thich Nhat Hanh

If the wave does not have to die to become water, then we do not have to die to enter the kingdom of God.

Just as we have the tendency to run away from a shot or a dose of medicine, even if it's good for us, we have the tendency to run away from answers that touch painful areas in our lives.

We have to practice continuously and not just superficially. It can't be done half-heartedly. We have to be determined to grasp our mind. A period of continuous diligent practice will surely lead to transformation

Whenever you find yourself judging your partner, go back to your in-breath and out-breath and ask, How can I see this differently? Can I look more deeply to better understand her suffering and her difficulties?

Live the actual moment. Only this actual moment is life.

Life is short; it must not be spent in endless metaphysical speculations which will not be able to bring us the Truth.

When you plant a tree, if it doesn't grow well, you don't blame the tree.

When you abstain from eating and drinking animal products, fewer animals are slaughtered, and you contribute less to climate degradation.

Each of us, for the most part, continues his daily life, contributing to the maintenance and consolidation of the machinery of production and consumption. We eat, drink, work, and divert ourselves, as if nothing is going to happen.

In the second turning, we "Encourage" ourselves to practice this path. This is realized by learning, reflecting, and practicing. As we learn, whether by reading, listening, or discussing, we need to be open so we can see ways to put what we learn into practice. If learning is not followed by reflecting and practicing, it is not true learning.

What we lack is not an ideology or a doctrine that will save the world. What we lack is awareness of what we are, of what our true situation really is.

We need a small space where we can take care of our nervous system and restore our tranquility and peace.