
Vietnamese
Monk
11 Oct 1926
22 Jan 2022
Thich Nhat Hanh, born on October 11, 1926, in central Vietnam, is a revered Buddhist monk, peace activist, and prolific author renowned for his teachings on mindfulness, compassion, and engaged Buddhism. Inspired by his own experiences of war and suffering during the Vietnam War, Thich Nhat Hanh has dedicated his life to promoting peace, social justice, and environmental sustainability through the practice of mindfulness and meditation.
After ordination as a novice monk at the age of 16, Thich Nhat Hanh became deeply involved in the Vietnamese Buddhist peace movement, advocating for nonviolence and reconciliation during a time of intense conflict. In 1966, he founded the Order of Interbeing, a contemplative community dedicated to applying Buddhist principles to contemporary social issues. Forced into exile in 1966 due to his activism, Thich Nhat Hanh spent several decades traveling the world, teaching mindfulness practices and leading meditation retreats. His teachings emphasize the cultivation of mindfulness in everyday life as a means of fostering inner peace, compassion, and understanding. Through his numerous books, lectures, and international peace efforts, Thich Nhat Hanh has touched the lives of millions, inspiring a global movement for peace and mindfulness.