Thich Nhat Hanh

Who is Thich Nhat Hanh?

What is Thich Nhat Hanh best known for?

As well as his work establishing the Order of Interbeing, Thich Nhat Hanh is best known for his peace activism, especially advocating for the victims and displaced people of the Vietnam War. He joined forces with many Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim leaders to call for the end to human trafficking later in life and was a correspondent with Dr Martin Luther King during the civil rights campaign he led. However, it is for his books, most of which are devoted to mindfulness and other aspects of Buddhist teaching for which he is more revered.

When did Thich Nhat Hanh return to Vietnam?

Although he was not allowed to go back to Vietnam in the 1970s, Thich Nhat Hanh was eventually able to return in 2005, following some prolonged negotiations with the authorities there. Still a campaigner, he continued to teach during his trip there. Indeed, he annoyed the government at the time by writing in the name of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, something that was illegal at the time.

How is the health of Thich Nhat Hanh?

Thich Nhat Hanh suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2014 when he was in his later 80s. Despite this setback, he has continued to travel between Buddhist communities in the East and West to teach even though his speech became impaired.

What will be the legacy of Thich Nhat Hanh?

A more widespread understanding of Engaged Buddhism, which brings together both Mahayana and Thien forms is one of the chief legacies of Thich Nhat Hanh. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967 for his peace activism during the Vietnam War. Thich Nhat Hanh has been the subject of several documentaries and even a graphic novel. A lifetime devoted to peace and mindfulness, especially teaching its benefits to others is what he will be most remembered for.