This week we celebrate the birthday of my dear teacher, Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. We know that he was “born” in 1926 and “died” in 2022. But did he, really?

One of the most powerful teachings he shares is about Continuation. Rooted deep in Buddhist philosophy he affirms that everything continues. Flowers grow out of the earth, are beautiful for a time, then fade and die. But they do not really die, he says. They are simply going into hiding for a time. As they decay they become compost to create rich soil so that more beautiful flowers can grow. In this way, the flower are not “born” and they do not “die”; they simply continue.

Another way he speaks of this is the relationship between the waves and the water. He explains that we tend to live our lives as if we are waves, always riding the highs and lows of life, always feeling pushed around by the flow of life. As a result, we suffer greatly from fear and uncertainty. What we forget is that we are also water—constant, steady, always present. Knowing this we experience Continuation.

As he neared the end of his life, he often spoke of Continuation. He explained there is no need for us to be sad when we cannot see him anymore. He may not be among us physically, but he will always be with us in our sitting meditation, walking meditation, and every moment of mindfulness. All things continue and so shall he.

What a blessing to have had this incredible teacher as part of our lives at this time on the planet. Let us on October 11 celebrate the Continuation Day of Thich Nhat Hanh. He writes: “All the work of meditation is aimed at awakening us in order to know one thing: that birth and death can never touch us in any way whatsoever.” What a beautiful thought!

I have been a student of Thich Nhat Hanh for decades. The Zen Buddhist monk from Vietnam is now in his 90s and is well-known for his teachings on mindfulness. He offers many different sayings called gathas that can be used at varying times throughout the day. I love this one for the morning. Perhaps you would enjoy memorizing it and saying it to yourself upon rising:
 
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
 
“Waking up”: You are alive! This is a wonderful and glorious thing. Because you are alive, everything is possible.
 
“I smile”: How amazing to greet the day with joy rather than dread, fear, sadness, hopelessness or disgust. Be a person who spreads joy in the world.
 
“Twenty-four brand new hours are before me”: YOU are the creator of your own life. YOU are the crafter of your own destiny. What will you make with this one beautiful life you have been given?
 
“I vow to live fully in each moment”: Yesterday is a memory and tomorrow is a dream. The only moment we can do anything about is this one now. Live in the present.
 
“I vow to look at all beings with eyes of compassion”: This is known as the bodhisattva vow—to bring compassion to every interaction, every thought, word and deed. This simple act will transform your life and the world around you.
 
May all beings be happy and free. May all beings know joy. May all beings live in peace.