Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
In the Light of interbeing, peace and happiness in your daily life means peace and happiness in the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our personal peace and happiness contribute to global harmony.
Thich Nhat Hanh highlights the interconnectedness of individual well-being and the broader world. By fostering peace and happiness in our own lives, we contribute to a collective sense of tranquility and joy that extends to others, emphasizing that personal actions have a ripple effect on society as a whole.
Themes
PeaceHappinessInterconnectednessWell-BeingWorld
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one could cite this quote to emphasize the importance of personal happiness in creating a better society.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes βI have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
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I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
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Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
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The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
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Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
Nhat HanhRead
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