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
Thanks to impermanence, everything is possible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Impermanence allows for the potential of change and new possibilities.
This quote by Nhat Hanh emphasizes the idea that because everything in life is temporary and ever-changing, it creates opportunities for growth, transformation, and new experiences. Recognizing impermanence encourages individuals to embrace change and understand that the current state is not fixed, which can lead to a more hopeful and open-minded perspective on life.
Themes
ImpermanencePossibilityChangeGrowthTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker could relay this quote during a conference to inspire attendees to embrace changes in their lives.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes βI have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
Nhat HanhRead
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.
Nhat HanhRead
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.
Nhat HanhRead
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.
Nhat HanhRead
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
Similar quotes
Humanity is moving in a circle. The progress in mechanical things of the past hundred years has proceeded at the cost of losing many other things which perhaps were much more important for it.
G. I. GurdjieffRead
The entire Nintendo group will carry on the spirit of Mr. Yamauchi by honoring, in our approach to entertainment, the sense of value he has taught us - that there is merit in doing what is different - and at the same time, by changing Nintendo in accordance with changing times.
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None of our prayers should ever be petitions for our own needs: for this is only another subtle way of trying to put ourselves on the same plane as God β acting as if we had no needs, as if we were not creatures, not dependent on Him.
Thomas MertonRead
Chinese martial artists consider themselves to be gardeners, and it's an honor for them to take care of this garden, to better it and hand it over to the generations that follow. I think that's a very important message in a time when personal achievement seems to be the only criteria of success.
Wong Kar-WaiRead
A criminal remains a criminal whether he uses a convict's suit or a monarch's crown.
Victor HugoRead
It makes me feel guilty that anybody should have such a good time doing what they are supposed to do.
Charles EamesRead