A Short Biography of
Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese monk who was born in 1926. He became a novice at age 16. He was very active in education and advocacy. When the various wars, first French then American, ravaged his country, he decided to work for justice and help for the common people of Vietnam.
The Path to Plum Village
He set up several institutions, including the School for Youth and Social Service, that wish to work for the welfare of common people without taking sides. He also traveled to the United States in the early 60s to study at Princeton and Columbia Universities, as well as to speak out against the war at that time. Eventually, he was seen as a pariah on both sides of the war and was exiled in 1966. He set up his residence in France, and founded a retreat center called Plum Village in 1975.
Bringing Buddhist Principles to the West
While not originally planning to teach, he became quite adept at bringing these wonderful Buddhist principles to the West. He has extensively taught all over the world, especially in North America and Europe. Monastics and laypeople who follow his tradition are said to be part of the Plum Village Tradition. He has authored around 90 books on all sorts of topics related to mindfulness and the Buddhist path. There are several monasteries around the world, including three in the United States.
After delicate negotiations with the Vietnamese government,
he returned twice in the early 2000s.
After suffering a stroke in November 2014, he has lost his ability to speak and has paralysis on his right side. He was finally allowed to return to his right temple in Hué Vietnam in January 2019. He continues there to this day, and even though he does not speak, people feel the strength of his presence.