How Thay Touched Lives 

To mark the 3rd anniversary of Thay’s transition we share some deep and touching accounts of how his practices, teachings, and presence have impacted people’s lives. 

These accounts are taken from the Gratitude for Thich Nhat Hanh page on this website, where they and many, many other inspiring messages have been posted. For this article, we have only been able to highlight a selection of comments written in English, but people have written messages in a range of other languages. Messages have been edited for length or readability.

Finding a healing forgiveness  

In 1993, sitting in Thay’s presence at a retreat, I wrote to a man who had killed my father 17 years before, now serving time in prison, and forgave him. I mailed him the letter as part of my letting go. My heart in my hands, fully open, smiling, smiling, a newfound space inside. Erin Donahue

Making breathing feel refreshing 

In Being Peace Thay shares with me a gatha, “Breathing in, I calm my body, breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know it is a wonderful moment.” When he explains that the breath is like a glass of cold water, I can feel it. Never in my previous life has my breath been so refreshing – and awakening. Barry Kleinfeld, Hamden, CT USA

Inspiring a connection to nature

One of the great blessings of my life was to meet Thay while working with the Community of Mindful Living in 2000 organizing the California retreats. One day at our office in El Cerrito California he came to visit. We sat in a small office, just about 10-12 people. He was so calm and gentle and though I can’t remember exactly what he said, I remember him sitting next to me and reaching out to caress the leaf on the ficus plant while speaking. No one else noticed but I’ll never forget how it affected me. He greeted everything with love, attention, and kindness including the office plant. It inspired my own connection to nature which is the guiding love of my life. I am infinitely grateful. No birth, no death, no fear. I have arrived, I am home. Cara Gardner

Improving relationships 

Thay has given me with the Beginning Anew Practice and the Peace Treaty such skillful methods for all my relationships. Annabelle Zinser

Re-reading True Love with my beloved allowed us to get to know our relationship and ourselves more deeply. With deep gratitude may his writings continue to spark inner knowledge and quietude as well as deep conversations. Keren

We are grateful for Thay and his teachings. His “Cake in the Refrigerator” is an example of his ingenious ways of helping us show love and compassion for each other. This “recipe” has been prominently displayed in our household as a reminder to cultivate understanding and love especially when we are not our best selves. Thank you, Thay, for sharing nourishment for our body, mind and spirit. We will continue to study your teachings and know that you are with us in everything around and within us. Jen

I have been impacted by Thay. Over twenty years since getting sober I have worked to become more compassionate. I had a relationship twenty years ago and we had a daughter. The other parent (I am transgender so it’s her mom) was mean and hateful to me. We hadn’t really talked for several years. Initially, I was returning her anger and hatred. My daughter recently had a stroke. Her mom came up to help with grandkids and I decided to use compassion. She doesn’t have any money and has had a rough life. I’ve helped her out and hugged her with compassion, took her for meals, and followed up with her. It’s truly amazing how we can change the dynamics of relationships just by practicing non-discrimination and kindness and compassion. Not judging her for her past and her hatred and showing love let her see the real me, my consciousness. Thay’s teachings have helped shape me and my approach to life. As a nurse, I use them often. Shawna Galloway, Black River, NY

Showing how to weave political action and spiritual growth

I want to thank Thay for embodying power with such sweetness, humbleness, and a touch of humor. As an environmental educator and activist, Thay’s wholesome portrayal of civic leadership shines brightly in my mind. Dear Thay, I promise to practice being with my breath more and more to do my part in planetary security. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your example of weaving political action and spiritual growth together. Thank you for helping me feel dignity and wholeness just as I am. Your practices have infused my life, family, and work. I will do my best to repay the Earth, the greatest bodhisattva, in smiles and acts of engaged pedagogy. Jennifer Chesnut

Dealing with adversity 

I read Peace Is Every Step while I was homeless and pregnant at the age of 20. As I walked in the early morning to start my day, I felt that living was more than my life situation. He carried me through young adulthood at a time when my family was not present for me. I am fortunate to have had a friend in spirit when I struggled to be a friend to myself. L Johnson

Dear teacher, I am an Iranian woman who came from much oppression and a hard life. When I met you in Deer Park I was broken, depressed, and confused. After being next to you and practicing, some understanding came to me. I am still dealing with ups and downs but I have your teaching with me so I can go back to wherever I feel hopeless and scared. Thank you, I am lucky to know you. Peace and love to your continuation. Neda

Dear Thầy, My breaths are still shallow now, but I stopped trying to seek deep breaths and it stopped the war inside me. I was a destructive teenager, my heart was badly bleeding, I hated my parents who fought against each other without caring about my emotions, I sought love from people who could not give me, I was a hungry ghost, sometimes sleepless and sometimes slept all day to forget the sufferings… And your teaching saved me. I remember I tried to sit still and focus on my belly for the first time, it was a painful but powerful action for me. I did make peace with myself thanks to the practice. Now I am almost thirty, lots of ups and downs in my daily life but I am confident to face life with a smile. Thank you, Thầy. Tram Le

Handling illness 

Eleven years ago I was told I had thyroid cancer and my world crumbled before me. I felt lost and scared and very much alone on a journey that I didn’t think I could cope with. My therapist recommended I read some of the Buddhist books on suffering and at that point, even being Jewish, I was willing to try anything. Being introduced to Thay’s teachings and meditations, would not only allow me to battle the cancer more strategically, but would also change my whole view on life, love, acceptance, and mindfulness. I join the many millions of others whose lives have been made so much better by Thich Nhat Hanh. Bre

I’ve known about Thay for years, but just last year started to listen to his dharma talks daily. I suffer from chronic pain due to a neurological condition. Doctors could only give me medication, which made me feel worse in other ways. Thay’s teachings reached me at a deep level. He taught me to embrace suffering, not to exaggerate it, and to take care of it. I learned how deep relaxation is where healing happens – and that I had never reached a state of deep relaxation in my life. A profound turnaround occurred in how I both held and treated my condition. I still have pain – but much less – and I also have moments of joy! But most of all, Thay has been a source of deep relief and compassion for me, a daily friend and teacher who lets me know it’s all ok.

I am forever grateful for this man, and what he has contributed to my life. That he was able to initiate such a movement is beyond amazing. I try to practice living each moment deeply, and looking on others with eyes of compassion. Barbara Rice

I am so grateful to have tasted the refreshment of Thay’s teachings at a time of great difficulty in my life. In 2020 my son was diagnosed with Leukemia. I cannot imagine going through the pain of chemo treatment and then transplant (due to relapse) without the tools of mindfulness.

I read The Art of Communication because I struggled to advocate for him without sounding distrustful of his care team. It also helped me learn to give him space to advocate for himself (he was 18 at the time). We found freedom from suffering through practicing mindfulness on the Plum Village App. We deepened our relationship and appreciation for our time on this earth. We practice together daily. We confidently share this love with others. We are grateful for both our suffering and our joy. To have shared time on earth with a living Buddha! What a blessing! Evelyn Jean-Louis

The “presence of a giant” showing a path in life 

I met Thich Nhat Hanh in 1968 at a gathering in Miami Florida USA in a private home setting of invited guests who were working in opposition to the war being conducted by the US government in Southeast Asia. I do not recall at the time what was said by this exiled monk; however, I was carried away with the pondering question, “What is it that makes of this small corporal presence the feeling that I am in the presence of a giant?” This was my introduction into the universe of Buddhism and Taoism and my path in life. I have never forgotten that moment as it is tethered thereafter with my Way. A wonderful life lesson indeed by a grateful student.  Isali Ben-Jacob

Navigating the death of a loved one

The teachings of our dear Thay reached out to me as my grandfather was entering his final days battling cancer. Thay’s words and insight helped me to grieve better, by not turning away from my pain and anxiety, and giving me the opportunity to comfort my family in our mourning. Now, every one of my days is filled with much joy and satisfaction. My daily habits have been impacted for the good, my decisions are made with more mindfulness, and my relationships have never been stronger. Thich Nhat Hanh is a name that I will never forget for the rest of my days. Thank you greatly. Bedford, Virginia, United States

I began practicing the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh in 2015 when my grandmother was dying. I listened to his Plum Village and other dharma talks on YouTube as I sat vigil by her side night and day for three weeks. I kept up the listening and meditation practice, reading many of Thay’s books on mindfulness and managing painful emotions. I practice his teachings every day, many times a day. His words and calm voice saved me from despair from various traumas. I am healed in a deep way because of his teaching me to calm my pain, to embrace my suffering so I can suffer less. I can breathe in and out, knowing that the conditions for happiness are available to me if I recognize them. I know, like a good gardener, that my flowers grow well from mud. No mud, no lotus. Through careful practice, patience, self-compassion, and time, I am learning how to love myself along with all other beings in the world. I know peace; I know joy, and I know freedom. Not all of the time, of course! but enough to be well. Natasha Ravnik

Reconnecting with Christianity 

Thay’s book Living Buddha, Living Christ helped me reconnect with my Christian roots in a pure and meaningful way. Through Thay’s words, I was able to truly internalize the message of Christ. I go back to this book weekly and it continues to be a wellspring of hope and peace in my life. I am deeply grateful to Thay and the life that he shared with all of us. Bridgett Nelson

Recovering from addiction

I am deeply grateful for all that I have been able to learn from his teachings and will continue to learn. As a person suffering from alcohol use disorder trying all sources of education and awareness (AA, SMART, Tempest, dozens of books and resources, etc.) it wasn’t until I found Thich Naht Hahn and Dharma Recovery that I was able to transform into the person I am today. The mindful breathing, awareness of what I eat and how I eat, mindful walking, meditation, dealing with anger, transforming love, forgiveness, and healing trauma have been a great inspiration and foundations by which I will live the rest of my life. I honestly can say I don’t believe I ever would have successfully overcome my battle with alcohol addiction if it wasn’t for him, his many great books (which I will continue to grow my library with), and the messages from Plum Village. My heart goes out to everyone – my thoughts are with Plum Village – I look forward to the continuation of the many lessons we have from the great people who have studied by his side. Lisa-Marie

Healing the inner child 

I found Thay when I was 18. I had just left my childhood church and moved away from home. In 2021, I finally found a sangha. I was able to learn so deeply. I remember this one specific time last year- it was in the morning before I got up. I was on my bed reading Happiness and it had a meditation for loving kindness. In my meditation, my mind wandered to me as a child, and me as a teenager. I felt love for them. I embraced them. It was one unifying moment where I was whole. I try to embrace myself now because I know he would want me to. I thank him now, I will always thank him. My path was rewritten. May his words continue to touch us, to make us kinder, closer, happier. He pursued a life I one day hope to achieve. I want to follow in the footsteps of Thay. So much love <3 Sophia Gundry

Thay’s words gave me reconciliation with my inner child. I no longer hated my perceived inadequacy but learned to love my path. A path full of suffering and pain, full of joy and compassion. A path like all beings walk. I am all of us, all are like me. It was liberating, filled with tears, filled with laughter. I finally spoke to my inner child and we cried together. I am so grateful to him, for this infinite gift. Michael Mauch

Finding self-compassion 

I first heard Thay’s poem Call Me By True Names during a DBT class. I had been carrying so much pain from the unskillful behaviors of my past. There was so much shame and I felt so burdened. When I heard this poem and Thay including the pirates who attacked the people on the boat, a profound healing and understanding began. I am learning to include all the parts of myself as deserving of compassion. I am deeply grateful to Thay and to Plum Villiage. Sending metta. Dina

Thay “saved my life”

I was given a copy of The Heart of Understanding when I was in a very dark place and it is no exaggeration to say that Thay’s writing saved my life and saved my family from much grief. I have been lucky to subsequently visit Plum village for Dharma Talks and for retreat and his calm and peaceful example is a lesson to us all. Although we will miss his physical presence, Thay’s words and deeds will continue to be present as long as the dharma wheel turns. John Black

Randomly finding Thay’s Tangerine meditation online saved my life; plain and simple. Going to Plum Village for the New Year retreat 2012-2013 and being in his presence has forever beautified my life and is one of my fondest memories and dearest privileges. Forever in gratitude. David Cline, Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Happy teachers, changing the world

His teaching helped me discover and practice compassion, especially in difficult situations. I am a teacher and approaching my students’ behavior and work with compassion is so critical in helping them grow. Thank you for teaching us how to be compassionate in challenging situations! Verica Gajic, USA currently in UAE

I have used Taming the Tiger Within for many years with my students (6-8 grade). When a child is truly stuck in their thoughts, feelings, and expectations, I say, “Do you want to try the magic book?”. Of course, most children want to believe in magic so it gets them curious. So I have them ask the book for guidance and wisdom in the present moment and flip to a random page. It truly is magical how the child happens to pick just what they need to hear and we discuss what it means. I’ve even had students moved to tears in that moment they feel the connection to his words. So I remain humbly thankful that we could share in some small way Thich Nhat Hanh’s loving energy. Peace, Jake

Lifelong lessons from a childhood encounter 

My dad took me and my sister to a retreat to meet Thich Nhat Hanh and hear his teachings when I was twelve. We perhaps didn’t take it as seriously as we should have at the time (!) but a lot of what we learned stuck with me, especially ten years ago when my dad died in an accident, it really got me through the initial overwhelming grief and gives me strength and calms me today, and I find myself returning to his words and wisdom. I am very grateful we had the opportunity to meet and hear and learn. Felicity Starr, Sheffield, UK

Treasuring walking meditation

I will never forget the first time I saw Thich Nhat Hanh. I was about 20 years old, and I was passing the TV in my parents’ house and saw a cable access channel with his I arrive with every step meditation. He was explaining that with every step you take, you must be in the present moment. I had never heard anyone talk about mindful walking. To this day it’s one of the most important things I’ve learned, and I am so grateful to him. Beth Conaway

Thank you, Thay for introducing me to mindful living. Some of the most beautiful moments of my life have occurred during walking meditation. Throughout the day, when I feel myself thinking too much I remember your teachings and go home to the present moment. This brings me immediate peace and joy. Blake Harris, Canada

A ripple effect

Dear Thay taught me how to be much more fully present and aware of my breath. So often we are everywhere else in our minds but “here.” Breathing consciously quiets the mind and brings us back to the present moment where we can truly experience much greater peace and joy for life. I teach gentle, spiritual yoga and begin my classes by reading his teachings to center ourselves. Even though I rotate through the passages of just one book (Peace is Every Step), it always feels ever new and fresh to me and my students. They are beautiful reminders to be present, the only moment that is. It has had a ripple effect because now one of my students also reads those teachings for her AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) group, who find great solace in them. Laurie Scott