We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track. If this problem persists help us by reporting it so we can investigate it.
Watch this talk
Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Log in or create an account
Buddhism Enters Life
In 1954, the country was divided into two regions according to the Geneva Agreement, with about one million Northerners migrating to the South; the North followed the communist regime, while the South was anti-communist. The Ấn Quang Buddhist Institute in the South was not yet strong enough to reassure the young monks and nuns psychologically, so Thầy Nhat Hanh was entrusted with “reforming the curriculum of practice and study,” writing a series of 12 consecutive articles in Tự Do newspaper under the theme Buddhism Through a New Understanding (in prominent red letters), which was later published as the book “Buddhism Through a New Understanding” under the pen name Thạc Đức.
The Buddhist institute renewed its training program, allowing monastics to study science, foreign languages, and philosophy. Monks and nuns from the South and Central regions gathered for Dharma discussions, published the internal journal Early Lotus Harvest, and established the Cultural Liaison Committee for monastic students. Thầy Nhat Hanh wrote the series “Buddhism Enters Life,” emphasizing that Buddhism is not only about spiritual practice but also deeply engages in social activities such as
- education
- healthcare
- culture
- politics
- economics
In 1964, the book Buddhism Enters Life was published by Lá Bối Publishing House, initiating the current of thought to modernize Buddhism (Engaged Buddhism). This spirit spread globally with the Buddhist Peace Fellowship in America, Humanistic Buddhism in China, a network of non-sectarian mindfulness practice centers, and scientific events such as Brain Research Week in Geneva. Engaged Buddhism is practiced through Eating Meditation, Walking Meditation, Sitting Meditation, Mindful Speaking, and Mindful Working—bringing awakening into daily life without religious rituals—in order to serve all levels and fields of society.
