engaged buddhism

A poem by Thich Nhat Hanh. “Man is not the enemy”, Thay has often reminded us. “Our enemy is hatred, anger, ignorance and fear.” The roots of war are not to be found in religious philosophies or unfamiliar cultures, but in misunderstanding, fear, anger, and hatred.

Br. Phap Bieu reflects on his experience of participating in a flashmob mediation in the center of Madrid, Spain and practicing in an urban environment.

The mark of a true Masters is their capacity for love, compassion, kindness and joy. The story of how Thay was ordained and the kindness, care and gentleness of his own teacher.

How Thay's teacher taught him to light incense when he was a novice and the meaning behind the act.

"Gathas for Daily Life was a warrior’s manual on strategy. As novices, we were handed it when we entered the monastery and instructed to keep it close at hand at all times, even to use it as a pillow at night..."

This is the third in a series of stories Thay has told of his time as a young monk at the Root Temple in Hue, Vietnam, to which he has recently returned to live.

This is the second in a series of memories written by Thay, called Memories from the Root Temple, based on his time with his teacher, Master Thanh Quy at Tu Hieu Temple, Vietnam, to which he has recently returned to live.

This is the first in a series of memories written by Thay, based on his time at Tu Hieu Temple, Vietnam (his root temple), to which he has recently returned to live.

The Happy Farmers enjoy hosting their first "Experience Week" , sharing their practice of mindful, organic farming.

Sr. Chân Đức expresses gratitude for our practice center the European Institute of Applied Buddhism, Germany to celebrate it's 10 year anniversary. She tell us how Thay and the sangha have turned a place with a dark history into a place of peace and joy.