10 Quotes from the Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation is one of the most successful books written by Thich Nhat Hanh. Originally written as a long letter to Brother Quang, a main staff member of the School of Youth for Social Service founded by Thich Nhat Hanh in 1974, the book was subsequently translated into English by Mobi Ho.
The Miracle of Mindfulness has indeed become a miracle because it has been translated into several other languages and it has been printed or distributed everywhere around the world. Millions of lives have been touched by this little book. Like the ripples in the pond, the mindfulness movement spreads throughout the world and it has since experienced an unprecedented success in Europe and North America.
Here are the 10 quotes extracted from The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation:
Quote #1
“Feelings, whether of compassion or irritation, should be welcomed, recognized, and treated on an absolutely equal basis; because both are ourselves. The tangerine I am eating is me. The mustard greens I am planting are me…..In mindfulness, compassion, irritation, mustard green plant, and teapot are all sacred.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote #2
“In mindfulness one is not only restful and happy, but alert and awake. Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote #3
“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote #4
“Everyday we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child – our own two eyes. All is a miracle.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote #5
“Don’t do any task in order to get it over with. Resolve to do each job in a relaxed way, with all your attention. Enjoy and be one with your work.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote #6
“The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion. The most important person is always the person you are with, who is right before you, for who knows if you will have dealings with any other person in the future? The most important pursuit is making the person standing at your side happy, for that alone is the pursuit of life.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote #7
“Live the actual moment. Only this actual moment is life. Don’t be attached to the future. Don’t worry about things you have to do. Don’t think about getting up or taking off to do anything. Don’t think about ‘departing.’” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote #8
“Doing your best is the surest way to remind those around you to do their best.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote #9
“Breath remains the vehicle to unite body and mind and to open the gate to wisdom.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Quote #10
“Mindfulness frees us of forgetfulness and dispersion and makes it possible to live fully each minute of life. Mindfulness enables us to live.” – Thich Nhat Hanh