An American reporter once audaciously posed a question to Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh: “Why are you in the West working for peace and teaching Westerners, when the problems lie in your own country? Why aren’t you promoting peace in Vietnam, where the conflicts lie, and teaching your own people?”
In front of a large gathering, the teacher went silent for a moment. He felt so grieved by this question that he silently stepped down from the stage and went outside the hall to breathe.
Yes, an enlightened being like the Zen master Thich Nhat Han can also experience pain, hurt, and rejection. We all are ordinary humans, regardless of our level of mindfulness training. By stepping out, the Zen master wanted to communicate this message to those present there. It’s important to let others know how we feel. This is when the transformation takes place in the hearts of those who are unaware of our sufferings .
When he returned, He responded, “I am in America to ask for peace and offer my teachings because several causes behind the problems my country is facing today are here. And unless people are aware of it, we cannot bring true, long-lasting peace.
I am in America to ask for peace and offer my teachings because several causes behind the problems my country is facing today are here.
Why am I sharing this story here today? Because I’m confronted with similar questions by those who see my solidarity with a country and its people—a focus of global attention—and their causes that seemingly aren’t my own. What’s even more ironic is that some of those who question and dismiss my stance and efforts are the very ones I advocate for. They know my contributions and dedication to their causes but doubt my sincerity, my grasp on issues they perceive as uniquely theirs, and the worth of my work and efforts to be lesser than their own. Their perspectives are tainted by ignorance and ego. They view others through the same tinted lens as their preconceived notions.
Why am I sharing this story here today? Because I’m confronted with similar questions by those who see my solidarity with a country and its people—a focus of global attention—and their causes that seemingly aren’t my own.
I am stunned and feel the need to center myself. But before I step away, I want to answer those who have doubts about my ability to understand their problems, the challenges of their lives in constant peril, and my level of sensitivity to empathize with them in a manner they expect is not considerable enough. I want to tell them that I stand in solidarity with them because I hail from a country that gave the mantra of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम), which means the world is one family. My support stems from not seeing you as different from me and never regarding your struggles as unrelated to mine.
So, let’s not cast doubts about why I am here and who I am. I am here at your invitation. We are in this hell together, searching for our paradise lost.
The root causes of our problems lies within our nations, and none of us is ignorant of the truth. With prayers for peace, and hope for mutual understanding and respect!
NOTE: The story of the conversation between the reporter and zen master Thich Nhat Hanh was shared in a Dharma talk by Phap Dung, at Deer Park Monastery in spring 2023. The actual text of the conversation has not been made available.
