The Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh passed away on January 22.  Thich Nhat Hanh (affectionately known to his students as “Thầy,” which means “Teacher” in Vietnamese) was one of the leaders in bringing mindfulness to the West.  I, and many others at the BC Children’s Hospital Centre for Mindfulness and throughout our health care community, have been deeply influenced by Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching and practice, either directly or indirectly.  Thich Nhat Hanh’s vision was to create a more mindful society, and to fulfill his friend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s dream of creating a “beloved community.”  I offer this poem in his honor. May we build on his legacy, and co-create a “more mindful hospital,” together.

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Dear Thầy, Dear Teacher

when i first met you
you awakened something deep inside of me
the wisdom of spiritual and blood ancestors
the hope of future generations

when i came to study with you
absorbing your teachings
in the Dharma halls
i cried every day
tears of a heart opening
more than i ever knew possible

when i am at my best
i imagine you
walking with my body
speaking with my voice

when i am at my worst
i invite you to sit with me
breathe with me
and hold the fire of my anger
the weight of my broken heart

dear Thầy, dear Teacher

i know you are in me
no you,
no me

now it is our turn
as your students
to continue you
it feels like such a heavy responsibility
but i know you believe in us

dear Thầy, dear Teacher

may you be free
may we awaken together
again and again
for a thousand generations