Today, in the early morning of January 22, 2022, I heard of Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh’s passing. May he rest in peace.
May he come to eternal rest from samsara and reach nirvana!
As one who has always had great respect for Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing. I would have liked him to stay with us a little longer for those who are suffering in this world.
Born in Vietnam during the French colonial rule, he experienced the Vietnam War and witnessed the atrocities of mass killing and destruction, which led to a refugee crisis in Vietnam.
Despite all the adversity and danger, he did not hesitate to sacrifice himself in realizing social justice based on the spirit of peace and reconciliation. Furthermore, he spread his philosophy of peace and reconciliation beyond Vietnam to the entire world.
He led a peace movement based on nonviolence and compassion.
We, the practitioners around the world, regardless of nationality, ideology, and religion, vow to continue the nonviolent peace movement you have led. Please entrust us with the task.
May you rest in eternal peace!
I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Bhikkhu Pomnyun
From South Korea on January 22, 2022
