To reconcile conflicting parties, we must have the ability to understand the suffering of both sides. If we take sides, it is impossible to do the work of reconciliation. And humans want to take sides. That is why the situation gets worse and worse. Are there people who are still available to both sides? They need not do much. They need do only one thing: Go to one side and tell all about the suffering endured by the other side, and go to the other side and tell all about the suffering endured by this side. This is our chance for peace. But how many of us are able to do that?
Nhat HanhIt is possible to live happily in the here and the now. So many conditions of happiness are available - more than enough for you to be happy right now. You don't have to run into the future in order to get more.
Nhat HanhEach time you look at a tangerine, you can see deeply into it. You can see everything in the universe in one tangerine. When you peel it and smell it, itโs wonderful. You can take your time eating a tangerine and be very happy.
Nhat HanhOur appointment with life is in the present moment. If we do not have peace and joy right now, when will we have peace and joy?
Nhat HanhYou do not suffer because things are impermanent. You suffer because things are impermanent and you think they are permanent.
Nhat Hanh