Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926–2022) was a Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, poet, scholar, and one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries. Known as the “Father of Mindfulness” and the founder of Engaged Buddhism, Thầy dedicated his life to the promotion of peace, nonviolence, and mindful living.
In the early 1960s, Thích Nhất Hạnh founded the School of Youth for Social Service (SYSS), a grassroots organisation with over 10,000 volunteers providing aid to war-torn communities.
Eventually, Thầy’s activism made him a target for both sides in the Vietnam War. The South Vietnamese government exiled him in 1966 for his refusal to align with either side. Thầy spent nearly four decades in exile, during which he continued his work as a teacher, writer, and activist.
In 1982, Thầy founded Plum Village Monastery in southern France. This mindfulness practice center became the largest Buddhist monastery in the West and a hub for teaching mindfulness as a way of life. Over time, Thầy established additional practice centres worldwide, including Deer Park Monastery (California), Blue Cliff Monastery (New York), and Magnolia Grove Monastery (Mississippi).
Thich Nhat Hanh authored over 100 books on mindfulness, meditation, and peace—many of which became bestsellers translated into more than 30 languages. Thầy's seminal works include The Miracle of Mindfulness and Peace Is Every Step. Through retreats, public talks, and writings, Thầy introduced mindfulness practices to diverse audiences ranging from individuals seeking inner peace to corporations like Google.
After decades of exile, Thich Nhat Hanh returned to Vietnam in 2005 for visits. In 2018, following a major stroke that left him largely unable to speak, Thầy moved back permanently to Tu Hieu Temple in Hue—where he lived until his death on January 22, 2022.
Thầy's legacy continues through his global community of followers and institutions like Plum Village, remain an enduring inspiration for millions worldwide as a symbol of compassion, resilience, and engaged spirituality.
