In the past two months, the world lost two great leaders – Desmond Tutu, South African Anglican Bishop and Theologian, and Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist Monk and Teacher.
The well loved teachings and examples of these two leaders have international influence with some important parallels. Both lived through war and became peace activists, both developed strong followings that transcended religious and national categories, and both knew how to identify happiness or joy as one of the chief experiences of life.
Over the next few months, Anawim Arts will use the Community Conversations section of our website to feature art, poetry or short prose inspired by the words of Desmond Tutu and Thich Nhat Hanh. Find a favorite quote, let it inspire you and share your artistic response.
To join this tribute, please submit your contributions to anawimarts@gmail.com.
Below are a few quotes to get you started:
Human beings are actually created for the transcendent, for the sublime, for the beautiful, for the truthful… and all of us are given the task of trying to make this world a little more hospitable to these beautiful things.
We are made for goodness. We are made for love. We are made for friendliness. We are made for togetherness. We are made for all of the beautiful things that you and I know. We are made to tell the world that there are no outsiders.
Quotes from Desmond Tutu
The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.
Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.
If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.
Quotes from Thich Nhat Hanh
The art work that accompanies these beautiful quotes and the introduction to this new share is beautiful!!!
These quotes are beautiful. I love The utube video on “a cloud never dies”.And I love the calligraphy of Thigh Nhat Hang. So deeply spiritual and in touch with ecology.