"If you are a Buddhist, please come. If you are a Christian, please come. If you are Jewish, Muslim, or belong to or identify with any other religious creed or peace organization, please come. If you are white, brown, black, yellow, red, or any other color please come. We shall learn together that wrong perceptions of self and others are at the foundation of separation, fear, hate, and violence, and that togetherness and collaboration is possible." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh 2007 Invitation Program
From Vietnam, to Plum Village in southwestern France, to Los Angeles, Thich Nhat Hanh, teaches us about a beautiful way to live through the way of walking meditation.
Th`ay, (or teacher in Vietnamese - pronounced "tie"), writes that "wherever we walk, we can practice meditation. This means that we know that we are walking. We walk just for walking. We walk with freedom and solidity, no longer in a hurry. We are present with each step. We walk slowly, in a relaxed way, keeping a light smile on our lips. When we practice this way, we feel deeply at ease, and our steps are those of the most secure person on Earth. All our sorrows and anxieties drop away, and peace and joy fill our hearts. Anyone can do it. It takes only a little time, a little mindfulness, and a wish to be happy."
He suggests a gatha or practic poem while walking. Take two to three steps for each inhale and exhale.
Inhale "I have arrived" : Exhale "I am home"
Inhale "In the here" : Exhale "In the now"
Inhale "I am solid" : Exhale "I am free"
Inhale " In the ultimate" : Exhale "I dwell"
This was the teaching and program for the 2007 Los Angeles Peace Walk. Walking in mindfulness and in unity, thousands of Los Angelenans walked in mediation, creating a beautiful, unfolding wave of peace throughout the city, as we stepped out onto Alvarado, crossing Wilshire, around MacArthur Park. The air become silent, people watching grew peaceful, as the energetic presence of Thich Nhat Hanh took to showing thousands how to perform walking meditation while nurturing peace and beauty within themselves and far beyond to the world around and beyond. It was a sunny day in many respects, and to have a lesson from this master, gentle and beautiful poet, peacemaker, and teacher was an honor. Following the walk, we collectively ate our lunch together in mindful joy and appreciation, while sipping our cups of tea. Beautiful steps to beautiful thoughts, lead us to peaceful hearts and to our beautiful cups of tea. Tranquilitea!
To learn more about gatherings and supporters of meditation and mindful practice in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh visit:
Home of Thich Nhat Hanh
To view more pictures of this event, see Chassom's Teapix.
