Thich Nhat Hanh has his 88th Continuation

Of course we can buy a present from the market and we put a lot of love into it. But to tell you the truth, my hut in Upper Hamlet in not large enough to store all these kinds of presents. I would like to have a kind of present that I can enjoy every day and you also can enjoy every day – a present that can last for a long time, a present of the heart. I think that the best kind of present you may like to offer is a promise that you are sure you can honor, like: “Dear Thay, I promise that from now on, every time I hold a cup of tea, I will see the cloud in the tea and the cloud within myself.” That kind of present would be wonderful. Don’t make a big promise, like: “Dear Thay, I promise that from now on every step I make will be in mindfulness.” That may be a little bit too difficult! So, look deeply and make the kind of promise that you believe you can honor. Not too much, just one. And the maximum is two…I suggest only one promise…the kind of promise you are sure you will do. Just a little promise that will last all your life. That would be the most wonderful birthday present for Thay.

So this year, in honor of Thay’s 88th Continuation Day, we invite you to offer a present of the heart – send Thay your promise via Facebook, Twitter, or email this Saturday, OCTOBER 11th.