Mindfulness must be engaged. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. Otherwise, what's the use of seeing?

Mindfulness must be engaged. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. Otherwise, what's the use of seeing?

Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist, is a strong advocate for the practice of mindfulness. He often emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the moment and cultivating awareness in all aspects of life. One of his famous quotes is, “Mindfulness must be engaged. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. Otherwise, what's the use of seeing?”

This quote highlights the idea that simply being aware of something is not enough; one must also take action based on that awareness. In other words, mindfulness is not just about observing and acknowledging what is happening around us, but also about responding to it in a skillful and compassionate way. Without this second step of acting, our mindfulness practice remains incomplete and ineffective.

Thich Nhat Hanh often uses the analogy of a bell to explain this concept. He compares mindfulness to the sound of a bell, which can only be heard when it is struck. In the same way, our awareness can only be truly beneficial when it is followed by intentional and purposeful action. This action may take the form of making a positive change in our own behavior, reaching out to help others, or advocating for social justice and environmental sustainability.

In the context of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, the practice of mindfulness is not just a personal endeavor, but also a means of creating positive change in the world. By being fully present and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, we can cultivate a sense of interconnectedness with all beings and the environment. This awareness can then inspire us to act with kindness, compassion, and wisdom in our interactions with others and in our efforts to address social and environmental issues.