Earlier in the year one of the great Buddhist leaders of the past century, Thich Nhat Hahn, passed away and this short but informative film is a tribute to his life and work.
The film traces his life through the various poilitical upheavals in Vietnam, including its struggle for freedom from colonialism, and the American war that followed; and looks at his contributions towards world peace through his understanding and revitalisation of the Buddhist teachings.
Thich Nhat Hahn first came to prominence outside Vietnam for his anti-war stance when he toured the US in 1966, and for the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize made by Martin Luther King Jr., whom he often appeared with at peace rallies.
But his greatest contribution was probably the founding of his own reformed Buddhist Order of Interbeing, through which he helped train a generation of new teachers, who continue to pass on his teachings into the future.
This is a short film, but within its compass it manages to highlight the main phases of his life and contributions. It really makes me think that a series of films could usefully be made about his inspiring journey and teachings.
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to see an album of stills click here