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Break Quote by Nhat Hanh

“I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life. We cannot support any act of killing; no killing can be justified. But not to kill is not enough ... If in your thinking you allow the killing to go on…” quote by Nhat Hanh
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“I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life. We cannot support any act of killing; no killing can be justified. But not to kill is not enough ... If in your thinking you allow the killing to go on, you also break this precept. We must be determined not to condone killing, even in our minds.”

Nhat Hanh

About This Quote

A firm commitment to reject killing in thought, word, and deed, recognizing that mental acceptance also fuels violence.

In simple terms: Reject killing completely, even in thoughts.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate non‑violence in mind and actions.

Themes

nonviolence ethics mindfulness

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal meditation
  • conflict resolution
  • policy making
  • education
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

Moral philosophy psychology of aggression

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you notice hidden justifications for harm?
  • What practices help keep thoughts aligned with non‑violence?
A Different Perspective

Hard to maintain pure thoughts amid societal influences.

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