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Aspect Quote by Nhat Hanh

“Meditation is to be aware of what is going on - in our bodies, in our feelings, in our minds, and in the world. Each day...children die of hunger… Yet the sunrise is beautiful, and the rose that bloomed this morning along the wall is a miracle. Life is both dreadful and wonderful. To practice…” quote by Nhat Hanh
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“Meditation is to be aware of what is going on - in our bodies, in our feelings, in our minds, and in the world. Each day...children die of hunger… Yet the sunrise is beautiful, and the rose that bloomed this morning along the wall is a miracle. Life is both dreadful and wonderful. To practice meditation is to be in touch with both aspects. Please do not think we must be solemn in order to meditate. In fact, to meditate well, we have to smile a lot.”

Nhat Hanh

About This Quote

Source Book: The Miracle of Mindfulness, 1975

Meditation embraces both suffering and beauty, requiring awareness and a gentle smile.

In simple terms: Meditation balances pain and joy with mindful awareness.

Key Takeaway

Practice mindful smiling to accept life's duality.

Themes

mindfulness balance joy uffering

Mood

calm hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily meditation
  • grieving
  • appreciating nature
  • handling stress

Key Concepts

compassion presence dualism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you integrate joy during hardship?
  • What does a mindful smile feel like?
A Different Perspective

Smile may feel forced if grief is deep; authenticity matters.

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