Thich Nhat Hanh: Spiritual Leader Suffers Severe Brain Hemorrhage

Internationally known Buddhist leader Thich Nhat Hanh suffered a “severe brain hemorrhage,” the monastery he founded announced Wednesday.

The leader is receiving 24-hour intensive care, the Plum Village community, located in France, announced on its website.

“At present, Thay is still very responsive and shows every indication of being aware of the presence of those around him. He is able to move his feet, hands and eyes. There are signs that a full recovery may be possible,” the Plum Village site said, adding that the teacher’s health has been fragile for two months.

Hanh is a “global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist,” the website said, and he has written more than 100 titles on meditation, mindfulness and Engaged Buddhism. He founded six monasteries and many other practice centers in the United States and Europe, and also more than 1,000 local mindfulness practice communities.

Hanh, 88, was called “an apostle of peace and nonviolence” by Martin Luther King, the website said.

Many came to Hanh's Facebook page to offer their healing thoughts and their loving experiences with Hanh.

“Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the teachers who has most profoundly touched me. I send my heartfelt thoughts for a smooth transition to whatever his next stage is, whether it be health or death,” one person wrote.

“Present moment, Perfect moment, breathing in I know I am not my emotions, breathing out I cry with a gentle heart. Gratitude for Thay's teachings,” another said.

Many repeated Hanh’s teachings:

To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself. -Thich Nhat Hanh

— Prize Crazy (@MyPrize70428) November 14, 2014

Smile, breathe and go slowly. - Thich Nhat Hanh

— Maternal Gynerations (@MaternalGYN) November 14, 2014

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