
And as one of his disciples paraphrased his instructions for his body after death:
“Please do not build a stupa for me. Please do not put my ashes in a vase, lock me inside and limit who I am. I know this will be difficult for some of you. If you must build a stupa though, please make sure that you put a sign on it that says, ‘I am not in here.’ In addition, you can also put another sign that says, ‘I am not out there either,’ and a third sign that says, ‘If I am anywhere, it is in your mindful breathing and in your peaceful steps.’”
i love that.
Thank you Thich Nhat Hanh for transmitting the Essential Teachings to us with such love and benevolence. Thank you for making death and emptiness so friendly. You are everywhere with us, and in us. Now like a pitcher of water returned to the ocean of our Ancestors, in your voice and words - ever present.