An Interview with Thich Nhat Hanh

Cesare Medail
from
 IL CORRIERRE DELLA SERA 

“As an attack on Iraq seems imminent, what would you say to the government leaders during one of the most dramatic moments in American history?”

I would ask them not to start a war that would harm not only Iraqis but all of us. Who strikes another hits himself. To the governors, then, I would say that to act without the approval and support of the United Nations would greatly generate evil. If America goes ahead by herself, she will destroy the UN's authority, and we will lose the only instrument we have to maintain peace in the world, the Security Council.

The US has to listen to the collective wisdom of the UN as if this were the sangha (the first community of the Buddha's disciples) of all nations. America is part of that sangha. To destroy its prestige would be a terrible thing. The White House should instead honor it, asking for a meeting between the American and Iraqi governments in the presence of other nations able to share their wisdom."

It seems, following his words, that the UN's collapse would be as disastrous as a war. During a tea break the master reflected on the non-violence trainings that are practiced in his village. Working for peace begins with small day-to-day conflicts.

At any level the most skillful means to overcoming disharmony is deep and compassionate listening of the other's words. This helps to understand the other's suffering and to communicate. To a government I would say, listen to yourself and to what other countries say, in order to share your own suffering and to understand theirs. It is a practice. Here at Plum Village, for example, we do not speak of inner peace only, but we practice deep and lovely listening.

It is a practice of reconciliation to train oneself in, thanks to breathing meditation. Sometimes couples (husband - wife or parents - children) try to reconcile on the spot, even rushing to the telephone booth to call the other side of the world.

Bush lives among fear and is too busy to practice breathing meditation, and he can do so much harm. He needs advisors capable of activating compassion, but he seems instead to be surrounded by belligerent people. The American spiritual leaders should work for Bush to bring people near him animated by a deep sense of peace. The same citizens can do something like my disciples are trying to do: after September 11th I sent an appeal to non-violence and I fasted for ten days to highlight its spiritual and non political aspect and many Americans joined us. In the US there are many people with a compassionate consciousness and Bush should listen to them. They are not fighting him; they are only trying to help him.

 If I had the chance to meet Saddam Hussein I would repeat to him the same words. I met with Islamic communities in America and I spoke with them in a new way, to understand their fears and their hopes. This is the only way to peace."