This sermon was adapted from an article, published in UU World, the magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association, which can be read online at uuworld.org.

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered around the world for his pioneering teachings on mindfulness, global ethics and peace: “Our own life has to be our message.”

Thich Nhat Hanh envisioned an engaged Buddhism that could respond directly to the needs of society. He was a prominent teacher and social activist in his home country before finding himself exiled for calling for peace.

He has applied Buddhist insights to every aspect of society, including education, business, technology, and the environmental crisis. Thich Nhat Hanh has offered modern translations of key Buddhist texts and spoken out on a range of global issues.

Marianne Schnall is a widely published writer and interviewer whose writings and interviews have appeared in a variety of media outlets including The Oprah Magazine; CNN.com; and The Huffington Post. She is the founder of What Will It Take Movements, a new platform that inspires, connects, educates, and engages women everywhere to advance in all levels of leadership.

She is also the co-founder and executive director of the women’s website and nonprofit organization Feminist.com, as well as the co-founder of the environmental site EcoMall.com. She is the author of Daring to Be Ourselves: Influential Women Share Insights on Courage, Happiness and Finding Your Own Voice and What Will it Take to Make a Woman President? Conversations About Women, Leadership, and Power.

Topics: Meditation/Mindfulness, Neighboring Faiths, Spiritual Journey