Thousands gather for funeral of influential monk Thich Nhat Hanh in Vietnam
Nhat Hanh was globally recognised for helping spread the practice of mindfulness in the West and socially engaged Buddhism in the East.
A funeral has been held for the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh a week after the renowned Zen master died at the age of 95.
Thousands of monks and disciples trailed a procession of pallbearers carrying Nhat Hanh’s coffin from Tu Hieu Pagoda, where he spent his last days, to the cremation site. Others kneeled and clasped their hands in prayer on the roadside and bowed to the ground as the casket went past.
Nhat Hanh, known as Thay to his followers, was globally recognised for helping spread the practice of mindfulness in the West and socially engaged Buddhism in the East.
He founded the Plum Village Tradition, a practice of the art of mindful living, and gained a significant number of followers worldwide.
During the seven-day wake, Nhat Hanh was laid in state in Tu Hieu Pagoda’s full moon reception hall, where his disciples came to pay respect in silence and practice meditation as a tribute to his teachings.
“Su Ong” is an affectionate Vietnamese term meaning “Grandpa Monk”.
According to his wishes, Nhat Hanh will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered at Plum Village centres and monasteries around the world.
