Thich Nhat Hanh

After reading the brief autobiographical excerpt from Thich Nhat Hanh, I want you to think about and answer ONE (you can address more, but don't feel obligated to do so) of the following questions:

1. On p. 159 TNH tells a story about a Zen master answering yes and no to the same question asked by two different disciples (if a dog has a Buddha nature). He goes on to explain, "'Yes or 'no' here were not the truth, but were just a means to point to the truth" (159). Does this make sense to you? Why or why not?

2. On p. 161 TNH talks about an experience of trying to get a few leaves out of a container of water. Having been unsuccessful trying a few different methods, he states, "After I stopped stirring, the water in the jar continued to swirl, and the leaves rose to the surface" (161). Does this remind you of the Buddha's teaching on desire? Or the Zen teaching about thinking? Why or why not?

3. On p. 164 TNH dissuades Vinh (or his "friend") from entering the monastery and pursuing Buddhism as a way to escape the world. Do you think it is accurate to say that Buddhism preaches against escapism? Why or why not?

4. "Buddhism does not tolerate dictatorial thinking[...]You can[...]make new spiritual discoveries without fear of being condemned or excommunicated by any power, even that of the congregation" (168). This statement sounds like a rather liberating statement. What are the positives aspects of such a teaching? Is there any danger in such a teaching?

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