“Your body belongs to the earth. In modern life, people tend to think their bodies belong to them, that they can do anything they want to themselves. But your body is not only yours. Your body belongs to your ancestors, your parents, and future generations. It also belongs to society and to all the other living beings. The trees, the clouds, the soil, and every living thing brought about the presence of your body. We can eat with care, knowing we are caretakers of our bodies, rather than their owners.”

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Originally said in English.

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About Thich Nhat Hanh

Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist of the 20th and 21st centuries, Thich Nhat Hanh is best known for founding the Plum Village monastic community and promoting mindfulness as a path to personal and global healing. His teachings blend Zen meditation, engaged Buddhism, and accessible spiritual practice, emphasizing presence, compassion, and nonviolence in daily life.

More from Thich Nhat Hanh (183 quotes) →
"Your body belongs to the earth. In modern life, people tend to think…" — Thich Nhat Hanh | Daily Quotes