Let No Man

You may be familiar with Thich Nhat Hanh's words, as they have appeared in my work. Having died in 2022, Thich Nhat Hanh (or Thay) was an influential figure not only in the dissemination of Western Zen ideas, but also in his lifelong mission of building community that is essential for peace to thrive. It's with this in mind that I also think of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- a contemporary of Thay -- and what he might have brought to pass in an equally long lifetime, had he not been assassinated 55 years ago.

The two met a few times in the 1960s, each considering the other a brother in their message of compassion and understanding, and a fellow partner in the difficult work of love in action. There are many powerful words to choose from Dr. King's speeches and writing, and today this single line rings more true as a challenge to myself than ever before: "Let no man pull you so low as to hate him."