Thich Nhat Hanh: I am You, Self Responsibility

This is a poem by Thich Nhat Than a Vietnamese Buddhist famous in the peace movement. He speaks of ‘being peace’. He is very wise. This poem is similar to some of the poetry I have written ‘you are me’, this is the oneness, the mirror of ourselves. I love the idea of cultivating the flower in yourself, rather than blaming others, you look into your own heart, you weed your own garden, when you choose to take responsibility. Then you find the ability to respond.

Wisdom at its finest. Oh how I wish I could write smaller poems, oh well we are all different, I am another variety ha ha.

Interrelationship

You are me, and I am you.
Isn’t it obvious that we “inter-are”?
You cultivate the flower in yourself,
so that I will be beautiful.

I transform the garbage in myself,
so that you will not have to suffer.

I support you;
you support me.
I am in this world to offer you peace;
you are in this world to bring me joy

1989. Written during a retreat for psychotherapists held in Colorado
in response to Fritz Perls’ statement, “You are you, and I am me, and
if by chance we meet, that’s wonderful. If not, it couldn’t be helped.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh