Dear Beloved Community, As I write this letter, we cannot but be aware of the truth of suffering that is all around us. Our society is again reckoning with our racial karma, millions face economic hardship, and a global pandemic disrupts our lives in ways not seen in a century.

While we know that we must recognize and embrace the presence of suffering, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) teaches us that we must touch and water the positive elements in life too.

One of the most powerful positive forces we have at our disposal is the Sangha — the global community of friends who are joined by our shared aspiration to affect healing and transformation in ourselves and in the world.

Whether you practice regularly with a sitting group, or read Thich Nhat Hanh’s books on your own, you are part of this Sangha.

And even though you may have never met a monk or nun in the Plum Village tradition, they are part of you as well. More than 600 monastic brothers and sisters in ten monasteries around the world work on our behalf every day. They help ensure the continuation of Thay’s legacy through the deep living embodiment of his teachings. And with the monasteries closed for most of 2020, they have been finding new ways to stay connected and to share the Dharma with you.

Now more than ever we need to connect and lean upon the energy of community — of the Sangha.

As Thay has said, "Alone we are vulnerable, but with brothers and sisters to work with, we can support each other. We cannot go to the ocean as a drop of water — we would be evaporated before reaching our destination. But if we become a river, if we go as a Sangha, we are sure to arrive at the ocean. Taking refuge in a Sangha will allow the Sangha to carry us, to transport us, and we will suffer less.”

Thank you for making a difference with your generous giving. This Annual Highlights (click on the link) is the fruit, power, and testament of your collective Sangha efforts in 2019. Thank you for being part of the river of change. Together, we will arrive at the ocean.

In trust, gratitude, and love,

Denise Nguyen

Director

Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation