The Art of Flower Arranging

by Thich Nhat Hanh

In this classic 1989 talk, Thich Nhat Hanh uses flower arranging as a metaphor for establishing harmony in ourselves and in our families.

Audio CD

Published September 1, 2003

About the author

Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who then lived in southwest France where he was in exile for many years. Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary family name used by all Vietnamese monks and nuns, meaning that they are part of the Shakya (Shakyamuni Buddha) clan. He was often considered the most influential living figure in the lineage of Lâm Tế (Vietnamese Rinzai) Thiền, and perhaps also in Zen Buddhism as a whole.

Reviews

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

We think of arranging flowers (making art, decorating our home, making anything) as the moment we pick the flowers and put them in the vase and choose the particular spot they will be rest. But really—flower arranging is every moment you’ve admired a flower, enjoyed a color, smelled something nice, appreciated a garden. It’s the millions of moments where you came to appreciate the textures and colors you enjoy. In that sense you’ve been flower arranging your whole life. Everything is everything.

There’s no distinction between us and the flowers. We’re arranging flowers (creation) as we arrange—create ourselves.

We may forget our smile but the flowers do not. The purpose of a walk is to find your smile in the flowers.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, relaxing audio of a Dharma talk by Thich Nhat Hanh.