There are numerous statements that stand out to me in Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh that have altered my worldview in some respect. Several topics discussed in class have also changed my thinking on a number of subjects. The three quotes that I selected from the book occur in the first few dozen pages where tolerance and mindfulness are discussed. The ideas gone over in class that have helped me most change my worldview are the example with the sheet of paper and its origins, the explanation of Carl Jung's psychological theories, and the idea that the United State's priorities are really out of whack.
The first passage that sticks out in my mind is: "People kill and are killed because they cling too tightly to their own beliefs and ideologies." This is absolutely correct. Examples are visible in everyday life but especially in the news. Palestinians believe that they are the only people that have the right to the land in and around Israel. The Israelis or at least those in power believe the exact opposite. Because they hold onto their beliefs so firmly, they are not willing to compromise and believe they are the only side with the correct point of view. If either side would be willing to let go of their ideologies and begin an honest dialogue, perhaps progress would be made toward peace.
This brings us to another quote that is important to me: "If we think we monopolize the truth and we still organize a dialogue, it is not authentic." What Hanh is saying in this excerpt is that all discussion is faux if made between parties who are not ready to accept each other's truth and set ideology aside. For example if one enters a discussion with someone else to right a wrong or reach an understanding with no intention or willingness to let go of his beliefs the dialogue that will ensue will not yield a fruitful outcome. We need to realize that perhaps we can learn from somebody when we are willing to accept what they believe to be true.
