The Leaf

A story by the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hahn

The Leaf

I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling.

The leaf told me, “No. During the whole spring and summer I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree. I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. So I don’t worry at all. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, "I will see you again very soon.”

That day there was a wind blowing and after a while, I saw the leaf leave the branch and float down to the soil, dancing joyfully, because as it floated, it saw itself already there in the tree. It was so happy. I bowed my head, knowing that I have a lot to learn from the leaf.”

~~~~~~~

Eight years ago, Claire and I had the great privilege of attending a retreat led by Thich Nhat Hahn, at Brock University. He was already 86 at that time, but led walking meditation every morning, and addressed us all in the morning and afternoon sessions. He always asked for the children to come up close to him. The stories he told the children were meant for the adults too. He has the most calm, tender, kind, and wise demeanour of anyone I've ever encountered.

Thay, as he is affectionately known, always describes himself as a simple monk, but he has published over 100 books in English. His stories are deceptively simple, reflecting profound truths. I remember thinking that his simple advice to slow down (way down!) and be mindful in everything we do was "impractical" and "out of touch" for our chaotic, rushed, busy, modern lives.

Such arrogance to think that our unsustainable, harried, inhumane life of excess, greed, striving, and materialism is the standard against which to measure other modes of being and living. Now that I've been forced to slow down and pay attention, I am finding new wisdom in the simplicity of his messages.

I am loving that I am slowing down at the same time nature is turning quiet. Seeing the leaves fall reminds me to tell the cancer cells in my breast that it is time for them to die too.

Claire, age 6, with one of the nuns.