Thich Nhat Hanh Transferred to U.S. to Continue Rehabilitation

By Alison Lesley --
24 Jul 2015 --

Plum Village releases update on Thich Nhat Hanh describing his journey to the United States for continued healing after suffering a stroke in November last year.

The latest updates regarding the health of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh during his rehabilitation period indicate positive development and are a source of hope to his followers worldwide according to Plum Village. The report released by Plum Village on July 14 indicate that Thay, as the Zen master is affectionately known, is making progressive recovery and has moved to America for an intensive rehabilitation program that will be adapted to his needs presently.

In the report, Plum Village indicates that Thay arrived safely on the West Coast of United States on July 11 and he will undertake the rehabilitation at the UCSF Medical Center under the care of top neurologist specialists in stroke and cognitive rehabilitation. Thay travelled with a group of attendants and significantly, Sister Chan Khong who will be providing round the clock care for the period of his rehabilitation. The whole group travelled in a private jet provided for by a friend. Information from the Plum Village indicates that during the flight, a relaxed Thay practiced walking meditation through the plane, aided by attendants. Even at the landing point, he left the plane on foot and was still jovial at the arrival to the United States.

So overwhelmed to see a great teacher healing, amazing power. https://t.co/vI6pThRMa6
— Short Stuff (@KpwPeanut) July 19, 2015

The latest update gave a preview of the program Thay will be undertaking while undergoing the rehabilitation program. It is expected to last between five to six months and part of the regime will be hospital visits and physical training using the latest robotic rehabilitation techniques while during the home stay he will be working with therapists. Plum Village expressed deep gratitude to all involved in the process of getting Thay to the US including the doctors in France as well as those who had contributed to the medical costs. In their update, Plum Village called upon all friends and members of different practice centers to connect together in retreats and build a collective energy and togetherness which will aid Thay’s healing.

The 88 year old Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh is referred to as the “Father of Mindfulness” as well as the “Other Dalai Lama” and is a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist. With over 100 titles on a range of topics from meditation and mindfulness to children stories, he has wide influence globally and is one of the pioneers of Buddhism in the West. He is credited with finding six monasteries and dozens of practice centers in America and Europe.

Donations can be made to assist with Thay’s medical costs at www.thichnhathanhfoundation.org/healingthay.