To develop the drop of compassion in our own heart is the only effective spiritual response to hatred and violence. That drop of compassion will be the result of calming our anger, looking deeply at the roots of our violence, deep listening, and understanding the suffering of everyone involved in the acts of hatred and violence. – Thich Nhat Hanh

What would you have said to Osama bin Laden, given the chance?

Deep Listening with Compassion can lead to Peace

Shortly after 9/11 in New York, the Zen buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh gave a talk about peace, returning to peace, and dealing with anger.

In an interview with Anne A. Simpkinson, he describes what he would say to Osama bin Laden.

What I Would Say To Osama bin Laden: http://theconversation.org/archive/thich.html

He reminds us that answering fear with fear does not bring healing. He points out that speaking while in anger is not the most effective way. He counsels that deep listening can bring us to deep understanding.

This approach can help slow and even end cycles of violence and pain.

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