Thich Nhat Hanh

One of the people I acknowledge in the beginning of Destination Saigon is Thich Nhat Hanh.
He is one of the great influences on my life and on my spiritual outlook, and I revere him as a great monk, a wise man and surely a Bodhisattva.
Master Nhat Hanh has reached a grand old age, but he still seems sprightly and ready to do new things.
He recently appeared on Oprah, for example, talking about his latest book, an examination of mindful eating written with a Harvard-trained dietitian. He really is amazing.
He wasn't able to make it to the Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne last year (Australia is a long way away for a man of his advanced years), but he did record an extraordinary video address which excited and inspired many.
For me, Master Nhat Hanh's simple and unpretentious approach to meditation is his richest teaching. He encourages us to always keep a smile on our faces as we practice, so as top avoid taking ourselves and our religious goals too seriously.
May he be blessed, and may he continue to live a long, happy and healthy life.