This presentation examines why practice occupies a central place in Thich Nhat Hanh’s religious vision and how it shapes his dialogue with Christianity. Rooted in the context of the Vietnam War, his understanding of practice emerged from his concrete actions for peace and his firsthand experience of social suffering. This insight was later articulated under the name "Engaged Buddhism", especially in Vietnam: Lotus in a Sea of Fire (1967). For Thich Nhat Hanh, authentic Buddhism requires active engagement in society rather than withdrawal into monastic isolation, a view that runs parallel to the Christian idea of active witness in the world. He emphasized practice over doctrine, arguing that the living Buddha and the living Christ, as a holy spirit, become present when their teachings are embodied in daily life. His references to Christian thinkers such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Karl Barth illuminate the broader background of his Engaged Buddhism, showing how he drew on Christian discussions of socially responsible faith. This presentation clarifies how TNH appropriated these ideas and how they contributed to his own concept of practice. Furthermore, it examines whether TNH’s emphasis on practice developed in parallel with, or prior to, wider currents in interreligious cooperation and dialogue that also focused on lived commitment rather than doctrine. Drawing mainly on Vietnam: Lotus in a Sea of Fire (1967), Fragrant Palm Leaves (2020), and Living Buddha, Living Christ (2007), the presentation shows how his concept of practice reveals the distinctive features of his Buddhist vision and functions as a framework for social peace and for Buddhist–Christian dialogue.

Authors:
Norimasa Fujimoto, Vietnam Japan University, Vietnam

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Fujimoto Norimasa is currently a Lecturer at Vietnam Japan University (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), Vietnam.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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