In 1966, long before he became well known in the West, Thich Nhat Hanh published a book called Wake Up, written specifically for young people. In it he offered this advice about religion:
Study your religion intelligently, in all its depth and beauty, so that it can nourish your spiritual life. A healthy religion is a living religion. It should be able to evolve and learn to respond to the difficulties of our time. Meet with friends from other religions. Open your hearts to one another and learn to work together. Work with the pure intention to serve people, and not to expand the power and influence of your own group. Religion must serve humanity, not humanity religion. Don’t let anyone suffer or lose their life in the name of religion.
Study your religion intelligently, in all its depth and beauty, so that it can nourish your spiritual life. A healthy religion is a living religion. It should be able to evolve and learn to respond to the difficulties of our time. Meet with friends from other religions. Open your hearts to one another and learn to work together. Work with the pure intention to serve people, and not to expand the power and influence of your own group. Religion must serve humanity, not humanity religion. Don’t let anyone suffer or lose their life in the name of religion.
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