Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Vietnamese Zen master, was born on October 11, 1926 in the small village of Huế, located in central Vietnam. He was born into a devout Buddhist family and was given the name Nguyen Xuan Bao. From a young age, Thich Nhat Hanh showed a strong interest in Buddhism and often accompanied his mother to the local temple.

At the age of 16, Thich Nhat Hanh joined a Buddhist monastery in Hue and was ordained as a novice monk. He received the Dharma name Thich Nhat Hanh, which means "one who is aware of the present moment." He continued his studies and practice of Buddhism at the monastery, and at the age of 23, he was ordained as a fully ordained monk.

Thich Nhat Hanh's dedication and passion for Buddhism led him to further his education at the Buddhist Institute in Saigon, where he studied Buddhism, philosophy, and literature. During this time, he also began teaching at the Van Hanh Buddhist University, where he became known for his deep understanding of Buddhist teachings and his ability to communicate them in a simple and relatable manner.

In 1960, Thich Nhat Hanh traveled to the United States to study comparative religion at Princeton University and later at Columbia University. During his time in the US, he also met with civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and became involved in the peace movement, advocating for nonviolent solutions to conflict.

Thich Nhat Hanh returned to Vietnam in 1963 and founded the School of Youth for Social Service, a grassroots relief organization that provided aid to war-torn villages and helped rebuild communities. He also established the Order of Interbeing, a community of monastics and lay practitioners dedicated to living mindfully and promoting peace and social justice.

Despite facing persecution and exile during the Vietnam War, Thich Nhat Hanh continued to spread his message of peace and mindfulness through his teachings and writings. He has authored over 100 books, including the bestselling "The Miracle of Mindfulness" and "Peace Is Every Step."

Today, Thich Nhat Hanh continues to reside in Plum Village, a meditation center in France, where he leads retreats and continues to share his teachings with people from all over the world. His impact on Buddhism and the world at large is immeasurable, and his teachings continue to inspire and guide people towards a more peaceful and mindful way of living.