The most recent communiqué from Plum Village, the spiritual community of the venerated Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, announced that the teacher had emerged from his coma, which was brought on by a severe brain hemorrhage in November.

In his current state, Thay is able to recognize familiar faces. He is very responsive to verbal stimuli and has brought everyone great joy by starting to smile in the last few days. One of Thay’s close attendants recounted some shared memories from being on tour with Thay. There was a particularly humorous story which, to his astonishment, even made Thay smile and chuckle.

. . .

Thay’s physical condition remains stable, and thanks to the excellent care Thay has received from the medical staff, he is able to enjoy being comfortable and at ease. Thay is investing great effort in his physiotherapy sessions. He is making daily progress . . .

While Thich Nhat Hanh has emerged into wakefulness, with eyes open for much of day, he remains unable to speak. Doctors are closely monitoring Thay and the indicators of aphasia he’s exhibited, and plan to transfer him to a stroke rehabilitation clinic soon.

 

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