Breathe And Smile | Thich Nhat Hanh’s Calligraphy

Thich Nhat Hanh’s calligraphy is more than just art—it is a mindful practice in itself. Each of Thay’s calligraphy pieces carries a deep message that transcends the simplicity of the words, offering viewers a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the present moment.

“In my calligraphy, there is ink, tea, breathing, mindfulness, and concentration. This is meditation. This is not work. Suppose I write ‘breathe’; I am breathing at the same time. To be alive is a miracle, and when you breathe in mindfully, you touch the miracle of being alive.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh

Since 1994, Thich Nhat Hanh, lovingly known as Thay, has been creating his signature calligraphies for book titles, songs, and articles. Over the years, his works—such as “This is it,” “I have arrived, I am home,” and “Be beautiful, be yourself”—have graced the walls of his practice centers and have been exhibited globally, including in North America, Europe, and Asia. Each piece captures the peace, mindfulness, and compassion that are the hallmarks of Thay’s teachings.

Meditative Artwork for Personal Growth

Thich Nhat Hanh’s calligraphy is designed to act as a “bell of mindfulness,” gently reminding us to arrive in the here and now. Whether it’s “Peace is every step” or “Smile to the cloud in your tea,” each phrase is an invitation to live fully in the present moment, embodying the teachings of Zen Buddhism. These phrases are not only tools for personal growth but also stunning visual treasures that inspire viewers to touch the wonders of life.

Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment.
— Thich Nhat Hanh

This gatha encapsulates the spirit of Thay’s calligraphy: a gentle reminder to find joy and peace in every moment, just as the strokes of ink flow with calmness and mindfulness. Each artwork, like the gatha, invites us to pause and return to the miracle of being alive.

By bringing Thay’s Zen calligraphy into your home, you welcome a meditative practice that is both visually beautiful and spiritually profound.

Printed on Unique UNRYU Japanese Paper

What makes this calligraphy even more special is the medium upon which it’s printed. Thay’s ink artworks are brought to life on UNRYU Japanese paper, a unique paper made from mulberry fibers that appear like swirling clouds. The name UNRYU translates to “cloud blur” in Japanese, reflecting the beautiful, ethereal texture of the paper. This exceptional texture enhances the simplicity and depth of each calligraphy, creating a stunning visual experience, particularly when backlit or freely hanging in your space.

The UNRYU paper is perfect for printing simple and graphic images, allowing Thay’s mindful phrases to stand out and resonate deeply with the viewer. Each time you look at it, you are reminded of the art of stopping, breathing, and coming back to yourself—an experience as serene as gazing at clouds in the sky.

All the calligraphies are printed on Japanese Mulberry Paper, 55 gr.

For more on Thay’s calligraphy and the meditative process behind it, you can read this article here, or listen to the podcast episode featuring Brother Phap Huu and Jo Confino as they discuss Thay’s calligraphies on The Way Out Is In here.