VietNamNet Bridge - Venerable Monk Thich Nhat Hanh returned to the monastery on April 3 to continue the process of recovery after his stroke.

According to Plum Village, where the monk lives in France, Thich Nhat Hanh is being taken care of by Buddhist followers 24/7 and by doctors and nurses for rehabilitation.

During the treatment process at the center for people with stroke in Bordeaux (France), his health improved dramatically. However, his speaking ability has not fully recovered so he needs to be supported by physical therapy.

Representatives of Plum Village also conveyed thanks to Buddhists from all over the world who were interested in, visited and prayed for the health of Thich Nhat Hanh and the team of doctors who have cared for him during the past four and a half months.

“We are happy to report that his health has continued to improve at the specialist stroke rehabilitation clinic in Bordeaux, where he has been steadily recovering his strength. In the warm spring weather in the last few weeks, he has been able to enjoy going outside, sitting under a tree and listening to birdsong, drinking a cup of tea and enjoying the sound of the bell. This week the medical team gave their approval for him to leave the rehabilitation clinic and return to his Hermitage at Plum Village. We are deeply grateful to the entire medical team at the University Hospital in Bordeaux for their professionalism and wholehearted care to support his healing over the past four and half months,” Plum Village’s statement said.

“He expressed his clear wish to return home, and arrived this morning, in time to enjoy the beautiful magnolia blossoms, as well as the first spring leaves as they unfurl. We are all very glad that he can come back to his spiritual home, where his devoted team of monastic attendants is continuing to support him and care for him 24 hours a day, under the guidance of visiting doctors and nurses. We hope that in the nourishing and peaceful environment of Plum Village, and with the support of on-site physical therapy and speech therapy, he will have favorable conditions to treat his hemiparesis and make progress in swallowing, and recovering his speech.”

Thich Nhat Hanh (born 1926) is considered an influential Buddhist leader in the West. He is a writer, poet, lecturer, researcher, social activist, and a peace activist.

He was hospitalized in Bordeaux on November 1, 2014 and gradually recovered. But on November 11, 2014 he suffered a brain hemorrhage and needed a special care regime.

Le Ha