Another senator in the group, the New Mexico Democrat Tom Udall, said he participated in a workshop with Mr. Nhat Hanh in 2003 as a member of the House of Representatives, and that he had been meditating daily ever since.

One teaching he embraced is what Mr. Nhat Hanh calls walking meditation. “Ever since I met you, when I walk to the Senate floor to give my vote, I remember I am kissing the earth with my feet,” Senator Udall told the monk in Hue.

Thích Nhat Hanh has finally been allowed home to his monastery in Vietnam.

This happened a month ago, but what a Father’s Day gift to read it now. He has helped me and changed me more than I know how to say. I only wish I could tell him.

I have no doubt that, if asked, he would say that he has always been home. But to return to the country and the monastery that reared him is quite a thing.

Welcome home, Thay.