During the Vietnam War, Thay was a political activist. Thay was a dangerous man.

Both major powers, communists, and capitalists recognized his impact.  He stood against war, he was willing to die for peace. At this time, his poetry was being translated and published in the west. Here is a sample from that era.

https://plumvillage.org/articles/for-warmth-thays-poem-in-my-two-hands-betsy-roses-song/....

I thought then "why is this man hated?" Then I saw him speak, watched him move, and saw, really saw peace embodied in human form.  Yes, peace in every step. Thay is the 'real deal.'