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Family Happiness - Understanding and Loving Anew
Thay Goes in Search of His Child is a poem that depicts the journey of the Buddha searching for his lost child—the image of the prodigal son—from the dark rivers and mountains, across the sea of history and mist, finally calling the child’s name with each breath, even if the child remains distant and indifferent to past affinities. In the Lotus Sutra, the story of “the destitute son” illustrates the precious jewel sewn into the cotton robe: even after squandering all his wealth, the son only recognizes the jewel when he is hungry and destitute, then sells it to rebuild his life. The poem “Jewels Fill the World” reminds us that every present moment is a shining diamond—birds singing, flowers blooming, white clouds—and all it takes is one mindful breath to realize that happiness is already available.
Practicing mindfulness right in our daily life—breathing, walking, brushing our teeth, washing the dishes—is a simple miracle that helps us “walk with happiness.” Right thinking, loving speech and deep listening (the fourth precept), together with moments of sitting still, allow us to contemplate our suffering, transform hatred, and become “fairy godmothers” bringing peace to those around us. For thirty years, Plum Village has spread the practice of mindfulness meditation across five continents, with practitioners from over fifty countries gathering, and sanghas established in New York, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Hong Kong, Thailand…; the 21-day retreat for scientists, Wake Up for young people, and programs for businesspeople, police, healthcare, and education, all aiming to build sangha and sow the seeds of awakening.