In this session of questions and answers the following questions were asked:

By the children:

• My mum treats my brother better than me
• Have you ever hurt someone on purpose?
• Where did you get the ideas for your books?
• When you started learning meditation, did you suffer?
• What’s it like in Plum Village?

By the teens and young adults:

• What’s the meaning of life, the universe, and everything?
• How do you release the cows (attachments)?
• What are the benefits of being a monk?
• Is assisted suicide and turning off life support a violation of the First Mindfulness Training?
• What is consciousness and where does it come from?
• How can I build confidence to dance without substances?

By the adults:

• Is there a difference between Engaged Buddhism and Applied Buddhism? What is your vision for the institutes of Buddhism?
• What is the relevance and importance of our dreams?
• What is the role of mindfulness and interbeing in competitive environments like the Olympics?
• How can I free myself from inner conflict and suffering due to differing opinions?

Written questions:

• How do I help my family deal with the suicide of a father of four children?

This Questions and Answers session was organised during the Cultivating Happiness, family retreat in the year 2012. Thay offered this session at The University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.