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Little Vi and the Silent Lotus: Eating in Mindfulness, Sitting in Stillness
Little Vi, six years old, sits quietly eating her meal from beginning to end with a joyful face, not crying or fussing, placing her plate on her lap like a Little Buddha. When eating, do not turn on the television, turn off all noise to maintain mindfulness, sit at ease and chew thoroughly—chewing bread 30–50 times, reciting “I take refuge in the Buddha” or “This is the Pure Land” to taste the natural sweetness and nourish peace. Eating slowly helps us to see clearly the effort and love of the one who prepared the food, to see our parents, to hear the birds singing, and to share joy in silence.
Sitting meditation (tĩnh tọa) is a way for the mind to be like a glass of apple juice, allowing the sediment to settle so that clarity and serenity appear. The most beautiful sitting posture is the lotus position, or “lotus flower” on the cushion, keeping the back straight yet relaxed, which helps us eat just enough and sit for a long time without fatigue. To protect body and mind from the four “fires” that burn within, practice mindful breathing, walking meditation, contemplation, and nurturing loving kindness:
- craving (desire)
- anger
- jealousy
- doubt
Practicing with the sangha, with fellow practitioners, and maintaining mindfulness in each moment, we can transform suffering into peace, turn garbage into fresh flowers, and allow the jewel of understanding and love to bloom in our hearts.