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Nourishing the Holy Seed – Questions and Answers
We are in the Upper Hamlet during the Autumn Retreat, day 42 (November 2, 2004). Thay begins with the image of the oak tree and the century plant producing seeds for continuation, comparing it to monastics generating seeds of mindfulness, concentration, and insight to transmit to the future, emphasizing the spirit of nonself and the common career of the Sangha.
We begin with questions from the community:
- Thay teaches that practicing is practicing for one’s whole family and lineage, but how should we understand the saying “whoever practices attains, whoever eats gets full”?
- How can a Sister let go of her anger when I have tried to reconcile and asked for help, but she still rejects my friendly gestures?
- How should we live in accordance with the spirit of the elder brothers, and how should the sisters down there live in accordance with the spirit of the younger ones, so that later we can live in greater harmony and closeness?
- What about the phenomenon where I sleep very well at night, but people in the room say I scream, laugh, and cry, and does it affect my health?
- How do I practice letting go of my own views and accepting the insight of others to work together without dominating or taking away the space of a younger sibling when I have more experience and want to help?
- How can Elder Brothers and Sisters work harmoniously and play with the younger ones while still maintaining respect, without being seen as bossy or losing their dignity, and is a hierarchy needed to maintain that respect?
- What are the regulations regarding younger siblings visiting a Bhikshu who has left the community and is living at a lay friend’s house near the Village, and regarding organizing a party when that teacher comes to visit while the community is observing the retreat boundaries?
- What is true hope, given that hope is usually based on an image of the future, and when hope is lost, people fall into despair?
- Since the trip to Vietnam could not happen, does Thay plan to extend the retreat by another 3 months to make it a 6-month autumn retreat so we can learn more?
- What is the boundary between joking and speaking ill when talking about a brother or sister who is not present, even if there is no negative intention?
- How can one perceive the compassion of a monastic who does not have a good appearance or compassionate features, and whose daily gestures are very unpleasant?