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Questions and Answers
Before each meal, we remind ourselves that this food is a gift of the entire universe—earth, sky, and much effort—and we cultivate gratitude not only to the orange tree but also to clouds, sunshine, and soil. In Plum Village’s Thanksgiving practice we address our thanks to:
- our father and mother who gave us life,
- our teacher who gave us spiritual life,
- our friends who support us,
- every being in the animal, vegetable, and mineral world.
Thay then turns to everyday challenges:
• Immigrant families must develop a double culture, learning the best of both root and host societies, bridging generation and cultural gaps through deep listening and calm, loving speech, and relying on Sangha support.
• Empty sex—sex without love, commitment, communion, or mutual understanding—is dangerous; true sexuality is sacred and bears the power to heal when grounded in deep communication and shared ideals.
• All of us carry energies—sexual, angry, or guilt-laden—that must be managed mindfully. Through mindful breathing, walking, and the Peace Treaty, we learn to embrace anger tenderly (like caring for a crying child), to recognize its roots, and to transform it into compassion. Guilt is released not by suppression but by acknowledging mistakes, vowing not to repeat them, and committing through the Five Mindfulness Trainings to serve as instruments of relief and love.