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Speaking to Two Generations Overseas
In places of suffering and violence, we begin by identifying with the enemy: the five white police officers and the black victim are reflections of the seeds of hatred, anger, and fear that have been lying dormant in the store consciousness (tàng thức). On the level of mind consciousness (ý thức)—like the living room—each seed will manifest when it is watered. Through the example “Whenever I go to the bathroom,” the seed (bīja) is initially weak, but when it is sung three times, it becomes strong and floods the mind consciousness. The Teacher reminds us: be aware to water the seeds of happiness and love, and do not water the seeds of suffering.
The rift between father and child is not only due to busyness, but also because of
- lack of time to take care of each other
- cultural gap—the difference between Vietnamese and American culture
-
generation gap—the difference between generations
To heal, we must first practice Prajñā (understanding) to nourish Maitri (loving kindness) and Karuna (compassion). With mindful breathing (samatha) and looking deeply (vipasyana), with Hugging Meditation—three breaths, a smile, opening our arms—each hug sows a seed of peace, increases the bridge of understanding, and restores family happiness.