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The Continuation Seed of Our Parents
I have a father, I have a mother, my father and mother are in me – this verse from the Four Practices of Watering Good Seeds opens up a contemplation on the continuation of life: we do not come from nowhere, but are an extension of our ancestors through our parents. Looking deeply into this, we see that every cell in our body carries the seeds of our ancestors, and at the same time, our parents also need us to look toward the future. Practicing this contemplation helps us overcome anger, understand the suffering of our parents, and from there, share love and understanding with them.
Each person carries within themselves both good and bad seeds (corresponding to innate – nature – and acquired – nurture – elements). The key is to choose an environment that waters the wholesome seeds, and restrains the seeds of violence, craving, and despair. A family or society lacking mindfulness easily allows negative seeds to manifest, while mindfulness and insight can transform our dwelling into Plum Village, where each day we sow seeds of love.
Practicing mindfulness in daily life is an invaluable gift we can offer each other: our true presence. Two simple but profound mantras:
- Dear father/mother, I know you are there, and I am so happy.
-
Dear father/mother, I am truly here for you, and I am not busy with anything else.
When body and mind are united, just looking at each other with awareness and cherishing the present moment, happiness will blossom right away.
