We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track. If this problem persists help us by reporting it so we can investigate it.
Watch this talk
Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Log in or create an account
Watering the Seeds of Goodness
We must preserve the happiness of our family and our personal dignity; if we cannot establish communication with our children and our partner, it will be a deep source of shame (tàm). The Tale of Kieu reminds us: “Later, why should you be ashamed before your beloved? You did not keep yourself pure from the beginning,” and the story of Ta Con—the Cao family girl who broke her shuttle while weaving to preserve her chastity—affirms the importance of protecting our purity so that we do not feel ashamed before ourselves and our loved ones.
The sources of energy that help us transform our family by our own strength in just a week or ten days:
- faith
- sense of shame (tàm)
- sense of respect (quý)
The method to transform suffering is through loving speech and deep listening, not by punishing but by understanding the other person’s difficulties. For example, words that express love:
- A father says to his child: “I know you are suffering, you are feeling stuck. Please tell me so I can help you.”
- A wife says to her husband: “Dear, I know there is a lot of difficulty and suffering in you. I feel very sad for you. Do you think there is something I can do to help ease your suffering?”
Sitting quietly and listening, using the eyes of love and the nectar of compassion, we become the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, opening the door of our heart, ending the cycle of punishment and increasing suffering.