Mother is one of the great conditions for happiness.
– Thích Nhất Hạnh –
The Lesson of Mindfulness and Happiness in the Relationship with Mother
In life, we often fail to fully recognize the conditions for happiness that are present around us. One of the greatest conditions for happiness is mother, yet many people live without mindfulness—without being aware of her presence in our lives. We may live with our mothers for many years, but without truly feeling the happiness that comes from this relationship. It is often only when she is no longer with us that we begin to regret and recognize her true value.
The Lack of Mindfulness in Life
We may live next to our mothers every day, but if we do not practice mindfulness, we will not realize the importance of her presence. It is only when she passes away that we truly feel the absence. For example, we have bright eyes—a great condition for happiness that many do not recognize. Just by opening our eyes, we can see the beauty of the world around us: the blue sky, white clouds, and the faces of our loved ones. Blind people do not have this opportunity, but we, with our bright eyes, fail to fully recognize that this is a wonderful condition for happiness.
Mindfulness: Recognizing the Presence of Happiness Conditions
To truly experience these conditions of happiness, we need mindfulness. Mindfulness means full awareness of what is happening in the present moment. When we live in the present, without letting our minds wander into the past or future, we will realize that the conditions for happiness are always present around us.
Practicing Mindfulness with Mother
One simple but highly effective method to cultivate mindfulness and recognize the value of our mothers is: When you come home, enter your mother’s room, say nothing, just breathe, and nurture the awareness that your mother is still alive and sitting there with you. Look at your mother with an awake gaze, silently, to realize that she is here with you. Then, gently place your hand to stop her work and ask, “Do you know?”—to make her aware of your presence and to make you aware of her presence in your life.
Happiness in Mindfulness
Mindfulness not only helps us clearly recognize the conditions for happiness in life but also helps us live more fully in each moment. When we can look at our mother with an awakened gaze, when we are aware of and feel her presence, we truly live in happiness and appreciate this relationship. Happiness is not something distant, but rather the simple things that are present in our current lives, which we need mindfulness to recognize.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Thích Nhất Hạnh
The Original Dharma Talk
Mindfulness of your mother—have you practiced it yet? Be grateful while you still can.
Below is his original lesson:
Chánh niệm về mẹ, bạn đã thực hành chưa? Hãy biết ơn vì bạn còn có thể
