LIFE WITHOUT MOM – A Reflection-Invoking Talkshow on Motherhood

On August 14, 2023, at the Space of Buddhist Culture and Art – Dharma Marshal Am, Dr. Diệu Hiếu and Ms. Thanh Nhã – Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Tốt Đẹp Joint Stock Company, owner of the Tốt Đẹp Book brand, held a talk show on the topic “”””If There Was No Mother.””””

Under the guidance of Dr. Diệu Hiếu, all the monks and nuns sat in meditation, focusing their minds, and attentively observing their breath for a few minutes to calm their minds. Then, the Nun shared her karmic story of renunciation from her childhood at the age of 12. Her mother had the aspiration to become a nun, but the impermanence of life made it impossible. Her mother accepted the impermanence. Out of love for her mother and the desire to continue her noble spiritual path, she chose the path of renunciation to repay her mother’s kindness. It was from this point that her Master gave her the Dharma name Diệu Hiếu.

Buddhist disciple Thanh Nhã, often likened to a modern-day Lady Visakha, who closely supports the Triple Gem, also had some heartfelt sharing. “”””If there was no mother, there would be no us”””” – these were her first words when she recalled her mother. Like many other children, when she was young, she loved to sleep and, even though she liked cake, when her mother woke her up early to make cakes, she would say she didn’t want to eat them and preferred to sleep. But with her mother’s strict upbringing, she grew up to be a strong and talented individual. While sharing, she couldn’t help but feel emotional.

MC Tuấn Anh also shared the times when he actively asked about his parents, no matter how busy he was; when he was away from home, he would lie and say that he had already eaten so that his parents wouldn’t worry.

These are incredibly adorable and touching shares. The entire monastic community listens attentively and with great joy.

The talk show with the theme “”””If There Was No Mother”””” is a meaningful program that reminds us of the great women present in our lives from the moment we were born, our mothers. We are Buddhists and must remember and express gratitude for our parents’ nurturing and care. Show filial piety and gratitude to our parents while we still can.

To express her gratitude for the nurturing care of PT Giác Thanh Nhã, her daughter PT Giác Thanh Hà has created a very meaningful project: publishing the book “”””Bông Hồng Cài Áo”””” (The Rose Buttoned Dress) that she personally made, to give to her mother and to spread the positive energy of a filial daughter to everyone.

The talk show concluded beautifully with applause and genuine smiles. At the end, the Nun and the entire audience took a commemorative photo together.

Sadhu, may all be well 🙏🏻

(By Thích Nữ Diệu Hiếu)