A Lesson from Lettuce

By Thich Nhat Hanh

When growing lettuce,you will not blame it by whatever excuse for its poor growth. Instead, you will ponder over the reason for the condition.Maybe it needs more manure and water, or less sunlight exposure.You will never reproach lettuce.

However, we tend to blame others when we have problems with our friends or family members. If we know more about how to care for them, they will just “develop” very well like lettuce. Curses never create the slightest positive effect, and it is the same as reasoning persuasion or argument. If you understand,just exhibit it, and show your love.In this way, any difficulty will be solved with ease.

One day I gave a lecture on not reproaching lettuce. When I walked to the corner of a greenhouse in the garden, I heard a little girl of about eight years old saying to her mother: “Mom,remember to water me, as I am your lettuce.” I was so pleased that she had fully understood me. Instantly I heard her mother saying: “Ok, baby. I am your lettuce, too. Please don't forget to water me, either.”

(From Living in the Moment Tianjin People's Publishing House. Translation: Luo Dongyuan)