The Sharing Meal

In a small, warm kitchen, the fragrance of freshly cooked rice mingled with rising smoke. An old wooden tray sat in the center of the room, holding only a plate of boiled vegetables, a bowl of chili fish sauce, and one small braised fish. Four children sat around the tray, their eyes bright as they gazed at the delicious fish, swallowing hard. The father sat at the end of the table, looking at his children, then at his wife, giving a slight nod.

Understanding his gesture, the mother picked up the fish to place it in her husband’s bowl. However, he returned it to the shared plate, saying, “You eat, my dear. I am already full.” The mother looked at him with tender eyes, then divided the fish among each child. The children ate heartily, unaware that their parents were eating only plain vegetables dipped in sauce. The eldest son, sitting at the corner, suddenly paused. He looked at his parents, then at the piece of fish in his own bowl. Realizing something profound, he quietly placed the fish back into his father’s bowl.

Surprised, the father asked, “Why are you giving your portion to me? You should eat.” The boy lowered his head and whispered, “Please, Mom and Dad, eat first. I am full.” The father smiled, his eyes welling with tears. He knew his son had learned his first life lesson about sacrifice. From that day on, no one fought for portions at that poor family’s meal. Everyone practiced letting go so that all could share in the joy.

As he grew up, the son always remembered this lesson taught by his parents. Even when working far away and facing many hardships, he maintained the habit of yielding and thinking of others. In his company, he never competed for personal gain and was always ready to help colleagues. Once, a close friend betrayed him to seize a promotion. He remained silent and did not seek revenge. When friends asked why he did not expose the betrayal, he smiled and said, “If I retaliate, the company loses a talented person, and people become divided. By taking one step back, everything remains harmonious.”

Years later, the friend who had betrayed him realized the truth and came to apologize. The man simply replied, “It is alright. I understand.” His practice of letting go not only preserved their friendship but also fostered a harmonious work environment, helping the company thrive. He became a role model for everyone, respected not for his title, but for his heart dedicated to the common good.

Looking back on his life, he silently thanked his parents for teaching him such a precious lesson from that humble meal. He understood that happiness does not lie in how much we receive, but in how much we give and how deeply we care for others. The quiet sacrifice of his parents became the guiding principle of his life, allowing him to live with peace and earn the love of those around him.

The Meaning of the Story

This story reminds us that in life, the common good must always take precedence over personal interest. Acts of sacrifice and letting go, though seemingly small, have a powerful ripple effect, contributing to a harmonious and happy society. This is the moral lesson that Venerable Thich Chan Quang wishes to convey: learn to think of others, accept minor losses for the greater good, and allow life to become more beautiful.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang