The seeds in our consciousness

Whether we have happiness or not depends on the seeds in our consciousness.  If our seeds of compassion, understanding, and love are strong, those qualities will be able to manifest in us.  If the seeds of anger, hostility, and sadness in us are strong, then we will experience much suffering.  To understand someone, we have to be aware o fthe quality of seeds in his store consciousness.  And we need to remember that he is not solely responsible for those seeds.  His ancestors, parents, and society are corresponsible for the quality of the seeds in his consciousness.  When we understand this, we are able to feel compassion for that person.  With understanding and love, we will know how to water our own beautiful seeds and those of others, and we will recognize seeds of suffering and find ways to transform them.

--Thich Nhat Hanh

Via Phil Walker