Epilogue

Dear friends who are reading this book, perhaps this is the first time you have studied the practice of Dharma. Some positive seeds have been planted in you, and some of the positive seeds already within you have been watered. I encourage you to find a practice community, a Sangha, near you. (A list of practice centers is included at the end of this book; you can also find a more comprehensive worldwide directory of Plum Village Sanghas at www.iamhome.org). The Sangha is your refuge, your protection, and without it you might not continue to practice and nurture the happiness and peace within you.

Have confidence that you can continue the work of the Buddha and water the seeds of enlightenment and understanding. You can become a torch shining out enlightenment and compassion, not just on those who are near to you, but on the whole society in which you live.