Leaves are usually looked upon as the children
of the tree. Yes, they are children of the tree,
born from the tree, but they are also mothers
of the tree. The leaves nourish the tree by
combining raw sap, water, and minerals with
sunshine and carbon dioxide. In this way, the
leaves become the mother of the tree. We
are all children of society, but we are also
mothers; we have to nourish society. If we are
uprooted or disconnected from society, we
cannot transform it into a more livable place for
ourselves and our children. Meditation is not
an escape from society. It is a practice that can
help us become more firmly rooted in society,
so that the leaf can nourish the tree. 83