I was on a plane flying from Cebu to Palawan island in the Philippines watching a Netflix programme with my friend Alessandra. The programme was called Chef’s Table.  This is a documentary series that follows some of the best chef’s in the world and looks at their lives telling of how they came to be where they are today and their relationship with food. Needless to say, it’s one of my favourite programmes 😉

The episode I was watching this time was about a monk from South Korea called Jeong Kwan. She spoke of her life history, her relationship with food and her philosophy. She started by saying:

“With food, we can share and communicate our emotions.

It’s that mindset of sharing that is really what you’re eating.

There is no difference between cooking and pursuing Buddha’s way.”

The way she spoke about her way of life which was one of peace and compassion really touched me. The way she would cultivate her garden, harvest the crops and cook for herself and the other monks, making sure the whole process was with care, attention and gratitude. Not wasting a single part of a food to show appreciation for it and enjoying the products of her effort together with the effort of nature.

What connected with me the most though was when she was talking of her family.

She spoke of the love she received from her Mother at a young age and how she was inspired by her to start cooking. And her Dad allowed her to follow her heart.

One day he told her:

“A woman should be able to make seven dishes with straw. Only then does she deserve a good husband.”

She replied: “No Father, I’m not trying to find a good husband. I will live in a small shack out in the mountains surrounded by nature. I will live all alone.”

He said “ Well I will let you stay up in the mountains, but I will feel sad.”

A few years later, Jeong’s Mother died. She was so upset that one day, when she was 17, she left home without telling anyone and went to live in a monastery.

She continued to tell of her experience in the monastery finding it very difficult to have enough sleep, having to wake up at 3am to start morning prayers. She found it so tiring that she sent a letter to her Dad asking to pick her up. 

Her Dad arrived and spoke to the monks saying he would take her because she’s not getting enough sleep. The monks replied after a moment of consideration saying they would let her skip morning prayers so she would have more sleep.

When they said that, they all cried. Jeong cried because that was actually what she wanted, she didn’t want to leave. And her Dad cried because he knew she would stay and he would allow her to live how she wanted.

At the end of the episode she says:

“Even today when I see something beautiful, or make or see beautiful food, I thank my parents for their energy and virtue… The food I prepare is an expression of gratitude to my parents… They let me become who I am.”

I cried when I watched this because I knew that you have done the same for me. 

Thanks to you and your tremendous efforts in raising me, James and Katie, you have allowed me to be free to explore this path of compassion. 

It is truly the greatest gift of all and I will always appreciate the Love you have showed me.

Thank you!!

Xxxxxxxxxx