How My Mom Saved My Life | A Monk's Perspective

In this video, I share 5 life lessons that my mom taught me that shifted my entire life. On this mother's day, I wanted to dedicate this video to show my gratitude to my own mother as well as to show gratitude to all the mothers and caregivers out there. You do a thankless job and this is a small gesture to show appreciation. I hope this video is helpful to all of you. Enjoy! Please let me know what lesson most resonate with you. #mothersday #mentalhealth #buddhism
Timestamp
0:00 Intro
4:18 Salt & water
10:37 Gift of merit
16:54 Give regularly
20:32 Ask for forgiveness
26:21 Self-care
29:26 Why am I sharing this?
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Thanks for watching.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

What lesson resonates with you most? Also what lesson did you mom teach you? Timestamp 0:00 Intro 4:18 Salt & water 10:37 Gift of merit 16:54 Give regularly 20:32 Ask for forgiveness 26:21 Self-care 29:26 Why am I sharing this?

[@ngonigriffith1491]

All of the lessons resonated with me. My mom taught me how to be responsible. She taught me what hard work looks like. She taught me patience. She taught me that education is important. She taught me to love God. ❤

[@marymcknight2081]

Add water to the salt...drop by drop, moment by moment...both my mother and father died in March and I have felt so overwhelmed with sadness, regret, and your video this morning has lifted my spirits and will. Thank you.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

@@marymcknight2081 my condolences to you and your family. Sending you all my blessings my friend 😊

[@yogafreq]

@@nickkeomahavong01bnb bb😅

[@akira4085]

i dont know because i never lostened to her, and because of it i would have to suffer for it. for a short time when i was 15 i really didnt like her . i would give her dirty looks at the dinner table, then i realized how important it was to losten to her. your story reminds me of how defiant i was, but more importantly ow much i too have changed for the best. its almost as if some divine force is guiding us and we had to go through some kind of hardship and struggle. so i guess the most important thing i learned from her is to listen to smarter people because i can learn alot from them rather then younger kids. thank you for sharring your story . its a good reminder that our parents love ('d) us. lol

[@uk7769]

your videos have been helpful to me for 4 years. I do not have access to good therapy, so, i do it myself, with the help of people like you Nick. Thanks for sharing this knowledge Nick.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Wow i'm so glad it's helpful my friend. thank you!

[@M3ttaM4n]

After decades of struggling with insecurity and a desire to showcase my intellect, I have come to realize that emotional intelligence brings me more peace than intellectual prowess. Letting go of the need to be right has been liberating, and I have found that kindness is a more powerful tool than intelligence. Despite a difficult childhood marked by poverty and homelessness, I am grateful for the love and care of my mother. From teachers to my foster mother they showed me that family is not defined by blood ties. I will never forget my foster mother‘s response when I told her she’s not my real mother she said: “sometimes children grow in the hearts of mothers not in the womb“. I was only eight years old when she said that. The lessons I learned from her and other surrogate mothers, teachers, Boy Scouts and mothers, etc. have helped me experience peace and happiness. Especially lately if I’ve had time to reflect upon my life. So this Mother’s Day I think about all the women who have nurtured not only their own children if they had children but also other peoples children. You are angels upon the Earth! As always thank you for sharing Nick! I hope someday when I’m in Thailand we can meet.

[@basbleupeaunoire]

My mother is deceased, and this Mother's Day was the toughest yet. I'm glad I watched this. Thank you for all you do, Nick.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

My condolences to you and your family my friend. Sending you my blessings!

[@Thumos99]

I honor a man like you who is awake. I honor the fire of your sacrifice

[@sammas2959]

What a rare gem your mother is! This is a rarity, and it also goes to show that even in the hardest of place, a plant grows! Lao is a war-torn country , yet here is proof, a plant grew!! Thank you for sharing the lesson on forgiveness 🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Awww thank you so much for your kind words my friend 😊

[@foxmacnamara8809]

Thank you for sharing Nick. Not all of us have a wonderful mom. Happy Mothers Day to all of the Moms out there that deserve to hear it. 🙏🏻🤍🕯

[@amyshomesteadanimals]

I envy people who have loving parents.💔

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@melroman123]

Great tribute to your Mom, Ven. Nick. You were clearly speaking from your heart as you express your love and gratitude for your mother. I especially like the lesson of the salt and water. Since hearing that lesson on one of your previous videos, I often think about my own life, and some of the things I did that I'm not very proud of. As I am now in my 60s, I think more and more about how I want to live the rest of my life. I want to spend the rest of my life adding water: doing good in the world. Thank you for the lesson you passes on from your mother. My mother passed away three years ago and I frequently think of her. As you know, all things are impermanent - including our relationships with our loved ones; so cherish your mother and the time you still have with her. Happy Mothers Day Ven. Nick :)

[@georgemercado8676]

Hello greetings from Strasbourg France. I once commented on your other videos when I was in the Philippines. I am a filipino Catholic priests and now in a mission in France. It helps me a lot to listen your wisdom especially that you have been thru a lot of struggles and of course you have set your foot once in my country. Hope that you inspire more people. Merci beaucoup.

[@LiveYourLifeWithJoy]

What does that mission consist about exactly? 🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Aww thank you so much and I'm glad it resonates with you George! hope you are doing well :)

[@georgemercado8676]

@@nickkeomahavong01 Same to you, i hope someday our roads might cross. 🙏

[@truth8307]

I am curious too what mission are you mean? I hope you have learned all the truth in Christianity now and leave them soon, don't end up like Jarrid Wilson 😢😢 Hope you have right mindfulness and conscience well.

[@luxaeterna3246]

Noble Nick, you are always a very good example and inspiration

[@dellahayden5606]

Dear Nick, please send blessings to your mom from me who also is a mom of 2 adult children.. I know exactly how much this means to you and your mom. I was very young when my mom died and I was very close to her. She was my best friend who I could talk to her about anything. When you’re young, things look so different but I now know that it’s important. My mother basically raised me as my father had mental illness while I was very young. So I want you to know that you can let this go and be happy with your life. I’m sorry for that little girl who didn’t understand what was going on at the time but, I know now that I did my best to help her with things that she asked me to do for her. I miss her very much but I know that she’s very proud of me for being able to help. Happy Mother’s Day to all who read this message. 🤗🌷🥰💗 thank you 🙏 Nick

[@patriciacornish]

it is ok to cry. It cleans our souls ❤ Thank you for sharing ❤

[@Eoghan-hs2wz]

Not for monks. Crying shows a lack of equanimity. Why cry about things that you have no control over?

[@leannemoreno4390]

Thank you Nick. I wish my mom was still here, last year when I also went through a breakup. My boyfriend of 5 years broke up with me and I also went through depression. But I prayed a lot. Greetings from South Africa.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Sending my greetings and blessings to you my friend 😊

[@ThailandWithMonchai]

Beautiful testimony Nick. Happy Mother's Day to your mom, my mom and all other moms out there! 🙌 🙏❤

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@TheTenof12]

THANK YOU, Nick, "wonderful " as a Mother, I really appreciate this 💜💜💜

[@robinbaker3346]

Dear Venerable Nick, thank you so much for this message and for sharing the 5 lessons that you learned from your mom. I’ve written each lesson in my journal as a reminder. The annual forgiveness ceremony that your family practiced seems so powerful! Much appreciation and thanks to your mom for her wise counsel. ❤ Also, thank you for your previous video regarding clearing space when we get stuck in life. I put off doing this practice so many times, however, your impactful video gave me the inspiration to go ahead and start my clearing process in my room. I found paperwork that I didn’t know existed! 😃 I’m still clearing things and will continue. Your messages have impacted my life! Thank you again! ❤ Every blessing to you and to the moms on Mother’s Day! 🙏❤️

[@lorigarcia1459]

Thank you for your honest sharing. I’m fond of your mother’s kind wisdom.

[@lauraromeroescarcega3079]

So good to see you again, thank you for sharing all this. My mom passed away and I feel her presence today more than ever. As a mother myself I thank you for all your message which I always share with people who need you hear your advice. 🙏🏼💜😊

[@ITZBRYAN487]

this video should have a million views. Thank you for sharing your wisdom Venerable Nick. You and Ajahn Brahm have really changed my life over this past year

[@nickkeomahavong01]

sadhu sadhu! thank you so much Bryan! I'm glad the videos have been helpful :)

[@luxaeterna3246]

"Love" relationships are the greatest cause of suffering.

[@annettetaylor8218]

05/16/2024 Thank you for sharing the wisdom. I do use the life my MOM gave me and her guidance and instructions she gave to my life lessons still moving forward.. It is with me now. I miss her. Thank you. Bless you.

[@mariekarlsson2119]

Tack Nick och tack till din mamma❤️🌹

[@kate8950]

My Thai Buddhist Mom and I watched this together and we both cried. We thank your Mom for raising a son who encourages goodness. Satuu 🙏🏼

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Oh wow that’s beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. Glad you both resonated with it 😊

[@sharkysharpy6233]

Give regularly & ask forgiveness - would start doing this. Thanks alot Nick and i hope to meet you someday 🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Oh wonderful! Yes please give it a try 😊

[@maellebouron7881]

From my mom, teach me generosity and no jugement about people. To give without waiting anything.. Her and I, are so different but I keep her advices in my life. Best wishes from France 🇫🇷👋

[@beesont93]

Thank you for your vulnerability and care, Nick.

[@eugene3979]

Thank you for such a vulnerable video. I appreciate the advice you are giving and hope it resonates with everyone. Happy mother's day.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much my friend 😊

[@nickochioneantony9288]

I remember this story.. it was about 2 years ago when I was depressed (without knowing about it), and your mother's advice was an eye-opener. I feel the message is different in this video, and that is a good thing. I guess change happens and it gives us all value in any way, thankyou for your effort in sharing this Ven. Nick!

[@margarettownsley9500]

Hi venerable Nick thank you for sharing your story your mom sounds like a kind hearted person the forgiveness ceremony is very interesting I wish they did this all over the world as so many families are falling apart because of unforgiving each other thank you for sharing your story and thank you for your wisdom I really appreciate it my friend

[@deborahmayer190]

Thank you venerable NICK ! Your mom is a wise woman! She should be so proud of you 😊

[@cassvanessa5]

So much to take away from all these lessons. Thanks to your mom , and thanks to you. Much love and peace! 🙏🫶

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@VanesaCambiaso-rf1so]

Tank you so much for your beautiful words. Your mom is a great woman.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You are so welcome. Thank you so much 😊

[@StarOnTheWater]

Thank you so much. I am going through a period of grief and this is the first thing that has helped me. It seems like your mom is a wise and caring person who has truly earned your love and admiration. Also my heart goes out to all the people who cannot celebrate this day, because the relationship is broken or was never established to begin with. Someone becomes your mother by mothering you, not by physical relation. May you find piece and trust within yourself.

[@parvindanesh9411]

Thank you so much Nick. Wishing you and all of your wonderful family the best. Our world needs more people like you. Thanks again🙏

[@sitmengchue4077]

THANK YOU, Nick.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@essay7425]

Thank you so much for sharing these valuable life lessons your Mom gave to you. Your videos mean soooo much to me and help me a lot to reflect on life and on myself. I am a Catholic, and I told a Catholic priest last year about your metaphor of the salt and the water!! Because it impressed me so much and had a deep impact on my spiritual journey. All my best wishes and regards to you from Germany 💛🙂🌈

[@hosheung842]

Venerable Nick, thanks for your honest, generous and inspiring sharing. Hope to dedicate this positive energy to all great parents out there including my parents who passed away long time ago.

[@saramclaughlin2470]

Your mom must be so proud of you. 🙂

[@paulkim7870]

Thank you, Nick. My mother is my best friend and so your message resonated with me. Our mothers live inside of us through their loving words that were like seeds that were planted in us and watered with love and tears. They used to seem like nags when we were young, but now you have grown and your message today reveals the mature orchard that came of them. She must be proud of the man you are today. Thank you for sharing! ❤ 🙏

[@s.m.2535]

Such a wise and wonderful mother you have! Thank you for sharing her wisdom with us. The salt and water analogy is so helpful. You do great good here Nick. 🧡

[@janettekreulen54]

Mom loves you with hole there heart, when youre child is happy....she is. Good advice is gold

[@ashasr9827]

Great wisdom Thank you Mother

[@jerryk6048]

Great video. So enlightening. My mother passed away 6 months ago and I'm still processing it.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

My condolences to you and your family my friend.

[@lifeafterkings6315]

I don't know what motherly love looks like because I was never natured and had affection from my mother as a child.

[@amattu8347]

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you get affection in some way

[@AKmandy689]

Thank you for this video, Venerable Nick 🙏💙 love to you and your mom!

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@John.W81]

Thank you for sharing! Your mom sounds like a wonderful human being! Blessings to all❤

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@nerdbamarich2063]

Blessings to you and your family my friend 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Same to you! Thank you so much 😊

[@clarissa1663]

Thank you, as a Catholic, I really appreciate your videos and I am also applying the lessons in my life. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Aww You are so welcome!

[@bautibhattacharyya8396]

THANKS, NICK. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🕉🥀🌷🥀🌷❤. BEAUTIFUL.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@nsmith2908]

Great job Mrs Keomahavong! 🙂 and well presented Nick!

[@Jess-ji5ss]

Thank you for being so open such a beautiful talk. Salt in the water has been a really helpful guide ❤

[@sreyvivo9071]

This video, by far, resonated with me the most as your mom is similar to mine. Thank you for sharing your mom's profound wisdom. 💙

[@Lubomishka92]

Thank you so much for this, your advice is always heartfelt. My Mum passed away many years ago but she’s always close to my heart ❤️ ❤❤

[@nickkeomahavong01]

❤️❤️ my condolences to you and your family

[@waterairindustry342]

What a wonderful fellow you are. Thank you very much.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You are so welcome 😊 thank you

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

This message is so timely for me in my life. Thank you.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@hyywes]

true wisdom 🙏right there thanks for sharing greetings to you Venerable Nick🙏yes Mother’s love and wisdom unconditional and really blessed🙏 Namo Amitabhaya🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@MovieReviewJustin]

It’s ok to cry, Nick! We love your videos

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you my friend 😊

[@TseringTara-gq1cj]

Thank you so much for sharing this story! So inspiring and useful information to everyone. But end of this video made me so emotional 🥹

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊 I’m glad it resonates with you

[@elizagal7451]

I like the way you laugh at yourself often. Thank you for sharing this. You led a very adventurous life. I relate to that. The lesson I liked was about giving regularly. I have been to Laos and loved seeing/experiencing the monks. I always enjoy listening to you and feel grounded and peaceful. Thank you for your lessons. Ah - could you do a whole lesson on self- forgiveness - this is difficult for me. Blessings to you and yours

[@fdadrtrttewrt]

Thank you Venerable Nick. This really hit home for me and I never thought of meditation as giving merit to others but it makes sense and gives me added motivation. I always feel happier and hopeful after listening to you :)

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Aww Thank you so much 😊

[@bethhunter864]

Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you and your mother ❤

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You are so welcome thank you!

[@leechengtue400]

What a meaningful lessons on this Mother's day! Thank you so much for reminding us about our wonderful mums. Greetings from Malaysia. Saddhux3 🌷

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@daniellemarieclarke2965]

Such a beautiful Mother’s Day Gift , thanks so much!

[@viviandelacruz5364]

Thank you so much, Nick, for this wonderful message that you just shared. I loved watching your videos and learned a valuable life lesson.

[@swadfihri8278]

❤❤❤❤

[@nickkeomahavong01]

😊😊

[@timwaldorf389]

Thank you so very much!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼☸️❤️

[@earaya]

Thank you, Brother Nick💛

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@kristinholcombe5133]

Thank you Venerable Nick! This message resonates so well with my current aspect of life. My current journey for myself and the peace Theravada Buddhism brings to my heart makes me smile from inside. Thank you for your messages that truly help every time! 🙇🏽‍♀️🪷🧡

[@coolbreeze5683]

Thanks for sharing this, Nick ❤ it's always interesting to learn the paths people take to get to where they are today.

[@franharwood3439]

Love you, thank you :)

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You're welcome!

[@kaurgill1717]

Namo Buddhay Bhanteji🙏💚🦣Very informative videos.Stay healthy,stay safe.You are very hard working,honest , simple & humble🙏 Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu 🙏

[@jst6830]

Beautiful!❤

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you! 😊

[@betterburnout]

This is your best video 💜 Merci Nick

[@morellaura13]

Thank you for sharing these personal thoughts. This resonates with mine and is of a great help! Thanks again

[@user-tq3zd7vi6h]

Thank you! I love the forgiveness ceremony idea to start a year with a clear conscience. Not only tbat it will give peace to the individuals but also create harmony among family members. My challenge is how do you implement this when the family or the parents themselves are not open to communicating feelings?

[@user-dn3fv9lx3e]

Good evening Nick

[@keanukianblythe]

Once again, thank you for sharing,

[@andrewouk1687]

Thank you very much for sharing your lesson. 🙏🏽❤️

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You are so welcome 😊

[@sherryfox1481]

Thank you, a very loving tribute ❤️

[@gloria6673]

Beautiful Nick❤️

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@skyeblake6560]

Thank you ❤

[@mellymurloc]

Amazing video Nick, thank you for sharing. I always feel your advice sadhu

[@positivevibes3418]

🙌🩷🙌 Thank you For the reminder to Give, regularly & consistenty. Infinite Gratitude The spirit, love and wisdom of Mom.🩷

[@martacabrera5026]

Thankyou🙏❤️

[@TreeFrogOnATree]

Thank you for posting!

[@NatiYoga-zb1ob]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤

[@nickkeomahavong01]

😊😊😊

[@oldnewsglory]

Thanks for this one!

[@amymakesart]

😭❤

[@nickkeomahavong01]

😊😊

[@kathykaewsith9811]

Love it🙏🙏🙏

[@user-mw7fd3pe4d]

Thank you for all Nick, i wanna ask you how to become a monk for a whole life and stay in the monastery

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Here’s our website for ordination with all the information. Www.beamonk.org

[@hmu818]

Thank you 🙏

[@worldview730]

Great story Brother Nick

[@sukiivilav3361]

Sabaidee Kuba Nick 🙏 from Vientiane Laos. Khobjai lai lai for sharing this with us 🙏🙏🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Sadhu sadhu!

[@mariadalmeidaharger1172]

❤

[@krisztina47]

❤🙏

[@ronacerteza3454]

Hi nick rona here from Philippines, hope one day u come back visit phil 😊

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you my friend 😊

[@rasangiarachchige491]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💐💐💐

[@user-mw7fd3pe4d]

Nick thank you for all. Please tell what i should to do step by step if i want to become a monk for a whole life and stay in the monastery?

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Here’s our website for ordination with all the information. Www.beamonk.org

[@ratteykoch9311]

Sathu Sathu Sathu

[@sakadachum]

You're in GA right now? I live in a temple 1 hour from the Meditation Center, i hope to visit you soon!

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Yes we are. We will be until the end of this month. We teach class at the Georgia meditation center every Wednesday night at 7pm. Also we will have an outdoor candlelight meditation on Saturday May 25th. You’re welcome to join and bring your friends:) www.eventbrite.com/e/candlelight-meditation-vigil-tickets-868440136827 www.eventbrite.com/e/candlelight-meditation-vigil-tickets-868440136827

[@sakadachum]

@@nickkeomahavong01 That's nice! Sad I cannot join on the 25th because of Vesak day at South Carolina, but I will find time to visit you with my students. 🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

@@sakadachum ok. We have the Wednesday class at 7pm and also every Sunday we have meditation at 9:30am and lunch. You’re welcome to come join that as well :)