Sustaining Life, The Coffee Way

“Enlightening the world, more than just illumination,” much like this year’s theme for the Enlightenment Ceremony by Xiao En. The true brightness comes from the warmth of countless kind thoughts and deeds. During the Enlightenment Ceremony, Xiao En’s Life Education creatively presented “The Life Journey of a Coffee Bean,” titled “Sustaining Life, The Coffee Way.” Through five stages—Nurture, Experience, Blossom, Reborn, and Enduring Legacy—participants could savor the essence of coffee while reflecting deeply: “At the moment life fades, what do you wish to leave behind?”

First Stage: Nurture

• Life: The source of all life springs from the natural rhythms of the universe. Like coffee beans, our existence is rooted in the laws of nature, making us a small part of a much larger whole. We should humbly acknowledge our connection with nature, remembering the origins that sustain us.
• Survival: The birth of life is merely the beginning. Whether a coffee bean grows strong or a human lives a healthy life largely depends on nature’s resources—water, air, climate, soil, and sunlight. We must be grateful for the gifts nature provides.

Reflection:-
Human is often called “the soul of the universe.” But are we the masters of nature’s resources, or its beneficiaries?

Second Stage: Experience

• Life is a journey of highs and lows, filled with a blend of experiences. It’s never a smooth path. In times of ease, we express gratitude; in times of adversity, we embrace the challenges that shape us into the resilient individuals we are today.
• Like a coffee bean, which endures sunny and stormy days, the harvesting and washing, the roasting at varying temperatures, it ultimately becomes the rich and aromatic essence we savor.
• At this station, take a moment to gaze into the mirror. Whether your past has been filled with joy or struggle, appreciate yourself and give thanks, for you have successfully taken each step toward becoming who you are.

Reflection:-
The past and present are set in stone. Do I accept myself as I am now? What lessons have I learned from my past experiences? In the future, who do I want to see in the mirror? Let’s begin taking steps now to shape that future.

Third Stage: Blossom

• The coffee bean spends its life accumulating value, living its unique journey, and when its time comes to an end, it releases its fragrance to the fullest.
• In the same way, we too strive to live authentically, using the time we have to blossom and shine brightly, leaving no regrets before life’s final moment.
• Coffee beans from different regions, with varying roasting and brewing methods, yield distinct flavors. Some enjoy fruity notes, while others dislike acidity; some find pleasure in bitterness, while others can’t handle it. Life, too, is like this. At this station, take a moment to savor the coffee specially prepared for you by the barista.

Reflection:-
Some people find the value of life through serving society, while others discover life’s meaning by following their own hearts. Whatever the path, the value of your life should be defined by you. So, what kind of life value do you seek?

Forth Stage: Reborn

• The diversity in life’s end: Just as there are different uses for coffee grounds, there are various ways to say farewell to life.
• We should have the freedom to choose our own way of departing this world—some may opt for a grand funeral, while others prefer a simple and solemn ceremony. Some donate their bodies for medical research, becoming silent mentors, while others choose to have their Eco burial to reduce carbon emissions and ease the burden on the soil, showing care for the environment.
• When the life of a coffee bean ends and it turns to ash, the gardener, like a gentle mourner, returns the coffee grounds to the embrace of Mother Earth, nourishing the soil and nature’s ecosystem, symbolizing the cycle of life—beginning and ending with nature.
• At this station, you can select a flower seedling randomly, one that resonates with you. Using coffee grounds and soil, create a nurturing environment for your chosen seedling. With care and patience, you’ll witness the beauty of another life blooming in time. (There are three types of flowers: marigold, zinnia, and cosmos.)

Reflection:-
When we return to nature, do we see it as an end or a continuation? Does the end of human life truly signify the cessation of all things?

Coffee Grounds Planting Guide:

• Coffee grounds are rich in organic matter and can serve as plant fertilizer. However, do not use freshly brewed, hot coffee grounds. To become an organic fertilizer, coffee grounds need to undergo fermentation and drying before they are suitable for planting.
• Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen and slightly acidic, making them ideal for neutralizing alkaline soils and improving plant environments. However, they should not be used in acidic soils. Coffee grounds alone cannot serve as soil; they must be mixed with soil or sprinkled on top as fertilizer.

Planting Tips:

• Start by mixing coffee grounds and soil at a 1:10 ratio, then place the mixture in a pot. Gently transplant the seedling into the pot, avoiding pressing the roots with your fingers.
• Water the seedling with about 200ML of water, allowing the water to settle the soil naturally. Excess water will drain from the holes at the bottom of the pot. After a short wait, the seedling can be taken home for planting.
• It’s recommended to place the seedling in a well-lit outdoor area. During hot weather, water it once a day; if it’s rainy, water every two days.
• After about two weeks, consider transplanting the seedling into a larger pot to give it more room to grow.
• After about 1 to 2 months, if the seedling grows well, the first bloom will appear, revealing the flower that is most connected to you.

Fifth Stage: Enduring Legacy

• When coffee grounds transform from decay to utility, they give birth to new life, leaving an indelible contribution to the natural ecosystem.
• Beyond their environmental impact, coffee beans tell a powerful story through life education. As long as the story is remembered and passed down, the ecosystem thrives, the lessons endure, and the spirit remains alive.

Reflection:-
Coffee beans have “illuminated” the world with their lives. How do you wish to “illuminate” your own life? When the final moment comes, what legacy do you want to leave behind? Scan the QR code to share your thoughts and pass on the influence of kindness to the next person—perhaps this is another way to create “sustainability.”

P/S: This visual concept was co-crafted by AI and Xiao En’s Creative Team

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