2) If they do not keep the second Precept (No stealing)
then: They might engage in corruption.
3) If they do not keep the third Precept (No sexual
misconduct) then: They might engage in prostitution.
4) If they do not keep the fourth Precept (No lying,
divisive speech, idle chatter, or harsh words) then: They might
commit fraud.
5) If they do not keep the fifth Precept (No consumption
of intoxicating substances, such as alcohol or drugs) then:
They will exacerbate the breadth of the roads to ruins,
(Apāyamukha), i.e. gambling, alcohol consumption,
nightclubbing, etc.
Raising a Child to Show Care towards Others
For children that demonstrate care towards others, they
must be taught to take care of themselves. Then, they will be
capable of helping others. To achieve this, parents must train
children to have endurance.
At first glance, it seems like it is enough for children to
be wholesome and smart, but the truth is, it is not enough.
When one is born as a human being, one must bring benefit
to others as well.
Let's suppose that we plant a fruit tree. We care for it by
watering it, and plowing and fertilizing soil. Ten years pass
and it still bears no fruit, so we decide to cut it down.
In comparison, if children do not assist others, no one
will want to help them when they are adults. Life will be
difficult for them and they will be poor throughout life. When
they need help no one will want to help them, because they
are careless towards others.
Parents can teach their children to have care for others
by teaching them to help themselves by having endurance at
four levels:
1) Endurance towards physical hardship. Children will
learn to work hard and not be afraid of hard work and physical
hardship.
2) Endurance towards pain and suffering. Children
will be aware of the need to care for their own health. They
will not be deceptive and will never pretend to be sick to get
out of school.
3) Endurance towards conflict. Children will learn to
be a team player. They will not have an inferiority or a
superiority complex. They will not consider themselves equal
to adults. They will know their place when interacting with
others.
The Warm Hearted Family 110
Raising Children to Be Smart and Virtuous
The Warm Hearted Family
Raising Children to Be Smart and Virtuous