In addressing grievances about parental neglect, Luang Phaw emphasizes the importance of understanding kammic retribution. The boy expresses concerns about his father's irresponsible behavior, juxtaposed with insights on human birth and parental roles. Luang Phaw uses the metaphor of molds to explain how one’s origins influence their capabilities and life circumstances. He encourages reflection on the value of being human and the opportunities for merit-making that come with it, contrasting with the limitations of other beings. Despite the father's failures, the sacredness of human potential for growth through good deeds remains a pivotal truth in Buddhism. This poignant discussion aims to guide the boy in navigating his feelings towards his father while understanding the deeper spiritual implications. For further insights, visit dmc.tv.
หัวข้อประเด็น
-Kamma and family responsibilities -Impact of parental behavior on children -Moral implications in Buddhism -Human potential for merit-making -Metaphor of molds and life circumstances
ข้อความต้นฉบับในหน้า
"Luang Phaw, I feel like my father takes unfair advantage
of my mother. He doesn't care about his children and only
looks after himself. He is only concerned about his own
wellbeing. During tough times, he lets our mother earn the
income to take care of us. He stays home and womanizes with
the maid. Will I receive kammic retribution if I hate my
father?"
Luang Phaw gave this advice to the boy:
It is already wrong that your father is not being responsible
for his duties. Moreover, seeking comfort in life only for him,
and womanizing with the maid, breaks the precept of adultery.
He is accumulating tremendous bad kamma on his own.
The problems he has with your mother are strictly
between the two of them.
Luang Phaw wants to remind you, when you look at your
father and mother, please consider this: Before any living
thing is born, it is necessary for it to have a prototype.
For instance, if we have a piece of clay and a mold to
make a cup, we will get a cup when we put the clay in the
mold. If we have a mold for a bowl, we will get a bowl. If we
have a mold for a Buddha image, and we put clay in the mold,
we will have a Buddha image to pay homage to. This same
piece of clay, if used with different molds, will have
different values. If we have no mold at all, that clay will just
be a piece of clay with no additional value.
If people are to be born, they need to have a prototype.
If the parents' prototype is a cow or buffalo, then the child
will have to be born as a cow or a buffalo. If the prototype
is of a monkey, the child will be a monkey. If the parents'
prototype is a human being, then the child will have to be
human, too.
Ask yourself: If one, who is clever from the merits of a
past life, were to be born in a monkey's womb, and cried like
a monkey at birth, how much would it be able to do?
Or ask yourself which situation you would rather be in:
To be born a human, with parents who do not take care of
you, resulting in you growing up in an orphanage; or to be
born as a monkey, yet well taken care of until you are grown.
Which situation is preferable?
Would you like to be born a monkey? We would not
want this because the attributes of a human being are the most
suitable for accumulating all forms of merit. We can offer
donations [Dana], observe the Precepts [Sila] and practice
meditation [Bhavana]. We can perform all those things. When
we possess the attributes of an animal, we will not be able to
perform meritorious deeds, and possess the higher thinking of
a human being.
The Warm Hearted Family 230
Father That Children Hate
The Warm Hearted Family
231
Father That Children Hate