The Debt of Gratitude to Parents : หน้า 160/207

parents, we are overwhelmingly in debt to them. 2. Parents always forgive us without being resentful. The scolding and punishments they may have given us for doing unacceptable things are out of their deep love and concern for us. It hurts their hearts more than it hurt us when they have to give us a spanking, just as if they were cut with a knife through their hearts. They are the best friends we can ever find in this world and we can trust them wholeheartedly. 3. Our debt of gratitude to our parents is much more than we can repay. We must habitually reflect on our appreciation of our debt of gratitude to them. These are ways in which children can repay the debt of gratitude they owe to their parents: 1. Caring for them in their old age 2. Carrying on the good name of the family 3. Using the family wealth in a responsible way 4. Continuing the good work for society they have already begun 5. Inspiring them to have faith in the Triple Gem, nurturing them further to be generous and to maintain moral standards, persuading them to listen to spiritual teachings and teaching them how to meditate. All these can help keep them on the path to Nibbana. "Even when your parents have passed away, your duty as a grateful son or daughter is not finished. Apart from taking responsibility for organizing a fitting funeral, a grateful son and daughter will do meritorious deeds regularly and transfer the merit from their good deeds to their deceased parents." I hope you learned from this chapter that while bringing up your own child to be a good person you do not forget to cherish your parents or grandparents. This is the way to give your children examples of how to care for you when you reach old age, especially at your last moment of life. They will know how to make their parents' minds bright and clear in order for them to have a favorable destiny according to Buddhism. In the end, all of this will return to you. The Warm Hearted Family 318 The Last Moment of a Father's Life The Warm Hearted Family 319 The Last Moment of a Father's Life