Promoting Social Solidarity Through Generosity and Kindness : หน้า 88/207

If parents behave appropriately toward their neighbors, they will be loved and respected. Then it may be appropriate for them to remind their neighbors of the neighbors’ behavior. The Lord Buddha taught about the Four Bases of Social Solidarity (sangahavattthu). This refers to the principle of aiding people or developing a unified society. This Dhamma principle consists of: 1) Generosity (Dāna) - This means the giving of material things. 2) Kind speech (Piyavāca) - This means speaking kindly and truthfully. 3) Useful conduct (Atthacariya) - This means being helpful to others, like helping at work when you can. 4) Even and impartial treatment (Samānantatta) - This means being consistently friendly to everyone. If parents are able to practice the Four Bases of Social Solidarity, they will become highly regarded pundits. When there are conflicts, these parents can provide guidance. How they address them depends on the matter at hand. They can find solutions as a team. 2. People who can warn others about their behavior must observe the Precepts. Only people who observe the Five Precepts are able to approach others about their behavior. When we can genuinely observe the Precepts, have good manners, and understand ethics, we will be capable of approaching and addressing a situation. If parents still lack virtues, then they should not approach others about their behavior. **People must be considerate of their community.** A person can maintain the affection and respect of others in several ways. The most effective way is by giving. When you give with a pure heart, people will love and look upon you with dignity. The following method has been used in the past with great results. It is very easy. In the morning, grab a broom and sweep the street leading to your house, from beginning to end. Whenever you are home, you must sweep the street. If you are not home, then it is a different story. But try to sweep at least once a week. If you keep doing this, your neighbors will come to know you. They may not love you, but they will not hate you either. This type of giving is called giving with effort. In the olden days, there were many ways to give. There was one method that everyone practiced, but which we do not see performed much these days. Traditionally, in front of every