1.The Parent-Child Relationship # 6

Meditation

Meditation for Beginners

 

1.The Parent-Child Relationship # 6

 

 

Passing on their heritage to them in due course

 

 

5. Passing on their heritage to them in due course: In non-Buddhist countries, where social values dictate that sons and daughters shouldn’t expect to look after their parents in their old age, the expectation also arises that they shouldn’t come asking for money either. However, in Buddhist culture there are reciprocal duties between parent and child. That the child does not become independent of their parents when adult, (looking after their parents when those parents are old) also puts the onus on the parents to pass on their legacy to their children before they die. However, the child’s worthiness to receive the legacy, certainly depends on their ability to purge themselves of the Six Roads to Ruin [abhayamukha];

 

Unfortunately, in the present day, many parents overlook the importance of these simple pieces of advice, especially thinking that earning lots of money to pay for the third item (in a prestigious private school) will make up for neglect of the first two items, and this is bad news for the teachers who must later take responsibility for the childrens, education –and if unchecked will add up to the downfall not only of the family but of the whole nation.

 

 

 

However, in Buddhist culture there are reciprocal duties between parent and child.

 

 

If parents neglect their side of their duties, it is ‘castles in the air’ to imagine that the child will ever grow up and spontaneously develop filial piety. The child will be unable to see the point of such parental care. The child will be unable to see the point of such parental care. The same goes for any hope that the child will grow up to think of helping the parents with their work or to take responsibility for the future good name of the family.

 

For all five of these parental duties (especially establishing the child in virtue) it is absolutely necessary that the

 

- The ability independently to distinguish between good and evil-i.e. they should be established in Right View.

 

-  patience

 

- ability to recognize the characteristics of False Friends and True Friends

 

- self-discipline

 

If potential parents don’t have these prerequisites, perhaps they should wait until they do before considering to start a family of their own.

 

 

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