Dhamma Talks - Blessed Family :: Buddhapadipa Thai Temple

The family is the nucleus of the community and society. If a family is stable and unique, the community is happy and peaceful. On the contrary, if the family is not stable and united, the community is neither happy nor peaceful. Buddhism gives importance to the family, as the Buddha taught his disciples, “Monks, a family in which children respect, and are grateful to, parents, is blessed and protected”. “Why is that?”, he was asked. “Monks, it is because parents give life to children and they are the first teachers of children; they encourage, take a good care of children and show the world to children; so they must be respected and paid gratitude. This kind of family is called a blessed one and it brings about happiness and prosperity”.

It is true, though, as we can see nowadays, the community and society are broken because of the breakup of family; children are neither respectful nor grateful to parents. They lack discipline, respect and gratitude. What is the solution? The right solution is like what the Buddha taught, “Children must respect and be grateful to their parents”. And we must do it at first to show our young generations. If we don’t do it, they will not see and will make an excuse as they haven’t seen such an action. Action is best as it is said “Actions speak louder than words”. We must start with ourselves, pay respect and gratitude to our parents; be a good example for the young generations.

Respect and gratitude are very important as they are virtues which bring about happiness and peace in the community and society. Build them within yourself and spread them to the members of your family and then the whole family will be happy and peaceful and called “A blessed family”.