DHAMMA PADETHA – 8. TO BE WORTHY SONS AND DAUGHTERS
DHAMMA PADETHA – TO BE WORTHY SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Parents who have brought up their children till they come of age wish them to have everything, to be worthy sons and daughters.
On the part of the sons and daughters, they wish to be worthy children and not inferior ones. Those who wish to be worthy sons and daughters must have five qualities. Those who possess these five qualities are said to be worthy sons and daughters by ancient sages.
Five characteristics of worthy sons and daughters.
(1) To be in the habit of giving charity
(2) To be in the habit of practising meditation
(3) To be courageous
(4) To acquire knowledge/ vocational education with zest and zeal
(5) To search for wealth and property continuously. Those who possess these five qualities are known to be worthy sons and daughters.
Motto:
Courage, charity and moral conduct,
acquiring knowledge and property constantly,
complete with these are true sons.
(1) Those who have an inclination for charity would, even when young, give away their belongings to the poor. When parents and elders give them eatables they would share and distribute among their friends. From their savings they would donate at the monasteries and hospitals. Thus, giving charity is one of the qualities of worthy sons and daughters.
(2) Those who are interested in practising dhamma are, since young usually contented with the food and clothing that they get. They try to copy their parents, grand parents and elders who practise dhamma and try to practise as much as possible. This is one of the good qualities of worthy sons and daughters.
(3) Those who are courageous will always stand for the right since young. When they encounter oppositions for their parents and relatives, for the country and religion they will carry out or speak up for the right, without any fear. To have a courageous mind is one of the qualities of worthy sons and daughters.
(4) Those who are in the habit of acquiring knowledge or education constantly, will attend school and study regularly, without the persuasion of parents and elders. They learn their lessons at regular study hours. They study constantly so as to be outstanding. This is one of the good qualities of worthy sons and daughters.
(5) Those who are in the habit of working and acquiring wealth will after completing their education, work for themselves, for parents and relatives and for the country to become prosperous. They will attend their work regulary and work constantly. This consistancy in working and acquiring wealth is one of the qualities of worthy sons and daughters.
Consequently, good sons and daughters who are working for themselves, for parents and relatives for the development of the country and the sasana must try and have the five qualities of worthy sons and daughters.
