A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

26: Children
AN 3.31 Sabrahmakasuttaṁ
Respect for Mother and Father
The Buddha explains why parents should be
respected and by what names they are known, and
summarises it with a verse.
501. ‘Brahmā’ ti Mātāpitaro, ‘pubbācar i yā’ ti vuccare,
Āhuṇeyyā ca puttānaṁ pajāya anukampakā.
Mother and Father are like gods,
They are our very first teachers,
As they are kind to their children
They are worthy of offerings.
502. Tasmā hi ne namasseyya sakkareyyātha Paṇḍito
Annena atha pānena vatthena; sayanena ca,
Ucchādanena nhāpanena, pādānaṁ dhovanena ca.
Therefore the Wise will worship them
And respect them with gifts of clothes,
Food and drink; with a sleeping place,
With massage, bathing, and washing.
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