a collection of
Buddhist Wisdom Verses
26: Puttavaggo
Children
AN 3.31 Sabrahmakasuttaṁ
With the Brahmās
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, ‘pubbācariyā’ ti vuccare,
Mother and Father are ‘Brahmā’, they are called ‘original teachers’, Comm:
Āhuṇeyyā ca puttānaṁ pajāya anukampakā.
Worthy of offerings, (they are) compassionate to their children, Lit: to their offspring children.
502. Tasmā hi ne namasseyya sakkareyyātha Paṇḍito
Therefore the Wise One will worship them and also respect them
Annena atha pānena vatthena; sayanena ca,
With food and drink, clothes; with a sleeping place,
Ucchādanena nhāpanena, pādānaṁ dhovanena ca.
With massage, bathing, and washing of their feet.
503. Tāya naṁ paricariyāya Mātāpitusu Paṇḍito, BJT:
The Wise One, because of looking after his Mother and Father,
Idheva naṁ pasaṁsanti, pecca Sagge pamodati.
Is praised right here (and now), and after passing away rejoices in Heaven.
Iti 74 Puttasuttaṁ
Children
The Three Types of Children
The Buddha explains the three types of children that are found in the world.
504. Atijātaṁ anujātaṁ puttam-icchanti Paṇḍitā,
The Wise desire a child that is superior or just the same, Comm:
Avajātaṁ na icchanti, so hoti kulagandhano,
They do not wish for one inferior, he is a breaker of families, Comm:
505. Ete kho puttā lokasmiṁ; ye Text:
These are the children in the world; those who are laymen
Saddhā sīlena sampannā, vadaññū vītamaccharā,
Endowed with faith and virtue, being bountiful and unselfish,
Cando va abbhanā mutto BJT, ChS, Thai read:
Will shine bright amongst the people like the moon released from the clouds.
AN 5.39 Puttasuttaṁ
Children
Good Children
The Buddha explains the five reasons parents want a child.
506. Pañca ṭhānāni sampassaṁ puttaṁ icchanti Paṇḍitā:
Considering (these) five reasons the Wise wish for a child, (thinking):
Bhato vā no bharissati, Text, BJT:
Supported he will support us, he will do his duties for us,
507. Kulavaṁso ciraṁ tiṭṭhe, dāyajjaṁ paṭipajjati,
He will long maintain the family heritage, Comm:
Atha vā pana petānaṁ dakkhiṇaṁ anupadassati.
And then he will make offerings to those who have passed away.
508. Ṭhānānetāni sampassaṁ puttaṁ icchanti Paṇḍitā,
Considering these reasons the Wise wish for a child,
Tasmā santo Sappurisā kataññū katavedino,
Therefore truly Good People are grateful and obliging,
509. Bharanti Mātāpitaro, pubbe katam-anussaraṁ,
They support Mother and Father, remembering what they have done in the past,
Karonti nesaṁ kiccāni, yathā taṁ pubbakārinaṁ.
They perform their duties for them, as was done (for them) in the past.
510. Ovādakārī bhataposī, kulavaṁsaṁ ahāpayaṁ,
Following advice, Comm:
Saddho sīlena sampanno, putto hoti pasaṁsiyo.
Endowed with faith and virtue, that child is praised.
Jā 532 Soṇanandajātakaṁ
Brothers Soṇa and Nanda
The Elder Brother’s Burden
A Royal family, King, Queen and two sons renounce the world and retire to the Himālayas. The younger son wishes to look after the parents, but the elder declares his duty.
511. Mātāpitā ca Bhātā ca Bhaginī ñātibandhavā,
Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters and all close-bonded relations,
Sabbe jeṭṭhassa te bhārā, evaṁ jānāhi Bhātara. ChS, Thai:
All burdens are for the eldest, please understand this, (my) Brother.