Question 69: WHAT IS BUDDHISM’S PERSPECTIVE ON WHETHER CHILDREN SHOULD OBEY THEIR PARENTS OR TRY TO BE STRONG AND INDEPENDENT?

Answer: When parents bring a child into the world, they naturally love and care for the child with great dedication. Since the child is still young and naive, parents feel a strong sense of ownership over their child. This sense of ownership motivates parents to take on the responsibility of caring for their children and ensuring they grow up safely. However, as the child grows, the situation gradually changes.

Although the child’s genes come from its parents, and its life is sustained by its parents’ care, the child’s mind and soul are entirely their own.

As the child matures, it begins to look outward, gradually becoming less dependent on its parents’ wishes, while parents may still continue to view the child as theirs and expect it to follow their will.

At this point, two educational approaches emerge. Some people advocates for allowing children to develop independence and self-expression so that they can quickly mature. Others insist that children must always obey and be respectful to their parents.

The approach that encourages children to develop independence is more common in Western cultures, where it is seen as aligning with values of democratic values, freedom, and human rights. On the other hand, the approach that emphasizes obedience and filial piety to parents is more common in Eastern cultures, where it is believed that parents’ sacrifices are immense, like the sky and sea; thus, children must be grateful and dutiful to repay their parents.

From the perspective of selflessness and the Law of Karma, Buddhism suggests a balanced approach. First and foremost, children should honor and respect their parents as a fundamental moral principle. At the same time, parents should wisely balance protecting their children with encouraging their growth and maturity, guiding them to become responsible and capable individuals who can contribute to society.

While this book does not delve deeply into child-rearing practices, it is critical that children are taught not to be stubborn or disrespectful to their parents and that parents wisely guide and nurture their children in a way that benefits them, the family, and society as a whole.

The Author

JANNA is the pen name of a certain monk who does not wish to use his real name. He is likely mature enough to understand that fame, wealth, and glory are as fleeting as morning mist.

In Pali, “JANNA” means purity, so it’s unclear which country he’s from. However, he seems to have studied the Nikaya scriptures.

Although he writes about Buddhism, he appears to desire unity with other religions to contribute to the cause of world peace. He attempts to demonstrate how differences can complement one another…