Abstract

This research contains 3 main objectives; 1) to study parents in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, 2) to study the Buddhist principles for parents and 3) to apply the Buddhist principles for parents as the sample model for their children’s living according to Buddhism. It was a documentary research by collecting research data from the primary sources of Theravada Buddhist scripture as well as other related documents, summed up, analyzed, composed in descriptive style, finally verified by experts.

The findings revealed thatparent or Pubbakāri refers to those who had previously done benefits to other which signify the father and mother who perform 4 divine states of mind. These parents are called as rare person because their mind detaches from selfishness while others are under control of selfishness, as Brahman because their giving lives to children, as Arahanta because of their pure love, as first teacher because they are the first teacher, as deity because their protection and as worthy one for worship and offering because sacrifices offered to them regain great benefits. The examples of Pubbakaripeople in the Buddha’s time were Visakha-upasika, Anathapindika and Cittagahapatiupasakaetc.

The principles of parents areDisa6 (Direction), Brahmavihãra4 (Holy life), Sañagahavatthu 4(objects of favour) andGharãvãsadhamma 4 (rules of household conduct). These virtues support parents to be good example and perfect model for all members in family. Performance of six Disa or direction supports roles and duties of parents, Brahmavihara grows mental health with morals, concentration and wisdom for purifying the mind in higher qualities, Sañagahavatthu and Gharãvãsadhamma support wholesome and ethical deeds in daily life which in turn will bring a lot of benefits to family as well as to society in wide range.

In application the virtues, parents must apply these virtues; Disa or direction 6, , Brahmavihãra 4, Sañagahavatthu 4 and Gharãvãsadhamma 4 in daily living on various occasions by considering the following items; 1) being the good model for children, 2) sharinglove and harmonizing to members and 3) members of family live happily and successfully such as growing up, educating, guideline their children in moral manners and so on focusing on building up the moral family in current ofimmoral society these days.

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