People in the ancient times said: ‘If you wish to offer your parents something which is beyond your capability, at that point, for as long as you could give them a smile three times everyday is sufficient.’ I hope that all of you could wisely practise the essence of being an upright person in your daily lives.

As our parent’s children, we must be filial to them. Being filial means not letting our parents to worry about us. So how can we do so? First of all, we must be healthy and we mustn’t get sick, we must do well in our studies staying away from bad friends and get close to good friends. Besides that, we must be aware of our own safety to avoid accidents or running away from home. To a parent, that there is no other thing happier than having children who don’t bring about them so much worries.

Showing filial obedience to our parents is also a way of making our parents happy. If we don’t listen to our parent’s advice but instead argue with them showing bad manners, ultimately we are the ones who will suffer. Our parents went through abundant life experiences and all that they’ve said and done are for our own good. For that reason, we should always discuss whatever thing we wish to do with our parents first and then make decisions.

In ancient times there was a general who has a daughter as the only child; her name is called Shen Yun Ying. She is a very clever and studious girl since she was little and she is also very skilled in martial arts which she learnt from her father. When Shen Yun Ying was seventeen, her father led a group of soldiers to war and died during the war. Then after, she scaled a mountain and at the top of the mountain she shouted: ‘Even though I am a lady, but for the sake of fulfilling my father’s wish of protecting the city, I am willing to wage a life and death battle. I hope that all you armies and civilians can safeguard your homes.’ Everyone was deeply moved and vowed to regain back what they’ve lost, eventually, they broke off their enclosure and won.

This is one of the famous stories in China’s ‘Twenty four Stories about Filial Piety’. Shen Yun Ying had been guided by her father since young and even though her father passed away, she too aroused to the same spirit and became a soldier to strive and protect her homeland. Similarly, as a result of the support, care and nurture from our parents, we are able to care freely learn and grow as well as develop our inner potential.

Did you watch the news lately? Due to the tense relation between North and South Korea, hence, family members living apart in both countries cannot meet each other. Over the years, their relation hasn’t improved and civilians suffered being separated from their families over a long period of time. Recently on 3rd of November 2010, the second batch of separated North and South Koreans reunited and the gathering is held at Kŭmgangsan. The second batch of family members who had been separated for 60 years once again meet up and get together happily at Kŭmgangsan for a family gathering and rebounded their family ties. The gathering ended on 5th of November 2010, upon bidding goodbye, everyone once again is filled with uncertainty because no one knows when they’d be able to meet again.

An 88 year old man cried while hugging his niece whom he had never met for over 60 years. Are you aware now of how fortunate we are? Not only are we united with our family, we are also constantly showered with never ending care and concern from our parents and family members. Therefore, we must cherish every moment we are with them and not simply come up with the thought of wanting to commit suicide or run away from home.

All of us must respect our parents for upbringing us. Nichiren Daishonin’s Gosho teaches: ‘Parents are the craftsmen of the treasure tower.’ (WND 797) Parents are the craftsmen constructing the precious treasure tower (life). Hence, from another point of view, our parents raised us as brilliant people so that we can become active individuals in society and the world. Here we could say that our parents are our temporary ‘shelter from the storm.’ For as long as our parents are around, no matter what happens, they will do their utmost to safeguard us.
We are who we are now because of our parents; and because our parents practiced Nichiren Daishonin that’s why we are able to encounter this great Buddhism and for this reason we must cherish them. May all of you possess the spirit to care for others and become youths with a great heart!

Labels: e. Words of mentor