Buddhism for the 21st Century Parent

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

I thought it might be worthwhile pulling together a few resources for the 21st century parent looking to use Buddhism to help them cope with the pressures of life, parenthood and so on.

Firstly, there's...

A Constitution for Living by P.A. Payutto
www.budsir.org/Conlive.html

which pulls together extracts from suttas that give suggestions on how various roles within society would be well filled.

Secondly, a sutta with some good advice on keeping the family together...

AN 4.32 - Sangaha Sutta
www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.032.than.html

"There are these four grounds for the bonds of fellowship. Which four? Generosity, kind words, beneficial help, consistency. These are the four grounds for the bonds of fellowship."
Generosity, kind words, beneficial help,
& consistency in the face of events,
in line with what's appropriate
in each case, each case.
These bonds of fellowship [function] in the world
like the linchpin in a moving cart.

Now, if these bonds of fellowship were lacking,
a mother would not receive
the honor & respect owed by her child,
nor would a father receive
what his child owes him.
But because the wise show regard
for these bonds of fellowship,
they achieve greatness
and are praised.

and if you're still with me... there's this online book.

A Happy Married Life (A Buddhist Perspective)
by Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda
www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/dhammananda/marriage.html

And if you want to read more, perhaps try the following books from Sarah Napthali (I've read the first and it's pretty good)...

Buddhism For Mothers - www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=511&book=9781741140101
Buddhism For Mothers With Lingering Questions -
www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781741149074


All of the Buddha's teachings, regardless of who they're directed at, are all about the alleviation and cessation of suffering. So whilst only a small percentage might be specifically focused on the challenges facing parents, the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path has been helping householders improve their lives for centuries.

What are your experiences as a Buddhist parent?

What Buddhist practices would you recommend for a parent new to Buddhism?

Metta,
Retro.

[naechstenliebe]

right. just read 'a happy married life.' good quick read, even for my low attention span. will get to the others in the next few days or so... i am finding countless similarities with my principles in most of the topics of the book.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

Yes, that's what happened to me when I came across Theravada Buddhism. Then there also a few big "a-ha!" moments... things that make sense that just hadn't be conceptualised in my mind yet. Any questions, just ask!

Metta,
Retro.

[pett]

I think as a parent of two children its important to teach our children to have good moral, lovingkindness, karma (good and bad) so they see that good deeds brings good karma and opposite with bad deeds and compasion . I take them to the temple sometimes to visit the monks witch they really enjoy. Now and then i pracise meditation with my son who is 5 years old .

Chok dee pi mai