The Teachings of Ajahn Suchart.
18 March 2025
Devotee: My mother has been bedridden for almost 4 years. My other siblings have conspired to push the responsibility of caring for her to me. I’ve asked them for help but they did not bother about me. I then asked for financial assistance to cover some expenses but they won’t give me any money. No matter what I say, they don’t wish to cooperate in any way. I feel so disgusted with them and don’t wish to consider them as my family anymore. Sometimes I feel very stressed [and wished] I have another family member to rely on. I don’t know what to do.
LP Suchart: We should reconsider and think that being able to care for our parents is great merit. Because parents are like Phra Arahants to their children. Being able to repay this gratitude to parents is considered a very good opportunity and a lot of merit.
If others do not wish to earn this merit, then we can take it all. We must think in this way, then we will find happiness in caring for our parents. We don’t remember the kindness of our parents so we end up disputing with one another.
We don’t remember that when we were children and couldn’t help ourselves, our parents had to go through many difficulties when we were newborns and crying, they had to wake up to check on us. When we had stomachaches or were hungry, they were there to provide comfort and nourishment.
Because we don't think about the gratitude we owe our parents, we sometimes haggle and dispute with one another.
But if we recollect the kindness of our parents, then we would want to return the favour, even if it is only us and the rest are not interested. Because the kindness of our parents is very great.
How much wealth and property do the parents have? In just a moment, there will be fighting over it, isn’t that right? After parents pass away, and everyone is fighting over the property trying to grab it. But when parents need assistance, nobody steps forth to help.
This is because of greed and selfishness. We only want advantages and benefits, we don’t want to shoulder burdens and responsibilities….
Luang Phor Suchart Apichato
Wat Yansangwararam, Chonburi
Cr. เพจพุทโธ
By Ajahn Suchart Abhijāto
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