Gratitude to Parents - How can we feel anything but?

Having just been home recently, of late I reflect a lot on what my parents have done for me, and at such times my heart would melt and I would almost always cry as a result… cry with tears of deep gratitude.


The Buddha said: “Just as a mother would guard her only child, even at the risk of her own life, even so towards all beings, let me cultivate boundless love”.


My mother has 4 children, but even then I have already felt her tremendous love, much less if I were her only child. It really melts my heart how she would go the distance to ensure that we, her children, are well and happy. Just being near her and observe how she takes care of us is enough to know how much she cares for each one of us. At home, I was treated like a king while on the contrary, I feel that I’m the one who should have treated her like a king. How much has she gone through to raise us and take care of us? She would eat the bad food and keep for us the good ones. She doesn’t mind being left cold as long as we’re left warm. It reminds me of the virtues of a mother as told by the Buddha.


I remember reading an article by a monk relating how his mother would eat very little so as to ensure that her children have enough to eat. I’m sure my mom will do that too. But I’m not sure if I will. How embarrassing it is to think that instead of trying all ways to repay our debt of gratitude to our parents, out of our own ignorance and ingratitude, we mistreat them or think of them as unimportant. How blind have I been, that instead of looking at their virtues and emulate them, I zoomed in on their shortcomings and tried to correct them. J What a shame!

Once, I sat down with my mom and thanked her for the many little things she’s done that warm my heart. She asked thank her for what. I said I thank her for preparing my meal, for fixing my clothes, for buying me food that I like, for putting up with me, for taking care of me. She said that those are the things she’s very happy to do. I know I will always owe her. I know I won’t be able to completely repay my debt of her kindness.


So here and now, I make a resolution to be to others what she’s been to me and to give to others what she’s given to me – her kindness, love, warmth and care, as a way to sincerely thank her for all that she’s done for me.