Don’t Let Their Last Call Be Missed: Wake Up and Love Your Parents Now.
Introduction
Let’s pause for a moment. When was the last time you smiled at your parents? Called them just to say "I love you"? Gave them a tight hug or said, “Thank you for everything”? If you can’t recall, this article is for you. Life moves fast, but we often forget the two people who gave us everything our biological parents.
You may have your reasons. Maybe they weren't perfect. Maybe you even feel resentment. But pause. Breathe. Think again. You’re alive today. You exist because of them. The rare chance of human life, as beautifully illustrated in the Chiggala Sutta, is not to be taken for granted.
Let’s dive deep into why loving and respecting your parents isn’t just a moral duty but a spiritual awakening, a karmic opportunity, and a path to true inner peace.
The Only True Lovers in Your Life—Your Parents
Parents: The Living Brahma on Earth
The Supreme Buddha taught that our parents hold a place equal to Brahma, the heavenly realm. Why? Because they embody Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upekkha (equanimity) the Four Brahma Viharas. They give us life, protection, nourishment, education, and countless sleepless nights.
Even if your parents made mistakes or even walked away they didn’t abort you. That decision alone gave you access to this precious human realm.
You Were Born Human – A Miracle in Itself
The Chiggala Sutta and the Rare Human Birth
Imagine a one-eyed turtle surfacing once every hundred years and trying to poke its head through a tiny wooden yoke floating in the ocean. The odds of it happening? Almost zero. And yet, that’s how rare it is to be born as a human being.
Your parents made that miracle possible. Whatever flaws they may have had, they are the bridge to your current “sugati” or favorable birth. Do not waste it.
Karma – Why Your Parents Might Not Have Loved You Enough
Facing the Bitter Truth of Past Lives
You may think, “But my parents didn’t love me.” That’s painful. But in the Dhamma, everything has a cause. According to the Apayasanvattanika Sutta, a lack of parental love in this life may be the karmic result of past actions especially sexual misconduct in past lives.
You’re not being punished. You’re being given a chance to correct your karma, break the cycle, and evolve.
They Gave You Life, Isn’t That Enough?
Abortion or Birth – The Choice That Saved You
Many unborn babies don’t even get the chance to breathe. Some are lost in the womb, victims of abortion or miscarriages. But you made it. Why? Because your mother, despite any hardship, chose life. And your father whether he stayed or not was a part of that decision.
That alone deserves gratitude. That alone demands compassion.
Modern Distractions, Ancient Duties
Too Busy for Parents? Think Again
We text friends. We scroll endlessly. We have time for gossip and games but when our parents call, we ignore it.
What if it’s their last call?
One day, you’ll beg for just one more call. But there will be silence.
Never let that happen.
Why Some People Resent Their Parents
Land, Property, and Second Marriages
Many children become enemies with their parents over property disputes, inheritance, dowry, or second marriages. But this short-sightedness is deadly for the heart.
Don’t let temporary worldly attachments ruin your eternal relationship. These things will pass. But the karma you create now that will follow you.
How to Treat Parents According to the Buddha
Read the Vyaggapajja and Sigalovada Suttas
These suttas clearly explain a child’s duties towards parents:
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Provide them with food and medicine.
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Support them when they are old.
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Do everything you can to make their life easier.
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Honor them publicly and privately.
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Share your success with them.
Even if they didn’t do these things for you you must do them. That’s your duty, not your reward.
The Emotional Side of Fathers—Often Unseen
Fathers don’t always cry. They don’t always say “I love you.” But that doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain. Most fathers hide their emotions behind silence, behind long working hours, behind tired eyes.
Understand their struggle. Be patient. Try to connect with their world even if it’s a different generation, a different language.
Your Smile Is Their Heaven
One warm smile. One thank-you. One “How are you, Amma?” or “Did you eat, Thaththa?” can light up their day. You may have everything in the world but your smile is the only treasure your parents truly care about.
If You Are Poor—Still, You Can Give
You may not have money. But you can:
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Wash their feet.
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Help them with chores.
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Offer your time.
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Say kind words.
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Hug them.
These are not small acts. These are sacred acts.
Ending the Karmic Cycle
Your current suffering might be the ripening of past karma, but your present action determines your future rebirth. Don’t waste the opportunity to repay your karmic debts to your parents while you're still in this precious human life.
Your Parents Are the King and Queen of Your Life
No matter how rich, famous, or powerful you become never forget your roots. Introduce your parents to your social circle. Don’t be ashamed. They are your crown, your heritage, your ultimate pride.
Forgive, Understand, and Love—Before It’s Too Late
Even if they were wrong, forgive them. Even if they hurt you, understand them. Because once they are gone, you can’t say sorry. You can’t say thank you. You’ll only have regret.
Conclusion
Your parents are not perfect, and neither are you. But their imperfection doesn’t cancel their sacrifice. The Supreme Buddha equated them to divine beings because of their role in your existence.
Loving them, forgiving them, and respecting them isn’t just moral it’s meritorious. It's a way to clear lifetimes of karmic debts, to grow spiritually, and to build a heart filled with loving-kindness.
Treat them well. Call them. Hug them. Smile at them. Because once they’re gone you’ll feel a pain no medicine can heal.
FAQs
1. What if my parents truly hurt me emotionally or physically?
Even in painful situations, the Dhamma encourages understanding karma. If possible, forgive not to excuse but to free yourself from hatred.
2. Can I still gain merit if my parents have passed away?
Yes, you can do good deeds and transfer merit to them. Light a lamp. Offer food to monks. Chant in their name.
3. What if my parents don’t want a relationship with me?
Keep sending love. Don’t force it. But always leave the door open with kindness and patience.
4. How can I introduce my parents with pride in social settings?
Use heartfelt words: “These are the two who gave me life. My everything.” That confidence inspires respect.
5. Are there any meditations I can do to heal my parental relationship?
Yes. Practice Metta Bhavana loving-kindness meditation. Start by radiating love towards your parents. Even in silence, hearts can heal.
Namo Buddhaya!
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