The Sacred Responsibility of Nurturing Children

This interview was recorded on April 12, 2019, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Venerable Changren, a dedicated monastic, shares profound insights regarding the spiritual upbringing of children and the karmic significance of the parent-child bond. This record was transcribed by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. When it comes to the education of children, most adults agree that it is of the utmost importance. However, when a child makes a mistake, how many adults actually seize that critical opportunity to truly understand why the child acted in that way? How many take the time to be patient and look beneath the surface?

Too often, adults resort to hitting, scolding, or other harsh methods of discipline. While children may obey out of fear, they do not necessarily change. They are merely frightened by the immediate punishment, while the root cause of the problem remains entirely unresolved within their hearts. Think about it—if we do not address the source of the behaviour, how can we expect true transformation?

The Duality of Human Nature and the Necessity of Education

The ancient sages had differing views. Some argued that 'at birth, human nature is inherently Goodness,' while others pointed out that 'at birth, human nature is inherently evil.' In truth, both perspectives are correct and profound. A person's character is a complex state where Goodness and evil are intertwined. Every individual has the potential to perform great acts of kindness, yet they are equally capable of creating great evil. This is precisely why Buddhist education is so vital.

When parents, teachers, and the surrounding environment fail to accurately identify and address a child's struggles, the child's development will inevitably face obstacles. When these barriers become too difficult to overcome, children will seek their own ways to break through—often in ways that are not beneficial. In today's world, where media is so flourishing, children are constantly influenced by what they see and hear. If they see good, they learn good; if they see bad, they learn bad. A child is a precious vessel for the Dharma. Since it is so rare to be born into this world, we must take great care in nurturing them. We must guide them to become truly kind and virtuous vessels who can benefit society and all beings, which is the only way they can truly help themselves.

Karmic Conditions and the Sacred Duty of Guidance

I have observed that every child is born with their own innate personality. Through various Causal Conditions, some children are born to wonderful parents, while others encounter parents who are less than ideal. While it is often said that 'there are no wrong parents in the world,' there exists an invisible web of karmic conditions and the causes and effects between them. These relationships may be based on the need to collect or repay debts, or they may be virtuous connections formed to repay a kindness. Regardless of the circumstances that bring them together, it is essential to skilfully adjust the child's habits and teach them right knowledge and right views. This is the most important education of all.

Cultivating Pure Vessels for the Dharma

Children are pure, unstained vessels for the Dharma. They must be encouraged to learn and grow, to discover their original nature, and to eventually break through the cycle of rebirth. The cultivation of such a vessel is of immense importance, and it is an area that deserves our deepest attention. The Ultimate Vow of the Grandmother—to provide Buddhist education from the age of one to one hundred—is a manifestation of infinite compassion. I will continue to support this path, helping all who come here to learn to rediscover their true selves and be spared from the suffering of the cycle of rebirth.

I am deeply grateful to the Grandmother, and to the compassion of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."