In today’s individual centered societies, neither the parents take care of their children nor the children take care of the parents.
But if you see all ancient societies, taking care of the parents when they needed was always of paramount importance. Parents taking care of the children was taken for granted.
On several occasions Jesus Christ stresses the importance of taking care of one’s parents. In fact, that was the first question he used to ask when someone wanted to be his disciple.
Ancient Indians considered their parents and teachers as God incarnates. Ancient Upanishads said
“Matr Devo bhava, Pitr Devo bhava, Acarya Devo bhava”The parents give you birth, they bring you up and take care of you throughout your life. So, in a way, they are like the God who created you, who nourishes you.
Let your parents be your God, so also your teacher.
From ethical point of view, it makes sense to take care of the parents in their old age when they need you the most. Afterall, they took care of you when you were a helpless kid.
Even from societal viewpoint, taking proper care of aged people is essential to ensure a society free from suffering.
The same logic holds when it comes to helping orphans and those in need. Ideally if each one of us could take care of ourselves, at all times, there would be no suffering at all. But all may not be in a position to do that all the time. So, helping those who are in need becomes the basic duty of each individual.
In this context I remember the sane advice given by one of the ancient sages of India namely Manu in his Manu Smriti.
“A house holder should eat his meal only after offering food to the Gods who have been kind to him (religious duty and as a way of being grateful), as well as feeding all the beings such as dogs, orphans, destitute, physically ill, guests, students and recluses who may approach him for food.” (Manu Smrthi 3.84 to 3.94 (summarized))
“Even if a householder does not have enough to feed his guests and other needy, nothing should stop him from offering some water to quench their thirst, a simple straw mat to take rest on, and a few soothing words of love.” (Manu Smrthi 3.101)
These are the sentiments even the Quran expresses, and they are universal.
Quranic verses episode 7
Based on verses from Holy
Quran. The interpretation is by Dr.King. The
Quran recitations are from various sites such as Quran.net,
Quran411.com and so on.
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ReplyDeletewound up here "QV07.....Why should we care for our parents and those in need?".
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