Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

Question: How can we use the wisdom of the Bodhisattva to educate our children?

Dharma Master Cheng Yen replied:
Do not impose a sense of gains and losses onto the children. Parents and children are deeply connected, and it is easy for a parent’s love to become over-protective. This translates into undue pressure that children may not be able to handle. They tend to become rebellious and reluctant to listen to their parents in the end.

When it comes to educating your children, do not impose your own expectations and requirements. You should inspire them without setting any expectations. The heart of a Bodhisattva teaches us to desire nothing in return, and this makes the other party happy and subconsciously inspired.

Source: "Tzu Chi Companion Magazine" - Issue 153
Translated by Tiffany Hsiao, Edited by Jenner Yeh, Meiping Yang