Mothers
By
Mike Wise
Throughout history in all societies and cultures mothers have always played a vital role in the lives of their families. Mothers are our primary teachers on everything from manners to rocket science. Mothers carry a heavy burden to teach their children and sometimes the neighbor’s kids everything they need to know to get through life. Fathers are important but they really have it easy in comparison, I know I am one! We get a lot of information and education from fathers but it is moms that give us the important stuff.
Universally I believe all mothers are the same, but I can only tell you for sure what my mother taught me. She taught me to be polite and courteous to everyone and to treat everyone with the same respect that I would want from them. To say yes ma’am and no sir to everyone, to hold doors open for ladies and those less capable than myself or for anyone just to be nice. To always be honest and sincere not just with those people in my everyday life but with everyone I meet. She taught me to be respectful of others property and most of all their feelings. Never judge or discriminate against anyone for any reason. She taught me that you should never be afraid to be open and honest with those closest to you. Most importantly she taught me how to love, to be caring and compassionate. She told me to be happy with myself and my life. To embrace and enjoy the things that my life have given me, from the fresh crisp air on a cool fall morning to the first drawn breath of my children.
All of these lessons were not just taught with words but with actions. I didn’t just hear these things from my mother but I saw them in action every day of my life. She did for others when it was difficult for her to do for herself. I have learned that is just what mothers do.
Ultimately without knowing it she taught me to be a better Buddhist. To quote from the Loving Kindness Discourse, “One should cultivate for all the world a heart of boundless loving-kindness”. The first time I heard this line I thought of my mother and the lessons she taught and gifts she gave me. In essence she taught me the five precepts that I have always tried to follow.
Most importantly she taught me to question the world around me and to always strive to be a better person. I find that to be the most important because that is what has ultimately led me here to Buu Mon Temple and all the amazing people here.
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