B efore I learned about the Buddhadharma, it never occurred to me that I should be filial to my parents. At home, whenever I became upset, I would vent my anger on them. I neglected their admonitions, sometimes talked back to them, and even glared at them as if they were hated enemies. I was haughty and rude in both speech and behavior. I have never been considerate towards my parents.

However, after learning about the Buddha-dharma, I gained a deep realization of the incomparably profound love that parents have for their children. The suffering that a mother bears during the nine months of pregnancy is indescribable; yet, instead of feeling gratitude, I have only blamed my parents for not providing me with the best in terms of material comfort. I have truly been unfilial.

Therefore, from today until the end of next week, I shall try to recite the Buddha’s name, bow to Buddhas, and dedicate the merit to my parents. I also plan to write out The Buddha Speaks the Sutra about the Deep Kindness of Parents and the Difficulty of Repaying It. Although this may not make up for all my faults, it will at least reduce the uneasiness in my mind.