Happy Father’s Day, Buddhist Dads!

Father’s Day (Nalanda Buddhist Society); Seth Auberon, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

A father's job is to do whatever he wants, like drink. Right, Cleveland? - I'dunno, Peter, I'dunno.

Happy Dad’s Day, Dad, from the top!

Today we honor all fathers all over the world. As we wish dads “Happy Father’s Day,” it also serves as a reminder to have right understanding on how to be better people in general and better fathers in particular, improving our roles as part of the family, leading to greater well-being for all.

Fathers have traditionally been the providers, not so much anymore. They still work hard to provide comforts, luxuries, and everyday necessities like food, clothing, and college.

On top of a secular education, we should recognize that Buddhist education is also an important part of every Buddhist family’s learning and cultivation. This should be remembered.

• Honor Dad this Father's Day using Buddhist Ecards (BuddhistDoor)

The Buddha's influence is imponderable.

Fathers of Buddhist children are very fortunate. Buddhists know how to treat their parents (thanks to the Buddha’s advice in the Sigalovada Sutra).

Even after our parents pass away, children continue to do their duty by performing meritorious deeds in honor of them and inviting them to rejoice in the afterlife so that they gain merit by doing so, which helps them in that world.

Dad, can you put down the beer? Happy...

If our parents are still around, let us take the opportunity to honor them and express our gratitude and love to them. Say “I love you” to father and mother, give them a hug, and ask for their forgiveness for any wrong we may have done consciously or unconsciously.

To some of us these may seem difficult to do as we have never practiced them before, and there is no such “tradition” in our family. The first step is always the hardest. So start small! Serve them tea and wish them good health and happiness.

Next year, we can try kneeling and serving them tea we make by hand. The following year, we kneel, serve them tea we make, and give them a hug! Our parents might shed tears of joy. However, it is all conducive to a warm, loving, and harmonious family environment.

• Bro. S Y Tong, Head of Department Leadership and Management Studies

Dad is back, Rahula! He's really here!

Since we were children fatherly qualities such as strength, steadiness, and depth have been an anchor in our lives. Our fathers unquestioningly raised us, with full love, devotion, and care. Some have gone the “extra mile” and extended their fatherly love and spirit to other children in the community.

At Nalanda, we are privileged to have inspiring father figures like this, who have not only bestowed the gift of Dharma to their children, but also have the far-sightedness to provide Buddhist education for the children in the community. Sadhu x 3! More

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  Apply golden love to father figures (Mahamuni).

  Prince Siddhartha Gautama renounced the world to find the cause of suffering to safe his people, the Scythians/Sakas, and the beings in this world-system (cakkavala) with its humans and devas. He did not abandon his wife and take it easy living as a wandering ascetic. He reached his goal, established a monastic spiritual community (Sangha) of monks and nuns to carry on the teaching and practice, then returned home to save his wife, son, father, mother, extended family, clan, people, and the world. That is why we still hear about him. With his life he touched billions and billions of beings over time and worlds to staggering to contemplate.