Buddhism: Parents Impact on Children
Nichiren states, “Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp,
Or a snake inside a tube [will as matter of course because straight],
And those who associate with people of good character will consequently because upright in heart, deed and word,”
If we apply this passage to various influences upon children,
We may say that the environment surrounding children,
Particularly the behaviors of adults, has a great impact on children,
Parents must set good examples before nagging them to do this or that,
Parents must strive to become good, upright influences for children like hemp for mugwort,
It is important for parents to bring their children closer to “people of good character” outside their own families,
So that children may advance in a more positive direction.
(Credit Daisaku Ikeda for the philosophy)
