Family

Buddha on Family
"Family" according to Buddhist social philosophy refers to the
grouping of people living under the same roof. Typically a family,
in this context, will consist of a married couple and their children
and sometimes one or more grandparents. These people are tied by the
same genetic material. We are all members of a family from the time
of our birth till we die.

From this central meaning the concept is extended to include wider
relatives, neighbours, friends, neighbours, community, society and
ultimately to all humanity and all sentient beings.

Traditionally Buddhists regard the family unit as the core of the
community and society and without a solid core made up of moral and
ethical values, the community and society will suffer. If, at the
family level, there is adherence to the Buddhist beliefs and
teachings, then the community and society also adhere to them.

Those who see worldly life as an obstacle to Dharma see no Dharma in
everyday actions; they have not yet discovered that there are no
everyday actions outside of Dharma.
Thirteenth Century Zen Master Dogen

The Buddha talked of many ways that family life can lead to
happiness and blessings:

Respecting and supporting one's father and mother;
Loving one's spouse and children;
Developing generosity and a sense of duty;
Selflessly helping relatives and acting blamelessly; and
Developing reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude and listening
to the Dharma.
Many times it is easier said than done to maintain a sense of
gratitude, loving-kindness, compassion, patience and a sense of
calm, when we live in a family. We can read and study the Buddha's
teachings and think we `get it', but when the frictions of family
living rub on us we find we have not internalised the teachings – we
are not as engaged as we would like to be.