Suppose there was a great banyan tree at a level crossroads. It would become a refuge for birds from all around. In the same way, a faithful gentleman becomes a refuge for many people—monks, nuns, laywomen, and laymen.
With its branches, leaves, and fruit,
a great tree with its strong trunk,
firmly-rooted and fruit-bearing,
supports many birds.
It’s a lovely place,
frequented by the sky-soarers.
Those that need shade go in the shade,
those that need fruit enjoy the fruit.
So too, a faithful individual
is perfect in ethics,
placid in manner and amenable,
gentle, courteous, and tender.
Those free of greed, freed of hate,
free of delusion, undefiled,
fields of merit for the world,
associate with such a person.
They teach them the Dhamma,
that casts aside all suffering.
Having understood this teaching,
the undefiled one is fully extinguished.”
Numbered Discourses 5.39 4. With Sumanā A Child
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Mendicants, parents see five reasons to wish for the birth of a child in the family. What five? Since we looked after them, they’ll look after us. They’ll do their duty for us. The family customs will last. They’ll take care of the inheritance. Or else when we have passed away they’ll give an offering on our behalf. Parents see these five reasons to wish for the birth of a child in the family.
Seeing five reasons,
astute people wish for a child.
Since we looked after them, they’ll look after us.
They’ll do their duty for us.
The family customs will last.
They’ll take care of the inheritance.