Sūtra on the Profound Kindness of Parents
Kinh Báo Ân Cha Mẹ
Phật Thuyết Phụ Mẫu Ân Trọng Nan Báo Kinh — trích
About this text
The Sūtra on the Profound Kindness of Parents is the Buddha’s teaching on the immense gratitude owed to our parents, especially highlighting the ten great kindnesses of a mother. This sūtra is often recited during the Ullambana (Vu Lan) season or on occasions of filial remembrance, guiding children to understand and practice filial piety.
Preparation & offerings
Before reciting, offer incense, fruits, and pure water at the ancestral altar, maintain a respectful mind, and remember your parents’ kindness.
Text
- 1
Once, the Buddha bowed before a heap of dry bones, teaching his disciples to reflect on the profound kindness of their parents.
- 2
He said: In this life, parents are those who give birth and raise us, enduring countless hardships for their children.
- 3Thập ân 1
A mother carries her child for ten months, bearing pain and heaviness each day for her child.
- 4Thập ân 2
At childbirth, a mother endures pain as if her body is torn apart, not sparing her own life so her child may be born.
- 5Thập ân 3
After birth, a mother cares for every meal and every sleep, never minding the toil day and night.
- 6Thập ân 4
A mother gives her child the best, keeping the worst for herself, enduring hunger and thirst so her child is satisfied.
- 7Thập ân 5
A mother washes and bathes her child, keeping them clean and fragrant every day.
- 8Thập ân 6
When her child is sick, a mother worries and stays awake through long nights, praying for her child’s quick recovery.
- 9Thập ân 7
A mother teaches her child every word and step, hoping they will grow into a kind and good person.
- 10Thập ân 8
A mother always worries about her child’s future, sacrificing all good things so her child may be at peace.
- 11Thập ân 9
Even when her child makes mistakes, a mother forgives and hopes they will change for the better.
- 12Thập ân 10
A mother always prays for her child’s peace and happiness, even if she must endure suffering herself.
- 13
The kindness of parents is as deep as the sky and sea, difficult to fully repay.
- 14
Even if you carry your father on your left shoulder and your mother on your right, crossing vast seas and high mountains, you still cannot repay their deep kindness.
- 15
To repay your parents’ kindness, encourage them to do good, keep precepts, listen to the Dharma, and practice the path.
- 16
If your parents have passed away, do good deeds, recite sūtras, and dedicate the merit so they may be liberated.
Source & license
Dịch nghĩa (trích) từ Hán tạng — Đại Chính Tân Tu Đại Tạng Kinh (Taishō) — do Vietnam Pagodas biên soạn bằng lời văn riêng
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