THE LOVE OF A MOTHER
My first teacher of compassion was my mother. she was illiterate, a simple farmer's wife, but I can think of no better example of a person profoundly imbued with the spirit of compassion. Everyone who met her was touched by her gentleness and warmheartedness. This was in contrast with my father, who was quite hot-tempered, even smacked us children occasionally. As my mother's son, I was fortunate enough to receive a special close of her affection, and I am sure this has helped me to be more compassionate myself. As a young child, though, I may have abused her kindness from time to time. when sh used to carry me on her shoulders, I would take hold of her ears with my hands. When I wanted her to go right I would tug on her right ear. And when I wanted to go left, I would pull on her left ear. If ever she went wrong way, I would make a great fuss.
Of course she was pretending not to understand my signals, and she tolerated my noisy outbursts without getting cross.In fact I cannot remember my mother ever losing her tamper with anyone she met.
Doubtless this love of a mother for her child is largely biological. The maternal instinct is very strong
, and helps a mother overlook her own physical discomfort and exhaustion when caring for her child. This self-sacrifice has nothing to do with her level of education, her understanding of ethics, or anything else, but is quite natural.
by: His Holiness The 14 Dalai Lama
My first teacher of compassion was my mother. she was illiterate, a simple farmer's wife, but I can think of no better example of a person profoundly imbued with the spirit of compassion. Everyone who met her was touched by her gentleness and warmheartedness. This was in contrast with my father, who was quite hot-tempered, even smacked us children occasionally. As my mother's son, I was fortunate enough to receive a special close of her affection, and I am sure this has helped me to be more compassionate myself. As a young child, though, I may have abused her kindness from time to time. when sh used to carry me on her shoulders, I would take hold of her ears with my hands. When I wanted her to go right I would tug on her right ear. And when I wanted to go left, I would pull on her left ear. If ever she went wrong way, I would make a great fuss.
Of course she was pretending not to understand my signals, and she tolerated my noisy outbursts without getting cross.In fact I cannot remember my mother ever losing her tamper with anyone she met.
Doubtless this love of a mother for her child is largely biological. The maternal instinct is very strong
, and helps a mother overlook her own physical discomfort and exhaustion when caring for her child. This self-sacrifice has nothing to do with her level of education, her understanding of ethics, or anything else, but is quite natural.
by: His Holiness The 14 Dalai Lama
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