Audio Teachings by Lama Dondrup Dorje Rinpoche
Joyful Parenthood - Part One
In the first of two Audio Teachings about Joyful Parenthood, given first at the request of students in Sydney, Australia, Ven. Lama Dondrup Dorje explains the role of the parent is to protect well-being and to nurture the proper development of their children. To do so successfully require the parent to act with a keen sense of sensitivity to the real need of their children, thus allowing their children to have the chance to behave as children, to play and have fun; to explore the world; while making sure that they are protected from unhealthy and unhelpful influences.
Explaining that being a parent is not about acting as a friend to our children, Ven. Lama Dondrup Dorje described the type of relationship we should have with our elders, with our peers, and with our juniors, and gives examples of how children are affected by their environment and learn from whatever they are exposed to. Recognising this we should take care to ensure that our children not only have good teachers and schooling but that they are exposed to helpful influences. When conditions around children change, they change too, and as a parent it is important to provide the right environment and support.
Right motivation begins with a compassionate mind, always thinking of the benefit of others. Supporting the right motivation with right understanding we should apply ourselves to practise the Dharma in every moment of the day.
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