Families that dwell with Brahmā (God) (AN 3.31)

Where children honor their parents, those families are said to dwell with Brahmā.

"Bhikkhus, those families are said to dwell with Brahmā (God) where at home the children honor their mother and father. Bhikkhus, those families are said to dwell with first teachers where at home the children honor their mother and father. Bhikkhus, those families are said to dwell with those worthy of offerings where at home, the children honor their mother and father.

Bhikkhus, 'Brahmā' is a designation for mother and father.

'First teachers' is a designation for mother and father.

'Worthy of offerings' is a designation for mother and father.

Why is that? Bhikkhus, mother and father are of great help to their children, for they are protectors, nurturers, and guides of this world.

Mother and father are said to be Brahmā, and first teachers; They are also called worthy of offerings, for they're concerned for their children.

Therefore, one should honor them, and a wise person should respect them; With food and drink, with clothing and bedding; By massaging and by bathing, and by washing their feet.

Because of such service, towards one's mother and father; Right here, wise people praise him, and after death, he rejoices in heaven."

Related Teachings:

Four Bases of Supportive Relationships (AN 4.32) - Giving, kind speech, beneficial action and impartiality are the four bases of supportive relationships.

The way to look after yourself and others | At Sedaka (SN 47.19) - Two acrobats discuss whether one should support the other, or the other way around. The Buddha says they should support each other. In the same way we should practice the four kinds of mindfulness meditation both for one’s own benefit and to protect others.