An analysis of the Support of Mother and Father that Appears in the Jataka Scripture

Abstract

         The objectives of this research article were: 1) to study the concept of the support of mother and father 2) to study the support of mother and father that appears in the Jataka Scripture, and 3) to analyze the support of mother and father that appears in the Jataka Scripture. It was a qualitative research by studying the Tripitaka, commentaries, books, documents, related researches with analytical description.

           The results of the research found that:

         1. There are two concepts regarding the support of parents: 1) Physical support for parents, which can be achieved by raising us and supporting them in return, helping with their duties, continuing their family line, and making ourselves worthy of their inheritance etc.. 2) Spiritual support for parents, which in Buddhism is considered the highest form of support for parents. If they lack faith, encourage them to have faith; if they lack morality, encourage them to uphold morality etc..

         2. The support of mother and father in the Jataka scripture is demonstrating the fundamental virtues of Buddhists, particularly gratitude, which is a highly revered virtue highly regarded by Buddhism. The Jataka scripture contain numerous examples of the care and support of mother and father, such as the Suvarnasam Jataka, Matuposaka Jataka, Sonananda Jataka, Mahakotama Jataka, Vessantara Jataka, Takol Jataka, and Saliketara Jataka.

         3.  Analysis of the support of mother and father that appears in the Jataka Scripture: 1) The value of children is to become good, moral persons. When parents raise their children until they grow up, they should honor them.  2) Family value: Family value stems from one's parents, siblings, and the expression of good wishes toward them. 3) Community value: This is not merely a personal matter between the person performing the ceremony and the deceased. 4) In terms of value to Thai society, young men repay their parents by practicing to repay the kindness of their parents by providing them, by becoming ordained as monks.