Aṅguttara-Nikāya
III. Tika Nipāta
IV. Deva-Dūta Vagga

The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha
III. The Book of the Threes
IV. Divine Messengers

Sutta 31

Sa-Brahmaka Suttaɱ

Brahmā

Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

© 2012 Bhikkhu Bodhi
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[1][pts] "Bhikkhus, those families dwell with Brahmā where at home the mother and father are revered by their children.

(2) Those families dwell with the first teachers where at home the mother and father are revered by their children.

(3) Those families dwell with the gift-worthy where at home the mother and father are revered by their children.

"'Brahmā bhikkhus, is a designation for mother and father.

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

'Gift-worthy' is a designation for mother and father.

For what reason?

Mother and father are helpful to their children: they raise them, nurture them, and show them the world."

Mother and father are called "Brahmā'"
and also "first teachers."
They are worthy of gifts from their children,
for they have compassion for their offspring.

Therefore a wise person should revere them,
and show them due honor,
serve them with food and drink,
with clothes and bedding,
by massaging and bathing them,
and by washing their feet.

Because of this service
to mother and father,
the wise praise one in this world
and after death one rejoices in heaven.