AN 3.31 - Brahmā Sutta (With Brahmā)
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-3_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=58
License: Candana — free distribution, unaltered contents
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Candana source labels: 31. Site text ID: AN 3.31.

AN III

Suttas 31-40

Devadūta Vagga “The Section on the Divine Messengers”

31. Brahmā Sutta (With Brahmā) Bhikkhus, wherever you see a home where the mother and father are respected and venerated by their children, there you find a family residing in the company of Brahmā.

Wherever you see a home where the mother and father are respected and venerated by their children, there you find a family residing in the company of their primary teachers.

Wherever you see a home where the mother and father are respected and venerated by their children, there you find a family residing in the company of those who are worthy of gifts and offerings.

After all, the term “Brahmā” is a title for one’s own mother and father.

“Primary teachers” is a title for one’s mother and father, and finally, “worthy of gifts and offerings,” is a title for one’s mother and father as well. But for what reason?

It is because both mother and father are crucial in raising their children, nurturing them, protecting them, showing and teaching them about the world.

‘Mother and father are given the name Brahmā, As well as of Primary Teachers. They are worthy of gifts and offerings by their children, As their compassion towards their offspring knows no measure. Thus, a wise person needs to venerate and show reverence, With due honor, to one’s parents, by offering them food and drink, Clothes and proper lodging, along with caring for them By massaging their bodies, cleaning them and washing their feet. Because of this, the wise always praise the loving service Done to one’s mother and father, as a result of which One rejoices after death, having been reborn into the heavenly realms.’
