Filial piety

In Buddha’s days, once there was drought (a long dry season) in India. People were suffering from famine, (no food to eat).

One day, Buddha Himself came home without food. One of His disciples sold his kasaya (outer vestment/robe worn by a Buddhist monk) and bought a bowl of rice for Buddha.

Kasaya was an identity of Buddhism. Buddha told the disciple that He could not take that bowl of rice. Buddha said only the most honourable person could eat the bowl of rice. Who was the person?

Buddha told the disciple to bring the bowl of rice home and offer to his parents. They are the honourable people. In the same time the disciple shared Dhamma with his parents. They listened to him and practiced Dhamma since then.

So, you see, Buddhism teaches us to perform filial piety firstly to our parents then only to others.

Performing compassion kindness should start from our home.

Offering food to the monks in Theravada Buddhism practice.(Mahayana Buddhism practice is no longer practicing this)

That was because when Buddhism spread to China, the honourable monks were supported by the king for food and lodgings, The King made the Venerable monks his Dhamma teacher. In this way how can the king let his teacher go out to beg for food?

That was why food offering to the monks was no longer practiced in Mahayana Buddhism in China.

(Countries like Japan and Korea also practiced Mahayana Buddhism).

Manjushri Pusa represents wisdom while Pu Xian Pusa represents practice.

Filial Piety( Di Zang Wang Pusa) and compassion kindness (Kuan Yin Pusa) must be followed wisdom (Manjushri) and practice (Pu Xian Pusa).

Filial piety and compassion kindness without wisdom will cause more troubles than good.

Knowing Dhamma without practice will not bring any benefits.

So, the four Bodhisattvas represent Dhamma practice (the paths) that we should follow (Filial piety, compassion kindness, wisdom and practice).

Now you understand that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas’ images or statues in Mahayana Buddhism have certain teaching purposes (value) behind them.

Just like school teachers using teaching aids to help pupils understand better about the topics which are being taught.

Dhamma was not created by layman. It was delivered by Honourable Sakyamuni Buddha (who has already gained enlightenment). We can follow the path to gain enlightenment too.

May you be well and happy always.

Amituofo bless.