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Someone asked Master Cheng Yen, "Despite sacrificing and giving the best to my children, they fail to understand and are always at loggerheads with me, causing me to be angry and upset. What should I do?"
The Master answered:
If we focus all of our love upon on our children, such love is too narrow-minded and will not bring us happiness. Love is similar to a drink of coffee. If it is too concentrated, the coffee tastes bitter. When coffee is a little more dilute, it would taste fragrant. We need to broaden our hearts, widen our love and care for others who are in need. Fill your heart with the love for others, especially the less fortunate, then you will naturally feel less angry and upset.
Someone asked Master Cheng Yen, "I wish to be happy too; however, my children are too proud of their own achievements, and I can hardly comment on them. I do not request much from them, I only wish that they could be more understanding towards me."
The Master answered:
Parents should not extent authority over their children indefinitely. Grown up children need the freedom to think for themselves. Parents only need to execute parental responsibilities. It is beneficial for us to remain calm and composed; the greatest blessing is being content. Do not have too high an expectation; otherwise, one may end up in distress.
Translated by Andrea Lim
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