Never Wound Parents with Words (Vasala Sutta, Sn 125)

Buddhist Wisdom

BUD-011
父母兄弟及姊妹,罵詈惡口無遜弟,如是亦名旃陀羅(賤民)

— Vasala Sutta, Sutta Nipata 1.7 (Sn 125), translated by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0), https://suttacentral.net/snp1.7/en/sujato

"He hits or verbally abuses his mother or father, brother, sister, or mother-in-law: know him as a lowlife."
Modern Translation & Meaning

In the Buddha's teaching, harsh words toward your parents show low character, whatever your birth or status. A calm, gentle tone with the people who raised you is the mark of a noble person.

The next time you feel irritated with your parents, pause for one breath and lower your voice instead of raising it.

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