This is a hypothetical situation: a fourteen or fifteen year old boy says to his parents, "I've decided to become a monk. I want to leave home and devote myself entirely to the practice." If such a situation were to occur, how should the parents handle the situation? What attitude should a child have in making such a decision?

SHIH-FU:

I left home when I was twelve. Many Dharma masters of the present and past left home when they were very young. It's not completely unreasonable that a teen-age child might have this desire. If this were to happen, the parents should ask the child what his reasons are. If he gives a strange reason, that's not good enough. If his reasons are sound, that's fine. Also, if he has no reason at all, if he just has a strong urge to go, then that is also acceptable. In fact, that was the case with me.

Actually, in our present society, there are certain rules about attending school. The best course of action would be to have the child finish his high school education. Meanwhile, he can visit a temple or center and begin to study under a master. If after finishing school he is still interested, he should attend a school for Buddhist studies. In this way, the child will gradually learn about Buddhism and the practice, and he'll be in a better position to know if leaving home is what he really wants to do.

STUDENT:

How deep is the parents' responsibility or obligation to teach their children about Buddhism?

SHIH-FU: