Putta Sutta — On the Five Hopes Parents Have for Their Children
[39] Bhikkhus, mother and father wish for a child to arise in their family because they foresee five grounds for it. What five?
- “The child we have raised will in turn care for us.”
- “The child will carry out duties on our behalf.”
- “The family lineage will be maintained for long.”
- “The child will safeguard the family wealth and inheritance.”
- “When we have passed away, the child will perform the proper gifts of giving (dakkhiṇā-dāna) for us.”
Bhikkhus, it is by foreseeing these five grounds that mother and father desire a child to be born into their family.
Parents, being wise, look toward these five grounds and therefore long for a child — hoping: “The child we raised will in turn support us; will perform duties on our behalf; will uphold the family lineage; will guard the inheritance; and when we are gone, will perform the offerings of dakkhiṇā.”
Seeing these grounds, wise parents desire a child.
Thus, a child who is a true person of virtue (sappurisa) — peaceful, grateful, and appreciative — recollecting the great kindness of parents, supports mother and father, does duties on their behalf, follows their counsel, and repays them in accordance with the good they have done. Such a child maintains the family line.
A child endowed with faith (saddhā) and complete in virtue (sīla) is praised everywhere.
End of Putta Sutta (9).
Short Pāli Glossary (concise · intensive)
- dakkhiṇā-dāna — gift of merit dedicated to parents or departed relatives.
- sappurisa — a “true, noble person”; one who lives by gratitude and virtue.
- saddhā — faith/confidence grounded in understanding.
- sīla — moral virtue; the foundation of wholesome conduct.
- pubbakārin / pubbakāra — “one who has done prior deeds of benefit”; parents as original benefactors.
- kataññū–katavedī — grateful and appreciative; aware of benefits received and eager to repay.