VBS 617
無論是出家人還是在家修行的人，孝順父母的重點，不只是每天問安、照顧冷暖與飲食，更重要的是幫助父母脫離生死輪迴的苦海。因此，佛教所說的孝道，和一般世俗禮儀中的孝順方式，往往有所不同。
When fulfilling one’s filial responsibilities, whether as a monastic or a lay practitioner, it is not enough merely to attend to parents’ daily needs—such as checking on them morning and evening or ensuring their physical comfort. More importantly, one should help one’s parents transcend the cycle of birth and death. From this perspective, filial devotion in Buddhism differs in emphasis from that found in Confucian teachings.
學佛的人見到父母時，應當端正身姿，或站立或端坐，不可倚靠懶散。同時，可以在心中默默發願：「孝事父母，當願眾生，善事於佛，護養一切。」平時應找適當的時機，用佛法的道理慢慢引導父母，也可以請熟識的善友從旁勸導，幫助他們種下善根。如果父母一向沒有信仰，就應等待合適的因緣再開口，例如在生病、遭遇困難或心中悲傷的時候，再加以引導。When visiting their parents, Buddhist practitioners should stand or sit upright, maintaining a respectful and composed posture rather than leaning casually. They may also silently recite the following verse:
Serving my parents with filial respect,
I vow that all living beings
May skillfully serve the Buddha
And care for and protect all beings.
At appropriate times, one should gently guide one’s parents with the principles of the Buddhadharma, or ask trusted friends to offer encouragement, helping them plant wholesome roots. If the parents do not have faith in Buddhism, one should wait for suitable conditions—such as illness, loss, grief, or other hardships—before offering such guidance.
如果父母需要葷食或飲酒，應當以誠懇恭敬的態度請求，說明自己已受持佛戒，不忍傷害生命，也不願因酒而迷失心性，因此不能自己食用。並誠心祈願：既能成就自己的戒行，也能成就父母的德行，同時不傷害一切眾生的生命。如此懇切表達心意，但並不一定要強求父母完全改變。
If one’s parents request meat or alcohol, one should respond with sincerity and respect, explaining: “Your child observes the Buddhist precepts. Eating meat harms living beings, and alcohol clouds the mind. Therefore, I cannot partake of them. I sincerely ask for your understanding and support in helping me uphold these precepts. In doing so, you also cultivate virtue and allow living beings to be spared from harm.” Even so, such a request may not always be accepted.
遇到生日或各種喜慶場合，也應以正確的道理加以說明，盡量依照佛法的方式來安排，避免殺生造業。
During celebrations such as birthdays or weddings, one should explain proper principles and encourage others to act in accordance with the Buddhadharma, avoiding harm to living beings.
當父母年老或病重，接近生命終點時，應提早為他們介紹淨土的安樂境界，讓他們心生嚮往。臨終之時，也應事先告知家人，不要過度悲傷，以免干擾心念。喪葬儀式可依後文所述來進行，即使無法完全做到，也要以不傷害生命為最重要的原則。
As one’s parents approach the end of life, one should, as early as possible, guide them toward the vision of the Pure Land, helping them develop a sense of peace and aspiration. At the time of death, family members should be gently advised not to wail excessively, so as not to disturb the departing mind. Funeral arrangements may follow the prescribed rituals discussed later; even if these cannot be fully observed, one should at least avoid causing harm to any living beings.
至於對待叔伯或其他長輩，也應同樣保持端正恭敬，並在適當時機，為他們說明佛法的因緣與道理。
When interacting with relatives—such as uncles, elders, or senior family members—especially during such times, one should conduct oneself with dignity and, where appropriate, help them understand the Dharma.♦