Parents are the hardest people in the world to teach. But you can show them by your example. Maybe it can inspire them to act in skillful ways. That good karma then becomes their source of happiness.

"If your mother has passed away, dedicate the merit of your meditation to her and spread thoughts of goodwill [mettā]. If she’s still alive, figure out what ways you can help her. Make sure she’s not suffering. As the Buddha said, the best way to repay your parents is, if they are stingy people, you teach them how not to be stingy. If they’re unvirtuous, you teach them how to be virtuous. If they don’t meditate, you teach them to meditate. Of course, parents are the hardest people in the world to teach. But you can show them by your example. Maybe it can inspire them to act in skillful ways. That good karma then becomes their source of happiness."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Mother's Day"

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