Perpetuation of the Human Species

Now, for what purpose does present-day man produce offspring? Possibly there do exist people who genuinely believe they are producing children in order that the human species may be perpetuated and nirvana ultimately attained, In other words, in order that there may be continual progress along the Path. But obviously, the great majority do no think like this. They love their children. They feed and care for them and make all sorts of sacrifices on account of they blind love. Everyone wants his own children to be the best and the most beautiful. No-one is concerned about the propagation of the species for the sake of continuing the journey. No-one looks on his children in terms of humanity's collective progress towards the goal. Everyone thinks in terms of individual benefit, in terms of "me" and "mine". It is only "my child" that matters. It is only he whose condition and progress are of any concern. This kind of thinking conforms with the laws of Nature, but conflicts with all the principles of Dharma. As a result, children are bound to bring their parents misery and tears. This narrow thinking does nothing to help humanity towards nirvana.

All this discussion is intended to bring us back to the questions: "Why was I born?" and "What i ought to be doing?" Even if one has children and keeps the species going, what must one hand on to them so that they may be fit to encounter the Dharma and become genuine Dharma-followers? As long as each individual considers himself a single self-sufficient unit, not involved with the rest, mankind has no means of moving towards the coming into existence of an enlightened being.