Should Buddhists make children as much as possible?

[gyougan]

It is said that being born as a human being is a rare gift since only as humans we can practice Dharma. Doesn't this imply that we should have as many children as possibly so that more sentient beings can have the precious privilege of being born as a human being - and the chance to practice Dharma?

I have never heard any Buddhist teacher recommend having children because of this reason. Why is that?

[Lhug-Pa]

Quotes such as this from H.H. the Dalai Lama might explain a significant part of it:

Dharmawheel Thread: Buddha on Romantic Relationships

Or this Berzinarchives link with an interview with H.H. the Dalai Lama:

The Vow Not to Lose Seminal Energy-Drops

Of course it's still possible for children of Buddhist parents to be born into this world, even through the above-mentioned sexual methods; just not as likely.

[Konchog1]

It is said that being born as a human being is a rare gift since only as humans we can practice Dharma. Doesn't this imply that we should have as many children as possibly so that more sentient beings can have the precious privilege of being born as a human being - and the chance to practice Dharma?

I have never heard any Buddhist teacher recommend having children because of this reason. Why is that?

I think it's because it's the other way around, people have the chances to have more children if more beings are being reborn as humans and need the parents. It's not like in Catholicism, where you have children so you can save their souls.

Maybe, I don't know, this is a big guess.

[plwk]

As if our planet is not congested already...

[Blue Garuda]

I like children...........but I couldn't eat more than two.

I've made a couple of them.

I think they should be mandatory for Buddhists - to practise compassion, patience, tonglen etc.

It also works both ways - being a child presents the same opportunities. I'd say it is better being a child in a family than sitting and trying to imagine feelings about mothers whilst sitting in a monastery.

We do need to bear in mind that for most people there is choice involved in being a parent and none about being a child, and think very carefully before mating.

[plwk]

Why Blue Garuda, does thou thinkest for a moment that without children, one cannot practise compassion, patience, tonglen etc.? My ex bosses are more than what I can handle already.... or that tuxedo cat...

[Blue Garuda]

Why Blue Garuda, does thou thinkest for a moment that without children, one cannot practise compassion, patience, tonglen etc.? My ex bosses are more than what I can handle already.... or that tuxedo cat...

My experience of many bosses is their ability to find their 'inner child' and have very realistic temper tantrums, screaming fits and sulks.

Can't imagine what it was, working with me, that could cause them to behave that way. LOL

[Nosta]

I made a similar question at a few weeks ago.

I think that if you are a lay person, one can have children with such noble purpose in mind.

If you are an ordained monk, thinks are different and sex, raising children etc would be bad on your practice. Bur with lay persons (but buddhists), they can see the idea of raising a child as an unique oportunity to help and care others. Specially its great to raise someone in a buddhist family, the child will have a better chance to meet the Dharma.