This incident took place in Sravasti. At that time, a wealthy Brahmin in tattered clothes came to the Blessed One. Upon arrival, he exchanged greetings with the Blessed One. After some friendly conversation, he sat down to one side. The Blessed One then said to the wealthy Brahmin sitting to one side, "Brahmin, why are you in tattered clothes?"

"Master Gautama, I have four sons. They conspired with their wives and drove me out of the house."

"Well then, Brahmin, you should learn these verses and recite them in a public gathering when your sons are present:

'I rejoiced when they were born,

And wished for their prosperity.

Now they conspire with their wives,

And drive me out like a pig.

These unfilial sons,

Who call me 'Father, Father',

Are like demons disguised as sons,

Abandoning me in my old age.

Like an old horse deemed useless,

Deprived of its feed.

This foolish sons' old father

Can only beg at others' homes.

A walking stick is better than disobedient sons,

It can ward off fierce bulls,

And drive away vicious dogs.

In darkness, it leads the way,

In deep water, it can test the depth.

With the strength of a walking stick,

One can stand up again when fallen.'"

So, the wealthy Brahmin learned these verses from the Blessed One and then recited them in a public gathering when his sons were present:

[The verses are repeated here]

Afterwards, the sons brought the wealthy Brahmin back home, bathed him, and each gave him a new set of clothes. Then, the wealthy Brahmin took one set of clothes and went to the Blessed One. Upon arrival, he exchanged greetings with the Blessed One. After some friendly conversation, he sat down to one side. The wealthy Brahmin, sitting to one side, said to the Blessed One, "Master Gautama, we Brahmins customarily seek a teacher's fee for our teacher. Please accept this teacher's fee."

The Blessed One accepted out of compassion. Then, the wealthy Brahmin said to the Blessed One, "Excellent, Master Gautama... Please accept me as a lay follower from this day forward for life."

This story contains profound life philosophy and social observations. It tells of a once-wealthy Brahmin who was driven out by his own sons. The Buddha gives him wise advice, teaching him a verse to awaken his sons' conscience.

The verse powerfully describes the changing relationship between parents and children: from parents' love and expectations for their children to the children's ingratitude; from being respected as "Father" to being driven out like a pig; from being a provider to becoming a beggar. The verse cleverly uses the metaphor of a walking stick to emphasize the vulnerability of the elderly and their need for support.

The Buddha's advice is not to directly condemn or punish the unfilial sons, but to awaken their conscience and society's moral judgment through public recitation of this emotional and wise verse. This method demonstrates wisdom and avoids direct conflict.

The method proves very effective. The sons are moved by the verse, not only taking their father back home but also providing attentive care. This shows that even people who have become indifferent still have conscience and humanity deep inside.

The story touches on many profound life themes, prompting us to reflect on the complexity of human nature, the power of words, generational conflicts in changing societies, and the importance of wisdom in life. It reminds us to cherish family relationships, respect the elderly, and always maintain hope for life and human nature.

Through this simple yet profound story, we can reflect on our own behavior and consider how to maintain kindness and wisdom in complex interpersonal relationships, thereby making our lives and society more harmonious and beautiful.