A student said there was some disharmony between her parents and her siblings. She asked Rinpoche’s advice for improving relations, to bring about harmony between them. Her parents were upset, but her brothers and sisters were even more upset than the parents.

That is terrible. But the mother should not jump easily into a new relationship. She should consider carefully.

Rinpoche gave the following advice to a student regarding her children’s problems. Her thirteen-year-old daughter had been hospitalized, and had been abused by the student's father. Her seventeen-year-old son was involved in drugs and Satanism, and was on medication.

This is a letter from a student who had some realizations about the suffering of cyclic existence. Rinpoche felt it could be helpful for others to read.

Raising children in a society full of negative influences, where bad friends are many, and good friends—disciplined, compassionate friends— are few, is not easy. Western culture has so much desire. It is not like so-called “developing” countries.

A student described the problems her oldest daughter had with bipolar disorder and described herself as a bad mother who drank when her children were growing up.

My very dear Hayley,I am very sorry for the very long delay in replying. I read your letter.

Rinpoche: How is your friend now?Student: My friend is practicing patience and not fighting with her husband and children.Rinpoche: That is good they don’t fight any more.

My suggestion is to try being with him for four months and check during that time. It is not necessary to have a fixed amount of time, that is just my suggestion.I thought you already knew samsara and had experienced it.

My very dear Norma,