user11518: I find this troubling. My poor relationship with my adult children causes me distress. Logic and the dharma would suggest that severing ties with them would be a positive for both sides. But I cannot get over the feelings for neglect and guilt. Plus I may be causing them some current discomfort. They neglect me because they don't understand me seeking the jewel so I try to respect that BUT how do I get past this guilt and sadness?

user8157: Buddha-Dhamma & Western families are often a problematic combination. Even in Asia, some families object to their members pursing the Dhamma. Even when a person's life is transformed so much for the better by Buddhist practise, often family members struggle to attribute appreciation towards Buddhism due to their own prejudices, misunderstandings &/or lack of spiritual values. 
Ways to overcome sadness & guilt in respect to his situation is: 

Reflect on the correctness of the Buddhist path. 
Properly attribute causes or 'blame' to the other rather than to yourself. 
Keep being nice & hopefully they will change via appreciation. 


11518: <p>I find this troubling. My poor relationship with my adult children causes me distress. Logic and the dharma would suggest that severing ties with them would be a positive for both sides. But I cannot get over the feelings for neglect and guilt. Plus I may be causing them some current discomfort. They neglect me because they don't understand me seeking the jewel so I try to respect that BUT how do I get past this guilt and sadness?</p>
 8157: <p>Buddha-Dhamma &amp; Western families are often a problematic combination. Even in Asia, some families object to their members pursing the Dhamma. Even when a person's life is transformed so much for the better by Buddhist practise, often family members struggle to attribute appreciation towards Buddhism due to their own prejudices, misunderstandings &amp;/or lack of spiritual values. </p>

<p>Ways to overcome sadness &amp; guilt in respect to his situation is: </p>

<ol>
<li><p>Reflect on the correctness of the Buddhist path. </p></li>
<li><p>Properly attribute causes or 'blame' to the other rather than to yourself. </p></li>
<li><p>Keep being nice &amp; hopefully they will change via appreciation. </p></li>
</ol>
