“ Child is the father of man” goes the saying. It is the child that grows into man and the quality and nature of man depends on his bringing up by his parents. Parents have to be very careful and serious in looking after their wards lest they may stray away from the righteous path. It is alarming to witness the behavior of modern youth given to violence, and other evil ways! Children are the future pillars of society, future leaders and legislators of the nation. If they aren't guided properly the whole society is polluted and gets spoiled. Children are innocent and their love is pure and unselfish. Home is their first school and they learn many things by carefully and silently observing their parents. Hence the parents have to be very careful in their behavior with the children and between them! Children up to five years are considered divine. Later up to their youth they have to be treated as servants. Later they have to be considered as friends! Mother is the first teacher of the child! Presence of the mother with the child is sine qua non for the well being and future greatness of the child. Her righteous influence goes a long way in moulding the future of the child. “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” is a familiar quote that establishes the significance of the mother in the development of the child.
For the first five years the child should grow with the mother! How many children have that fortune? Many children don't know what mother’s love is. It is of paramount importance that the child is not handed over to someone else for bringing up. Handing over children to servants and ayahs deprives them not only of mother’s heavenly love but they learn the customs, habits and vocabulary of those people! Next comes the part played by the father and the Guru. Children should imbibe human values from the preceptor as well as their duties to society. Modern school teachers are badly in need of them. “ Children are like fresh cloth; they can be given any color you like. Just dip them in that color, that is enough. Hearts that are green and soft will learn habits and disciplines quicker” remarks Bhagawan Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Children believe everyone and everyone can believe them. Swami says that their hearts are like gramaphone records. They reproduce the correct tune without any distortion If the needle is sharp. What is that needle? The needle is Prema or love sharp and direct!
Children have no fear and they are innocent too. Elders are responsible for planting fear among children. They are also truthful while the elders educate them in lying! Children are plain spoken while the elders are not. Speech of elders may be truthful or scandalous or untruthful. It is therefore one should be simple and straightforward as a child. Children are devoid of any ego. Child devotee, Prahlada is a classical example for the absence of egoism and total unaffected calm. He never felt what affected his physical body! Childhood is the essence of Sath or pure truth and innocence. Without yarn there is no cloth and yarn is an integral part of cloth. If the child grows into man with this quality of Sath and innocence, as the great sage Suka did, he can attain salvation easily. Children are always open minded and hence they are illuminated. Their smile dispels the darkness and grief at home. Other great illustrations of child devotees who attained mukti through intense Sadhana are Dhruva and Markandeya!
What is it that man seeks in life? They are joy, encouragement, unison and Love between the master and the servant, husband and the wife, and the father and the son. These are essential between any two. These harmonious qualities have to be inculcated among children even from their early age. That is the richest inheritance that the parents can give their children! That is the effective antidote against the attack of despair, despondency, and discontent! God is the owner of this entire universe. Foolishly we think that the house we live in and the land is ours. We are the tenants and He is the Owner and Master. What is the rent we pay the Owner? We have to please God by engaging ourselves in constructive work. One who lives only to eat is a cheat! Children should be taught not to receive anything for nothing. They should earn by hard work the things they seek.
Children should develop sporting spirit in playing games. The thrust and urge to win over the opponent causes mistakes. Play according to rules and with you heart and soul to gain victory.They should not be affected by the atmosphere of rivalry or enmity. Animosity, hatred and other qualities have to be eschewed while playing any game. Any competition has to be healthy and the game has to be played according to proper rules and free from hatred and malice! Children are rough diamonds and invaluable precious stones that have to be polished and rounded up very carefully so that they may shine with coruscating brilliance! They are precious treasures that have to be looked after so that they may turn God
Lolward and serve the country well!!
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