A parent’s fundamental duty

“One who cannot deliver his dependents from the path of repeated birth and death should never become a spiritual master, a father, a husband, a mother or a worshippable demigod.” Rishabhadeva states this in Srimad Bhagavatam 5.5.18

In reality we are very tiny and though we think we can help others, it is not possible to do so unless that person wants to help himself/herself.  We cannot push anyone to advance in spiritual understanding of life – leave alone hot-blooded teenagers in today’s fast paced world.  The real problem is everyone wants freedom…but they don’t know where to look for it.  Because they don’t know themselves.

A parent’s job – it is a full-time, heavy-duty job alright – is truly commendable and every parent can excel in this if they seek without, through a spiritual master, to understand what the real goal of life is and also if they connect within, with the Paramatma, for the right guidance at the right time.  Not just that, they should also train their children to establish this internal connection.  Only then true independence is enjoyed.

Here are some lovely points on the mood and duties of a parent.  These are taken from letters of Srila Prabhupada and they highlight the importance of bringing up children in the right consciousness:

“Regarding the child problem: I may inform you that all children born of the Krishna conscious parents are welcome and I want hundreds of children like that. Because in future we expect to change the face of the whole world, because the child is the father of man.” (Letter to Krishna devi dasi, August 21, 1968)

“It is very good news that Vishnu-arati is advancing nicely in Krishna consciousness and I know that you and your husband will always do your best to bring her up on the right path of Krishna consciousness. To raise one soul to Krishna consciousness is counted by Krishna as a very great service, so you do this duty very carefully and Krishna will certainly bestow His blessings upon you.” (November 2, 1969

“Now you husband and wife must work together combinedly with great responsibility for raising your new child in ideal Krishna consciousness. Children learn by imitation of their, so if you both set Krishna conscious example the child will very naturally and easily become advanced in Krishna consciousness by following.”( Letter to Jagadisha dasa, July 9, 1970)

“Child-worship is more important than deity-worship. If you cannot spend time with him, then stop the duties of pujari. At least you must take good care of your son until he is four years old, and if after that time you are unable any more to take care of him then I shall take care. These children are given to us by Krishna, they are Vaishnavas and we must be very careful to protect them. These are not ordinary children, they are Vaikuntha children, and we are very fortunate we can give them chance to advance further in Krishna Consciousness. That is very great responsibility, do not neglect it or be confused.” (Letter to Arundhati dasa, July 30, 1972)

“We require so many householders to set the example for others, how in Krishna consciousness we can live peacefully, even in married life. Also we require so many Krishna conscious children to show how nicely and beautifully a child can develop when he is following the principles of God consciousness.”( Letter to Upendra dasa, December 8, 1968)

To know more on how you can begin inducing your child into developing the right consciousness, please write to us on realfreedomwomen@outlook.com