Sunday, August 23, 2015

Our children: a gift from Amma!

761. Om subhagayai namah: I bow down to Amma who is the seat of all prosperity

One of the interpretations I have read of this mantra is that children are a gift from Her grace. This comes from the many meanings of the word 'bhaga'...one of which is the womb. My daughter most certainly is Amma's gift to me. She's my precious daily reminder that Amma truly loves me!

Here is Amma's advice on bringing up children:

“When your children indulge in mischief, explain things to them lovingly. Childhood is the foundation of life. If we don’t pay attention to our children and show them love and affection, they may go astray. Parents should remember to be especially loving towards their children when they are very young, just as you would water a tender, young plant. Once the children are grown and have found jobs, the parents should entrust them with the family responsibilities, and retire to an ashram life and do sadhana (spiritual practices) in solitude. Purify the mind through service. It is unwise to cling to your home and children until your last breath. When the children are grown up, the desire to see your grandchildren and to help with their upbringing will become strong. All living beings on earth manage to grow and survive, don’t they? They are not waiting for help. Leave your children in God’s hands. That is what loving parents should do. That is true love.”

Om Amriteswariye namah!

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