Grooming spiritually
Rajesh Bhola
When children bid adieu to school, they feel
vibrantly alive. Many scenes live on in
their memory, as emotional associations
– of many unforgettable moments spent
with their peer group. The parents feel
that their children will soon be leaving the
'nest', and embarking on life's real journey.
The children realize that they have gained adulthood, and
will soon be 'major' citizens of the country - with a right to an
independent driving license and a bank account, a passport
and the right to vote. But do we really prepare our children
for the vicissitudes of life? Do we equip them with the
suitable mental climate that will enable them to respond to
the changing weather of life?
We as parents are by nature
protective; we generally go to
considerable lengths to shelter
our children from challenging
situations.
When the children leave
school, they find themselves in a
different atmosphere altogether.
At each turn, they will face new
hills and valleys in their
landscape of life, and each
experience will be another
milestone along the path. A
certain brashness and
intolerance that they had when
younger will gradually give way.
Through new experiences they will learn to appreciate many
things deeply; things that, in school, they had simply taken
for granted.
A good education is one that stands us in good stead in
our subsequent work-life, and teaches us compassion. When
our children experience failures, obstacles and hardship,
they may become bitter and alienated, or mature faster.
Each experience will broaden them. It is important that they
be enlightened, rather than defeated, by the various
situations in life. The most difficult troubles are often
psychological and social, rather than physical. There may be
a setback, even a series of setbacks, which may throw them
into a state of depression. A black mood may hang over
them. They should try and develop a habit of meditation, and
be spiritual in outlook.
To grow as human beings they need to imbibe the basic
virtues of self- enlightenment, discharge their duty towards
society, have an unflinching faith in God and compassion for
all beings. With so many troubles, and with difficulties galore,
our children cannot handle the world alone. They require the
co-operation and blessing of many forces - some of which
they are not even aware of. They should remain connected
to the cosmic consciousness, by enjoying the subtle beauties
and energies of Mother Nature. They should take care of all
beings.
All of us always have the power to give something; nobody
is so poor that he/she has nothing to give to anybody. A good
word, a cheerful smile, a cup of water when someone is
thirsty - any little thing that we have, whatever it may be –
shows our respect for other human beings. Our children
have a special duty to be compassionate to those who are
helpless, and to the needy. Who else will take care of them?
All creations of God are worthy of love, care and
compassion. Let our children
become compassionate
human beings and learn to be
charitable. When they give,
they shall be given back - in an
appropriate manner.
However, they should just
learn to 'give', and not crave to
'get'.
Our children must meet
their difficulties face-on, and
live nobly. Whether different
challenges turn out to be
victories or defeats for them at
the end, will depend not upon
the nature of the troubles
themselves, but on how our children will manage their
resultant emotions, thoughts, feelings, imaginings and
impulses. They cannot change their external settings and
circumstances, but they can certainly change their view and
mindset about the problems.
As we manage our internal world, so shall our external life
become? By training themselves, our children may change
the content and form of their response to various stimuli.
They should face the troubles squarely - and feel inspired,
and have the guts, to do what needs to be done. When they
have such an indomitable spirit they will not flinch from
looking into the eyes of the hurricanes that will come in their
lives.
An enlightened person enjoys life as it is, and by doing so
liberates the creative person within. When we recognize,
acknowledge and contain our own difficulties, and are no
longer afraid of the shadows that arise within ourselves, we
put ourselves in a position to think well of others and to
become useful to the world.