Generation Gap

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Foundation

Page 18

Dadashri: Entrust the development of their character to the one who knows how to mold, the Gnani, the one who is adept in the art of molding human beings. You can mold your children the way you want to until they are fifteen years old. You cannot do anything after that. And when the son eventually get married, the task of molding becomes the wife's responsibility. Parents try to mold their children even when they are not skilled to do so and that is why they fail miserably and the results therefore, are far from agreeable. (P.64)
Many parents complain to their children that they do not listen to them. I tell the parents that it is because their speech does not appeal to their children. If the parent's speech pleased the children, then it would have an effect on them. The father keeps complaining that the child does not listen to him, when it is he who does not know what it takes to be a father.
You should speak in such a way, that children become interested in what you have to say. Only then would children listen to you. If you find what I say is appealing, then you will act on it.
Questioner: What is the definition of a certified mother and father?
Questioner: Your words have such a strong impact on our lives. That which could not be solved by our intellect and efforts, is solved by your words.
Dadashri: Uncertified parents are those whose children do not listen to them. Their own children have no love or affection for them and will be a constant source of aggravation to them. Can such parents not be labeled uncertified?
Dadashri: These are words that touch the heart. Words that touch the heart are inspirational, like motherly love. A certified father is he who can touch his children's hearts with his words.
Questioner: These children will not listen so easily and accept our words.
It is a sure sign that the parents have not fulfilled their duty to their children, when their children become disobedient. When the soil is bad and the seed is bad, the crop too will be bad. So how can parents boast that their children will be extraordinary like Lord Mahavir? How on earth can that be possible? What should the mother of Lord Mahavir be like? One can overlook it if the father is incompetent, but what should that mother be like? (P.70)
Dadashri: Would they listen to harsh authoritative words then? Such a tone in words does not help.
Questioner: They do listen, but only after a lot of explaining is done.