Generation Gap

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

Page 24

this, so why does he need to repeat it?
Questioner: I have also heard children say to their parents, "Who told you to bring us into this world?"
Dadashri: How can parents hold up their heads when their children talk to them this way? (P.107)
(6) WIN THEM OVER WITH LOVE
Questioner: When they make mistakes, should we not caution them?
Dadashri: All you have to ask them is whether or not they have thought about what they are doing and does it seem right to them. If they say no, then you can ask them why they continue to do so. They are capable of judgment and understanding. They instinctively know when they do something wrong. But when you start to criticize them, they will rebel and become indignant. (P.110).
Speak in such a way that the other person's ego does not arise. When you speak to your children, do not use an authoritative tone. When I speak to people, their ego is not stirred because my speech is free from ego that uses a commanding tone. (P.111).
Questioner: Is it demerit karma (paap) when we use harsh
language at times while performing our duties?
Dadashri: What is the expression on your face when you use such language? Know that you have committed demerit karma when there is disgust in your expression and your face appears ugly. Always speak calmly and use gentle words. Never use bitter and ugly speech. Use your words sparingly and speak with love and affection so that one day you will win him over. Otherwise you will not succeed. Bitterness on your part will only serve to make him vindictive and harbor hatred towards you. He is helpless at the present time, but from within he is binding negative karmas to get even with you when he grows up. Love will work wonders for you although you may not see the results immediately. Just keep showering him with love and affection and later you will be rewarded with the fruits of this love.
Questioner: What should we do when despite trying to explain things to them, they still do not understand?
Dadashri: There is no need to make them understand at all. Just love them and make them understand gently. Do you ever speak harshly with your neighbors? (P.112)
How do we handle burning coals? Do we not use a pair of tongs? What would happen if we tried to hold the coals with our bare hands?