Right Understanding To Help Others

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

Page 22

Right Understanding to Help Others
Right Understanding to Help Others
and present, take care of them. If they are not around, do not worry about it. Start again from where you left off. Service to one's parents gives instant rewards. One cannot see God, but at least one can see his parents.
Service to the Elderly Nowadays, the people who suffer the most are the elderly. But whom can they complain to? The children do not listen to them. Parents and children are always at odds with each other. The generation gap has become so wide. The old man does not let go of his old ways, even though he suffers for it.
Questioner: This is the case with every sixty-five year old.
Dadashri: Yes, it is the same everywhere. So what is the solution for that in this day and age? It would be good for the elderly to have a place to live. If we were to do something along those lines, then first we should give them this knowledge of the Self-Gnan. We should also make some arrangements for their meals. One can consult the public and social services for this and that would be acceptable. But once they have Gnan, at least if they were to see the pure Self in everyone, it would be of benefit to them. This Gnan (the liberating knowledge) will give them peace. Otherwise, how are they to find any peace? What do you think?
Questioner: Yes, that is right. Dadashri: Does what I say appeal to you?
What happens if an elderly man lives at home where no one pays any attention to him? He cannot say anything, but from within he binds negative karma. The establishment of old people's homes is a good idea and helpful in that sense. But it should be called something more dignified. It should be given a more respectable and dignified name rather than 'old people's home.
Serving Parents and Guru First comes service to the parents, and then comes service
to the guru. One should serve both without fail. However, if the guru is not good, you can forego that service.
Questioner: But what about those who neglect their parents at present; what life form will they inherit?
Dadashri: A person who neglects his parents will not be happy in this life. What is the direct proof behind taking care of one's parents? If a person takes care of his parents, he will not suffer throughout his life, nor will he experience any difficulties.
This science is wonderful, and that is why the scriptures tell us to take care of our parents. In doing so, you will not encounter any difficulties related to money in your life. Whether this is a principle or not is another matter, but you should definitely take care of your parents. If you do not, then who will take care of you? How will your children learn and know that you are worthy of taking care for? Children observe everything. If they see their father neglecting his own father, they will grow up with the same values.
Questioner: What is a son's responsibility towards his father?
Dadashri: The children's responsibility is to fulfill their obligations towards their parents. How do the children benefit in doing this? They will never be short of money; all their needs will be met. And if a person takes care of his guru, he will attain liberation. But people of today do not take care of their parents or their guru. They are all going to be unhappy.
The Greatest Obligations A person who finds fault with his parents will never be worthy of anything. He may become wealthy, but he will never progress spiritually. One can never look at his parents' faults. How can one forget his obligation towards his parents? When we cannot even forget our gratitude towards someone who gives us a cup of tea, how can we forget what our parents have done