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DISCOURSE 63
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should not allow their minds to get polluted by Arthadhyan (painful contemplations) and Raudradhyan (evil contemplations). They should be cautious about this point. They should see that their minds do not give way to sorrow, excitement and helplessness or despair. Therefore, they should be sensible and cautious. Parents should take care to see that the minds of all the members of their family are blooming with joy and peace. They should see that their minds and the minds of the members of their family are not polluted and that they do not develop sinful and evil habits.
Thirdly, they should think of their souls. Vicious passions like anger must be destroyed; and noble virtues like forgiveness should be developed. For this, they must dedicate their bodies to carry out spiritual activities; and their minds to a contemplation on Dharma. They should keep carrying out such spiritual activities as performing Vratas (observance of vows) and tapasya; and observing some lofty principles in order to pacify the excitements and aberrations of the senses and to keep them under control. They should carry out scriptural studies, spiritual mediation and the worship of the Paramatma to keep their thoughts and feelings in a state of serenity and sanctity.
CHILDREN WILL BE TO BLAME
If parents live thus always endeavouring to achieve welfare for themselves and for the members of their family; and if they do their duties properly towards their children, then they become worthy of worship and adoration. Inspite of their living thus, if their children do not honour them and if they do not act according to their advice, then the children are to blame. In this case, the fault lies with the children; not with the parents.
If there are sons and daughters in the house; and if the sons are married and if there are daughters-in-law also, the parents have some special responsibilities. If any new articles are brought to the house, first they should be given to the sons, daughters and daughters-in-law. This is said to be a matter of great importance. Whether the articles are expensive or cheap; whether they are big articles or small ones, parents should not
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