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DISCOURSE 65
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parents in such a way that they will be happy and pleased. There is a second rule or duty which has been prescribed for that purpose.
(2) You must carry out every activity relating to the family and business after consulting them and after taking their consent. You must consult your father about the matters on which you have to obtain his opinion; and you must consult your mother about the matters on which you need her opinion. You should never think thus : “Why should we consult our parents about every matter? We shall do what we think proper". If you do not consult them you may suffer loss on account of it. Mere intelligence is not enough to carry out every duty; you also require experience. The parents possess a lot of experience. Another point is this. Elderly people desire that their sons and daughters should take their opinion and act according to it. If children act thus, their parents will be immensely pleased and will treat their children with affection. Children should keep their parents pleased and happy. TRUE SERVICE TO PARENTS IS NOT RENDERED IF CHILDREN SERVE THEM WITH THE IDEA THAT THEY ARE BESTOWING A BENEFACTION UPON THEM
From the Audience : If inspite of all that we do, our parents are not pleased with us, what are we to do? Whatever we may do, they may think that what we have done is but little.
Maharajashri : This complaint is based on a false understanding or a wrong notion. You may not be rendering as much service to them as you ought to; or even if you are rendering service to them you may not be rendering it in a proper manner. You may be speaking to them in a contemptuous manner. You may be rendering service to them with the feeling that you are bestowing a benefaction upon them. Service to parents should not be rendered thus. Howevermuch you may serve your parents, it will be but little.
Sometimes, old age and sickness have their impact on the minds of people. On account of those causes, people become
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