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THE WAY OF LIFE
PAY ATTENTION TO THEM EVEN FROM THEIR CHILDHOOD
This is possible only if you keep instilling into them noble ideals even from their childhood. When they are caught in evil habits and addictions, it will be extremely difficult to lift them out of that morass. You must keep instructing them even from their childhood regarding the way to distinguish between good and evil.
The other-worldly attitude can save human beings from many calamities. In doing everything, people must think of their other-worldly welfare. "What benefit do I get in the other-world if I do this action ?” Every action bears its fruit in the otherworld. People should have a knowledge of this fact. They should know thoroughly what kind of fruits are brought by violence and non-violence; truth and falsehood; stealing and non-stealing; ignoble conduct and noble conduct; and attachment and non-attachment. Only if you have this knowledge can you save your dependants from calamities.
From the Audience : Nobody cares to listen to anything relating to the other world.
Maharajashri : That is so because, you have not spoken to them about the other world, from the beginning. If your sons and daughters have been respecting your advice from their childhood, they will respect it even when they are grown-up. Yes, intelligent people may question you about the veracity of your ideals relating to the other world. In such a case, you must give them logical and convincing answers and satisfy their minds. If you do not have the ability to satisfy them in respect of those matters guide them to meet enlightened people. If you encourage your dependants to have contacts with enlightened spiritual heads, it will be highly beneficial to your family.
First, see whether you have the necessary awakening by virtue of which you can save your dependants from calamities. What is your attitude towards life? If you are awakened and if you can see, then your endeavours will be successful. Never neglect your dependants. "Let them do what they want to do.
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