Kirpal Singh

On raising Children

These extracts from letters were first published by the New York Satsang

I have noted about your lovely children … the raising of children is a virtuous duty. The young ones imitate their parents, who should reflect peace, harmony and sobriety by leading a disciplined life full of Spiritual Beatitude. The assertive attitude of dear … shows the greatness of his soul. Self assertion is the innate attribute of soul which is all divine in miniature scale. This kind sentiment is mostly predominant in promising personalities who inherit congenial environments most helpful for their Spiritual Progress. You need not worry over his learning late about dressing or talking. It is the Inner Maturity which is well defined and controlled by nature. So far his demands are concerned these should be met with lovingly as far as possible so far as these are legitimate and within the scope of his raising. The young sentiments should not in any way be injured. It is the unbounded love of the parents for the children which make them bold, brave and adventurous in their lives. You must be an affectionate and bravely stern mother so far as your love and discipline is concerned towards your children. Your good action of sitting with them regularly for listening to the Sound Current is appreciated, which will be helpful for their Spiritual Growth. Please convey my Love to them.

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… you may please try to lavish the things for her which she is prone to steal. You will find that when everything is procured for her, the tendency to obtain them by stealing will be overcome in due course. Simultaneously you can ingrain in her mind that anything and everything she is desirous of having will be provided for her. I hope she will improve with the Grace of the Master.

*****

Mother’s affection for the child is innate and should not be misconstrued as unchaste. Your recurring desire to hug her is a natural human instinct. You should know that mother’s love is an inner impulse and goes a long way in the healthy breeding of child. Every soul coming to this world relishes such loving care and affection which creates an inner sense of bravery and boldness. Your Sacred Instincts are injected in the child which will enable him to grow gradually and the child will come out a healthy stalwart with the Grace of the Master.