Hinduism insists on prenatal purity of mind and body in a mother. Hinduism does not favour smoking and drinking alcohol by young women, the reason being that young women go through motherhood and alcohol and smoke harm the unborn. Medical science now points out that smoke and alcohol are two harmful things that the placenta cannot filter.
Parents—especially the mother plays a crucial role in the moral value systems of the family. Parents are directly responsible for the ruinous, suicidal behaviour of a youngster, while they are also the great inspiration of a Gandhi, a Shivaji, a Tagore and an Einstein.
Time and again, great achievers have declared their indebtedness to their mothers for moulding their thinking. Even one child brought up to have the courage of a hero and the daring to uphold righteousness, is known to have revolutionised the minds of his generation. They have changed the course of history.
Such is the power of a mother.
“When mothers lose touch with spiritual values… and the adults’ lives become loose and unethical, then their children’s lives will also be degraded”, said Swami Chinmayananda.
We can only train the plant to grow straight and strong when the sapling is young and pliable, one cannot train a tree to become straight.
Parents need to live those values, not preach them. No one can become rich by counting the king’s money. The child needs your time and presence, not your presents.
Prarthna Saran, President Chinmaya Mission Delhi.
Email: prarthnasaran@gmail.com
