Five Parenting Guidelines
Pancha Kutumba Sadhana
पञ्च कुटुम्ब साधन
BEHAVIORAL PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY TO NURTURE CHILDREN AND TEACH THEM, VERBALLY AND BY EXAMPLE, TO FOLLOW THE PATH OF DHARMA
1. Good Conduct
Dharmachara
धर्मचार
Loving fathers and mothers, knowing they are the greatest influence in a child’s life, behave the way their dear children should when adults. They never anger or argue before young ones. Father in a dhoti, mother in a sari at home, all sing to God, Gods and guru.§
2. Home Worship
Dharma Svagriha
धर्मस्वगृह
Loving fathers and mothers establish a separate shrine room in the home for God, Gods and guardian devas of the family. Ideally it should be large enough for all the dear children. It is a sacred place for scriptural study, a refuge from the karmic storms of life.§
3. Talking about Religion
Dharma Sambhashana
धर्मसम्भाषन
Loving fathers and mothers speak Vedic precepts while driving, eating and playing. This helps dear children understand experiences in right perspective. Parents know many worldly voices are blaring, and their dharmic voice must be stronger.§
4. Continuing Self-Study
Dharma Svadhyaya
धर्मस्वाध्याय
Loving fathers and mothers keep informed by studying the Vedas, Agamas and sacred literature, listening to swamis and pandits. Youth face a world they will one day own, thus parents prepare their dear children to guide their own future progeny.§
5. Following a Spiritual Preceptor
Dharma Sanga
धर्मसंग
Loving fathers and mothers choose a preceptor, a traditional satguru, and lineage to follow. They support their lineage with all their heart, energy and service. He in turn provides them clear guidance for a successful life, material and religious. §