44 Life Without Conflict
it is not an act of benevolence. If a calf did not nurse from its mother, the cow would be miserable from the pain. Mothers feed their youngsters for their own benefit. Fathers raise their children for their own benefit, what is extraordinary about that? It is all mandatory.
Handle Children like Glass
Questioner: Dada, my children misbehave at home. My scolding has no effect on them.
Dadashri: Have you ever noticed the writing on some packages shipped on the trains? Do they not say,‘ Glass- Handle With Care,’? Similarly, you should practice the same policy at home when interacting with your children. What happens to glass if you keep hitting it with a hammer? No matter how upset you are, would you throw that package of glass? Would you not regard the label, right away? Likewise, you should handle everyone at home as if you are handling glass. Typically if something goes wrong within the home, your immediate response is,“ Why did you lose your purse? Where did you go? How did you manage to lose your purse?” This kind of bombardment is same as hitting glass with a hammer. If parents simply understand the statement,‘ Glass- Handle With Care,’ they will be able to deal with the children. They need not be Self-realized for this.
Love is the only way to improve the world. What the world calls‘ love’ is not real love; it is infatuation, attachment. You love your daughter, but would that love exist if she were to do something wrong? At that time, you get upset with her and therefore it is not love, it is infatuation or attachment.
Live with your children as though you are their trustee. Do not worry or harbor anxieties about getting them married. Whatever happens, just say,“ It is correct.” You will gain