CHILDREN & ASHRAM

"Difference between children brought up in ordinary society and children brought up in an ashram environment "

Those who have children must know that their children do not belong to them. You cannot claim them through religion, nationality or the family system.

You are only their caretaker, their babysitter. You should not expect anything from them. Just give them good food and good games as much as you can. If you want them to study, do it in such a way that they feel as if they are playing.

We have one fixed rule for children in our ashram – we let them do whatever and whenever they want to. If they pluck guavas, we let them, they work, sleep and play of their own free will.

Every person and every child should have a personality of his own and the evolution of this personality can only take place in an atmosphere that encourages independence.

Children should be exposed to the world as it is, boys and girls should not be isolated. If they are not exposed, they will not progress and will develop fear in their minds. Do not say things like “That boy or girl is bad” or “Do not go to these people.” Let them go to those places and persons, and encourage them to see what happens.

When exposed to the natural situations of life, children are destined to become intelligent. No one will succeed in cheating them. The children in the ashram or outside the ashram should be provided with an atmosphere of fearlessness.

Swami Satyananda Saraswati