Monday, August 29, 2005

Our Children’s Future

Why are our children not attracted to going to the Gurdwara?Why are our children drifting away from Sikhi?Why are our children forgetting their great Sikh history?Why are our children not respecting their parents?
Are the Gurdwaras to blame?Are the schools to blame?Is the Panth to blame?The fundamental blame goes to the mothers and fathers.
Parents say that their children don't listen?Parents say that their children are not interested?Parents say that they don't have enough time?


"kabeer eik gharee, aadhee gharee, aadhee hoo(n) te aadh. bhagtan setee gostte, jo keeno so laabh.232."
- Kabeer, whether it is for an hour, half an hour, or half of that, whatever it is, it is worthwhile to speak with the Holy. 232” (Ang 1377, SGGS)

How can we inspire our children to realise how precious and beautiful Sikhi is?How can we inspire our children to realise how great our Guru is and how rich our history is?How can we inspire our children to respect their parents and to become successful adults?

SACRIFICE!

Our Spiritual Father is Guru Gobind Singh Jee Maharaj. Our Spiritual Mother is Mata Sahib Kaur Jee.Our Brothers are the Four Sahibzadas (Princes).
Guru Gobind Singh Jee sacrificed his four sons for us!Guru Gobind Singh Jee sacrificed his father for his us!Guru Gobind Singh Jee sacrificed his home for us!

Who are we?
We are the children of Guru Gobind Singh Ji!
We are the family of Guru Gobind Singh Ji!
We are the sons & daughters of Guru Gobind Singh Ji!

However, how much have we listened to our Father?
How much have we accepted our Father's instructions?
How much respect have we shown our Father?

How are our children going to listen to us, if we don't listen to our Father
How are our children going to respect us, when we don't respect our Father?
How are our children going to do what we say, when we don't do what Guru Gobind Singh Jee tells us to do?

SACRIFICE!

We leave our children with babysitters.
We leave our children in nurseries.
We leave our children with their grandparents.

"I have no time to look after my child's Kesh!"
"I have no time to discuss Sikhi with my children!"
"I have no time to send them to Panjabi classes!"

Where is the SACRIFICE?


"baabeenneaa kahaanneeaa put saput karen."
- Telling the stories of one's ancestors make the children, good children.” (Ang 951, SGGS)

Could you sacrifice 5 minutes for your children to read them bedtime stories about our great Gurus and Martyrs?
Could you sacrifice 5 minutes for your children to recite with them, the 'Mool Mantar' before they go to sleep?
Could you sacrifice 5 minutes for your children to discuss with them about life, their ambitions and the rewards of following Sikhi?

Do we want our children to grow up to be proud of who they are and where they come from?
Do we want our children to live happily and be successful, with the support and guidance of the Lord and Guru Ji?
Do we want our children to take care of our Father Guru Gobind Singh Jee's dastar [turban] and make it sparkle?

Involvement, love and participation are crucial if you want your children to do something.
Involve your children in the Gurdwara and they will take interest.
Involve your children and explore Sikhi and they will be inspired.
Involve your children and they will never forget!


"kahu kabeer bhagat kar paaeiaa. bhole bhaae mile raghuraaeiaa.4.6."
- Says Kabeer, Vaheguru is obtained only by devotional worship. Through innocent love,
Waheguru is met. 46” (Ang 324, SGGS)

HOW MUCH SACRIFICE HAVE YOU MADE FOR YOUR CHILDREN?

May Vaheguru bless you.

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