Srimad Bhagavad Geeta: A resource book for parenting

Sarvesh Satija
Department of Psychology
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

A child spends a lot of time and learns a number of things primarily at home, from his parents. From time immemorial, parents are constantly guided with tips for rearing, caring and nurturing children. Such knowledge is not based on the books on parenting, seminars, workshops or any public awareness campaign on parenting exclusively, but the practice of parenting passes on from generations to generations, grandmothers to mothers, and mothers to daughters-in law. Moreover, the spiritual literature available in India and in other parts of the world too is a rich source of knowledge, which constantly provide us guidelines for all sorts of activities of life, be it parenting, all round development of personality, making decisions in life and others. During our ancient times, they were not regarded as mere religious books but as resource books, which always guided the people of all walks of life whenever they needed to be guided in any field or area. In the very same manner, the ancient spiritual text- Srimad Bhagavad Geeta gives remarkable guidelines to the parents for effective rearing, caring and nurturing of their young. The present paper is an attempt to uncover some of the secrets of effective parenting, based on Srimad Bhagavad Geeta, such as understanding and acceptance of a child; listening and attending the child's needs and problems; constant guidance, motivation, encouragement and setting an appropriate model in front of a child.

This paper was presented at the
National Conference on
Yoga and Indian Approaches to Psychology

Pondicherry, India, September 29 - October 1, 2002