In a recently released film, Mrs, on an OTT platform, a mother suggests that her daughter ‘adjust’ in her in-law’s home, where she is unappreciated, because it is socially acceptable. Her daughter cooks, cleans and takes care of her husband’s family as it is her duty, only to realize that she is forgotten in the grand scheme of things. The film is a reminder that most of us are caught in a bind, trying to follow our parent’s advice, fulfilling familial duties, and social obligations, forgetting that we are souls on a spiritual journey, and can get Home through a spiritual preceptor’s mentorship.
Yet another film, Three Idiots, depicts how parent’s intentions, even though well-meaning, could be detrimental to children’s growth. In the film, while Rancho is epitome of liberation. Farhan and Raju are burdened by familial expectations. Farah wants to be a wildlife photographer, but his father forces him to become an engineer. When a child is born, parents are the first and most natural mentors — hence family comes first.
While parents are innate guides, their mentorship styles can sometimes inhibit their grown-up children’s progress towards becoming a jivanmukt. Often, parents forget that their children are adults — individuals seeing moksh — and burden them with social obligations. Kahlil Gibran offers wisdom to such parents: “Your children are not your children. They come through you but not from you. They are sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.”
Therefore, one must be vigilant against those who preach fulfilling one’s duties and obligations towards family, society, company, nation, and the world. Moms can take a leaf out of Maiya Yashoda’s parenting playbook.
Likewise, we should stay alert on our spiritual journey and take delight in the Self alone.
