Five Parenting Guidelines
Pañcha Kuṭumba Sādhana
पञ्च कुटुम्ब साधन
THESE FIVE ŚLOKAS DESCRIBE THE PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE FATHERS AND MOTHERS IN SETTING STRONG RELIGIOUS EXAMPLES THAT NURTURE CHILDREN AND TEACH THEM TO FOLLOW THE PATH OF DHARMA.
धर्मचार 1. Dharmachāra: Good Conduct
Loving fathers and mothers, knowing they are the greatest influence in a child’s life, behave the way their dear children should when adults. They never anger or argue before young ones. Father in a dhotī, mother in a sārī at home, all sing to God, Gods and guru.§
धर्मस्वगृह 2. Dharma Svagṛiha: Home Worship
Loving fathers and mothers establish a separate shrine room in the home for God, Gods and guardian devas of the family. Ideally it should be large enough for all the dear children. It is a sacred place for scriptural study, a refuge from the karmic storms of life.§
धर्मसम्भाषन 3. Dharma Sambhāshana: Talking About Religion
Loving fathers and mothers speak Vedic precepts while driving, eating and playing. This helps dear children understand experiences in right perspective. Parents know many worldly voices are blaring, and their dharmic voice must be stronger.§
धर्मस्वाध्याय 4. Dharma Svādhyāya: Continuing Self-Study
Loving fathers and mothers keep informed by studying the Vedas, Āgamas and sacred literature, listening to swāmīs and paṇḍitas. Youth face a world they will one day own, thus parents prepare their dear children to guide their own future progeny.§
धर्मसंग 5. Dharma Saṅga: Following a Spiritual Preceptor
Loving fathers and mothers choose a preceptor, a traditional satguru, and lineage to follow. They support their lineage with all their heart, energy and service. He in turn provides them clear guidance for a successful life, material and religious. §