Respect Your Parents

Respect Your Parents

Hislop: Why does Baba have regular schools? Why does He not have religious schools?

Sai: Religious schools would appeal only to the religious, whereas Baba’s task is to raise the general public into devotion and a spiritual life. One aspect of Baba’s task is to reform education, and if that were impossible, He would not have come. Now, [His] having come, be assured the task will be accomplished. But not as fast as impatient humans would like. By an intensive T.V. campaign, a change could be made fast, but it would be only temporary. God sees differently than man, and He knows that to start early, drive slowly, reach safely is correct. The change that Baba is bringing about may be through slow methods, such as His colleges, but the methods will be effective.

Hislop: What should we do about young people to correct their character and behavior?

Sai: A child is bound to touch a hot lamp until once burned. Young people are without balance. Also, they want immediate results. For example: yesterday there was a marriage here. The young man wanted a son at once; he did not wish to wait for nine months. A guru (so-called) comes into view, and the young people flock to him, hoping for quick self-realization. But once disappointed, they turn away and in the process gain some caution and patience.

A small story: A young man of very poor parents graduated B.A., mainly because the teachers were fed up with his many failures at the exams. His parents were now proud and said, ‘We will find you a wife.’ The boy replied, ‘I will take only a B.A. girl, for I am a B.A.’ Mother said, ‘We cannot afford servants for a girl who will come from her room at 9 a.m. We need a wife to help with the housework.’ The son replied, ‘It is my needs that matter, not yours. Do as I wish or I will leave.’ The parents capitulated and secured the desired wife. The boy told friends, ‘I am now happiness itself.’ Three days later he said to his wife, ‘My dear, arise now and make me coffee.’ She replied, ‘My dear, I am B.A. same as you. Please arise and get coffee for me!’ Now the boy proclaimed to all that life had become black and all was unhappiness and total misery.

These behaviors of the young are typical because they have not been taught to respect and revere their parents. Their behavior in the spiritual direction is similar. How can there be any spiritual light until the inside is clean? And inside work is quiet inquiry and discrimination. After the inside is clean, outward disciplines may have some value.

Hislop: Young people nowadays ask how they can respect their parents when the parents engage in wrong actions.

Sai: The young people do not realize the worry of the parents. No matter how faulty the parents, they wish only the best for their children. At the very least, the children can honor this and also realize the sacrifice, care, and love given to the child to keep it alive and give it a chance for life. These factors must be appreciated and honored even though the parents have faults. Only by honoring the parents will the children’s children do honor to them. A clear case of action and reaction.

Hislop: Swami, if the parent says one thing and the guru says another, to which order should the child give preference?

Sai: The parents who give the body come before God.

Hislop: Parents come before God, Swami? That is surprising.

Sai: For people in the worldly sphere, that is true. For young people leading a pure spiritual life, God comes first of all.

Source: Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Respect Your Parents

Respect Your Parents is one of the greatest values taught in every culture and spiritual tradition. Parents dedicate their lives to raising their children with love, care, and sacrifice. From childhood to adulthood, they guide us through every stage of life, helping us become better human beings. Their blessings, prayers, and teachings shape our future and give us strength during difficult times. In today’s fast-moving world, many people forget the importance of spending time with their parents and expressing gratitude toward them. However, true happiness begins when we learn to honor and care for those who gave us life.

The meaning of Respect Your Parents goes beyond simple words. It includes listening to them, speaking politely, understanding their emotions, and helping them whenever needed. Parents often sacrifice their comfort and dreams so their children can achieve success. They stay awake during our illnesses, support us in failures, and celebrate our victories with genuine happiness. Their love is unconditional and pure. Therefore, every child should value their parents and never ignore their feelings.

According to spiritual teachings shared on Devotional India, serving parents is equal to serving humanity. Many saints and wise teachers have explained that respecting elders brings peace, prosperity, and divine blessings into life. A person who understands the value of family relationships develops kindness, patience, and humility. These qualities help create a harmonious society filled with compassion and understanding.

Modern lifestyles sometimes create distance between parents and children. Busy schedules, technology, and personal ambitions often reduce family communication. Yet, even a few moments of love and attention can make parents feel happy and appreciated. Calling them regularly, helping them with daily tasks, or simply sitting beside them and listening to their experiences can strengthen family bonds. The lesson of Respect Your Parents teaches us that emotional support is just as important as financial support.

Many stories on Devotional India highlight the spiritual significance of honoring parents. Ancient scriptures describe children who achieved greatness through obedience, gratitude, and devotion toward their mother and father. These teachings remind us that parents are our first teachers. They teach us values, discipline, honesty, and compassion long before the world begins to influence us. Their guidance becomes the foundation of our character and personality.

Practicing Respect Your Parents also means forgiving their mistakes and understanding their struggles. Parents are human beings who face hardships and responsibilities while trying to provide the best for their families. Instead of arguing or hurting them with harsh words, children should show patience and kindness. Respect within the family creates an atmosphere of trust and emotional security where everyone feels loved and valued.

The message of Respect Your Parents is timeless and meaningful for every generation. A family built on respect and love becomes stronger and happier. When children honor their parents, they inspire future generations to follow the same values. As shared through the spiritual wisdom of Devotional India, caring for parents is not only a moral duty but also a path toward inner peace and spiritual growth. By loving, supporting, and respecting our parents every day, we bring joy into their lives and create a better world filled with gratitude, compassion, and humanity.

In the end, Respect Your Parents is a simple yet powerful principle that can transform relationships and bring blessings into life. The teachings of Devotional India encourage everyone to value family bonds and express love toward parents with sincerity and devotion.

-Vidya and Bhakti