Teachings of a Father

The thought of parting from our parents never comes to our mind. But daughters have to leave their parents' house after marriage. Either willingly or unwillingly. The sweet moments spent with their parents, keep bringing them back.

I always enjoy when I visit my parents. Those moments relax me from my busy life. To see my parents and to share the experiences of life with siblings, energizes me. And I think all my fellow girls feel the same. That is why a girl can never forget her 'माइका'.

As far as I understand, my parents bestowed me with a quality education, good Sanskar and strong family ties. In January 2010, I lost my father. He was a शास्त्री, a talented Sanskrit teacher of his time and a noble person too. He taught me Sanskrit in such a manner that it became very simple for me. That is why I love Sanskrit. I learned Sanskrit श्लोक by hearing him chant them from Geeta, Durga Shaptshti and other texts. I am reminded of him when I chant those श्लोक. This is the विद्या धन which my father rewarded me with. I feel proud of being his daughter.

When I was a student, he used to teach me by giving examples. One day he told me, "Work hard, it will pay later in your life; just as a person riding a cycle sweats hard to reach the top but feels relax while descending. Don't waste time or time will spoil your fate."

One day he showed me a bucket full of water in the bathroom. It was getting filled by drops dripping down the tap. He told me. "See the bucket is getting filled drop by drop. In the same way you learn little by little. One day you will have an ocean of knowledge. Likewise by saving each rupee you will have a lot of money. So don't waste a single moment or a single rupee”.

Do your work with great interest and integrity, without expecting rewards or appreciation. Your happiness will be immense if you receive a reward without expecting it. Be honest, truthful and trustworthy. Behave in a responsible manner. Always keep your promises and don't make promises that you can't keep. Replace things in the same spot so that you can find them even in darkness. There might be ups and downs in life as it never runs smoothly, so live life as it comes. Don't run away from your duties and responsibilities, however hard they may be. Face them and fulfill them with the best of your knowledge. God is always with you because He is good with those who are honest. He always protects His children. These are some of the teachings he taught me.

I miss my father a lot. He made my life beautiful. I always thank God for giving me such a lovely parent like Him. Now the big question is can I do something for my father? The answer is yes. By spreading his teachings to my colleagues and fellow human beings, I think I will do a little for him.

I can feel his presence whenever I visit my parents' house. I can hear him calling me by my nickname. One day I asked him, "Tell me something about yourself." He told me,"I think, I am the happiest person on earth. I am blessed with obedient children and a good life partner. I have struggled in my life, but God has rewarded me for it. I have no complaints, no regrets in my life and I give all my blessings to my children:

ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः।
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु।
मा कश्चित् दुःख भाग्भवेत्॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Lead a happy life”.