Householders

[Guest guest]

Ammas Teachings for Householders from Ammachi.org:

 

Children, husband and wife should love and serve by seeing God in each

other. They should thus be ideal couples, models for their children and

for others. Good words and good deeds are the real jewels.

 

A loving, spiritual relationship leads to liberation

 

When husband and wife together worship the Lord, do meditation and japa,

read spiritual texts, serve the world, turn their home into an ashram,

and thereby progress in their sadhana together, they need not seek

liberation. It will come to them automatically.

 

Duty and spiritual practices are both important

 

The husband and wife should not hinder each other on the spiritual path.

One should not give up spiritual pursuits even if it is not approved by

the spouse.

 

Yet it is also wrong to turn away from our duty in the name of spiritual

practice. Mother has seen many people doing this; it is never right.

When it is time to perform our tasks, we should do them with the

remembrance of God. If, instead, we sit for meditation at that time,

there will not be any progress. We should not be a cause of pain to the

spouse who is against our sadhana. Instead, while performing the family

duties, pray to God to bring a change in the mind of our spouse.

 

Accommodate each other's differences with love

 

When there is a difference of opinion in the family, be ready to discuss

the matter and resolve the issue the same day instead of postponing it.

Anyone can return love for love-there is nothing great about that. Try

to return love for hatred. This alone is the true measure of our

greatness. Only when we are ready to forgive and accommodate each

other's faults and shortcomings will peace prevail in the family. For

molding the children's character, it is essential that the parents lead

a model life. When the parents' lives are far from exemplary, how can

they bring up the children in the proper manner?

 

Family life is the training for realizing God

 

Children, always act without any expectation of the fruit of the action.

Expectation is the cause of all our grief. We should dedicate our lives

to the Lord. Trust that He will guard us. What we should gain through

family life is the training for total surrender to God. We have to

realize that our wife and little ones do not belong to us or we to them.

Children, have absolute faith that everything is His alone. Then He will

take over all our burden; He will take our hand and lead us to the goal.

[Guest guest]

I often wish Amma would share more on being a mom/parent in the west. I

have noticed recently that people find me odd and old fashioned because

of the choices I make for my family. I know in my heart the things I do

for my family are right. It is just hard to be alone in my choices

though I know Amma is always near me. My husband also supports me fully

and is there for our family. Which is another odd thing we have found.

 

Maybe there is info out there I have not seen. I have seen what you have

posted on the site but if anyone knows of other things out there please

let me know.

 

Thank you

 

--

Namaste,

 

Shelly

Mom to 5

CT