The Book of Children

1. Children are born innocent and naturally meditative

Every child is born ecstatic. Ecstasy is natural. It is not something that happens only to great sages. It is something that everybody brings with him into the world; everybody comes with it.

Innate wisdom. Children enter the world with a sense of wonder, awe, and natural meditation. They possess an inherent connection to existence that allows them to experience life fully and joyously. This state of being is characterized by:

• Spontaneity and authenticity
• Absence of mental barriers and conditioned responses
• Natural curiosity and eagerness to explore

Preserving innocence. To maintain this state of ecstasy, adults should:

• Encourage children's natural tendencies
• Avoid imposing adult perspectives and judgments
• Create environments that foster exploration and discovery

2. Society conditions children, suppressing their innate wisdom

From the very childhood you have been conditioned, you have been forced to learn things which are not true to your nature.

Societal programming. As children grow, they are gradually molded by societal expectations, educational systems, and parental conditioning. This process often leads to:

• Loss of natural spontaneity and joy
• Development of fear, guilt, and inhibitions
• Disconnection from one's true self and potential

Consequences of conditioning:

• Suppression of creativity and individuality
• Adoption of limiting beliefs and behaviors
• Creation of inner conflicts and psychological issues

To counteract this, we must recognize the detrimental effects of excessive conditioning and strive to create environments that nurture rather than suppress children's innate wisdom.

3. Parents should respect and nurture children's individuality

Give love, but don't allow yourself to be dominated. The distinction is subtle but has to be understood.

Balanced parenting. Effective parenting involves striking a delicate balance between providing love and guidance while respecting the child's autonomy. Key aspects include:

• Offering unconditional love and support
• Encouraging independence and self-expression
• Avoiding excessive control or domination

Nurturing individuality:

• Allow children to make age-appropriate decisions
• Respect their opinions and feelings
• Provide a safe space for exploration and mistakes

Parents should aim to be guides rather than dictators, helping children develop their unique personalities and talents while offering necessary boundaries and support.

4. Education should foster creativity and self-discovery

The new education has to teach intelligence, so that we can make the children capable of spontaneously responding to the new realities that will be coming every day.

Holistic learning. A truly effective education system should focus on developing the whole person, not just imparting information. Key components of this approach include:

• Encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Fostering creativity and self-expression
• Teaching meditation and self-awareness techniques

Five-dimensional education:

1. Informative: Basic knowledge and skills
2. Scientific: Analytical and logical thinking
3. Art of living: Emotional intelligence and life skills
4. Creative: Artistic expression and innovation
5. Meditative: Self-awareness and spiritual growth

By adopting this comprehensive approach, education can prepare children for a rapidly changing world while nurturing their innate potential and individuality.

5. Teenagers need freedom to explore and make mistakes

Give your love to your children without any expectation. Give them freedom to be themselves. Don't impose yourself on them.

Adolescent development. The teenage years are crucial for personal growth and self-discovery. During this time, it's essential to:

• Allow teenagers to make their own decisions
• Provide a safe environment for experimentation
• Offer guidance without imposing control

Balancing freedom and responsibility:

• Encourage independent thinking and decision-making
• Discuss consequences of actions without judgment
• Be available for support and advice when needed

By granting teenagers the freedom to explore and make mistakes, parents and educators can help them develop resilience, self-confidence, and a strong sense of identity.

6. Reconciliation with parents is essential for personal growth

If you remain independent, if you attain to the fragrance of freedom, if you become more meditative—and that's why you are here, to become more meditative, to be more silent, more loving, more blissful—then one day you can share your bliss.

Healing relationships. Reconciling with parents is a crucial step in personal development. This process involves:

• Understanding and accepting parents' limitations
• Forgiving past hurts and misunderstandings
• Developing compassion for oneself and one's parents

Steps toward reconciliation:

1. Acknowledge and process feelings of anger or resentment
2. Cultivate self-awareness and emotional maturity
3. Communicate openly and honestly with parents
4. Set healthy boundaries while maintaining connection

By working through these issues, individuals can free themselves from the burden of the past and create more authentic, loving relationships with their parents and themselves.

7. Meditation is a path to rediscovering our true nature

Meditation is a natural state—which we have lost. It is a paradise lost, but the paradise can be regained.

Returning to essence. Meditation is not a technique to be learned but a natural state to be rediscovered. It involves:

• Quieting the mind and letting go of thoughts
• Becoming aware of one's inner being
• Reconnecting with the inherent joy and peace within

Benefits of meditation:

• Increased self-awareness and emotional regulation
• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities
• Greater sense of connection to oneself and others

By practicing meditation, both children and adults can reclaim their innate wisdom and experience life with greater clarity, joy, and purpose. It is a powerful tool for personal transformation and spiritual growth.

Last updated: November 19, 2024