There are two tendencies that are within us, one is of taking and the other of giving. What is worth noting is which value system we are imbibing in our children.
If they are hesitant to take or ask, then that is a sign of good values. But if they are hesitant to give then there is something wrong there.
It is a good sign when people feel hesitation to put their hand out to take. But if people hesitate to extend their hands out to help then we need to change the direction of society.
If the child is sattvic he always makes an effort to share his belongings with everyone. But if the child is rajasic then he tries to take things from everyone.
We have to imbibe the value of giving and sharing in children; happiness in giving and sharing, and hesitation to take. They should feel hesitation to put their hands out and ask.
There are people who have enough yet they keep asking for more. This is very strange.
So, when there is an attitude to give and hesitation to take or to ask, then the direction of life has reached an elevated level.
If there is hesitation to give and no shame in taking then that comparatively is of a lower level of existence. And there are some people who even go to the extent of pouncing, grabbing and seizing which is an even lower level of existence.
Now in this world there are all kinds of people and all sorts of things happen. So we must not hold anyone guilty. The important message is that we must set an example for others and not make them feel guilty.
~ Art of Living
