Searching Questions And Fulfilling Answers

‘Young, free and single’.

These three words best describe

the mentality of today’s youth.

They are at a delicate transition

in their lives, expected by society

to be responsible and yet by that

same society trusted with

sponsibilities or allowed to think

for themselves. It is a period

where they have to leave their

childhood dreams and accept the

realities of life. If we can learn to

trust them, to respect their views,

to treat them as the young adults

they are - and at the same time

still love them as we did when

they were children, then may be

they will be able to accept these

realities and take on the task to

improve the world we live in.

If not, they may rebel against

society and in effect, against us.

We can see Swamishri preparing

yesterday’s children to become

tomorrow’s leaders...

Joe (German Youth) : I’ve travelled all over India. I’ve been observing you and your activities. Can’t you make the same improvements which you do here, in the West?

Swamishri : We are presently doing so.

What is the position of women in this world?

Swamishri : A woman’s position is the most important. She has to teach her children good habits... Do you drink alcohol?

Sometimes. I realise though that it’s better not to drink. Therefore I'll try to stop slowly.

Swamishri : There is no ‘trying to give up slowly’ involved in giving up addictions. We have to stop in one go. It also makes sense economically, socially and healthwise. We have many devotees abroad. They all lead alcohol-free lives. We won’t die without it! You have spent a lot of money to come to India, so you should leave something behind and take something with you. Leave your bad vices behind and take good ones back with you.

Joe : OK. What you say is right.

(3 December 1985, Amdavad)