Parents feel that the best way to express love for the child is material satisfaction of wants — the excess of which is inimical to spiritual growth. Other ways through which a family can hinder the engagement with spirituality is by not allowing solitude and silent demeanour owing to their concern for the child. The problem is the contradiction between the hardships of a truly spiritual life and leniency of family constantly moderating it for the worse.
—Ashutosh, India
One of the greatest challenges for all children is to not blame their parents, environment or circumstances for what they have become. We can choose our destiny. True, we inherit our parent’s DNA but what attracted those parents? Our karma.
Our parents often have an entirely different perspective. Perhaps they grew up in very different circumstances. Certainly, they grew up in a different time and most importantly, with different karma. Responding to that, they have tried to make things better for their children. From yet another perspective, we have received the perfect circumstance, all around, from God to fulfill our life purpose and grow spiritually. We have to learn to take responsibility for who we are and what we will become. The following was written by Swami Kriyananda. I think you will find it helpful.
The Vow of Superconscious Living
by Swami Kriyananda
I vow from this day forth
To be true to my higher, Superconscious Self;
To be a channel of light,
Of blessing and love to all;
To live in joy, not sorrow;
In truth, not error;
In victory, not failure;
And in times of adversity,
To blame no one but myself;
And then instead of blame,
To accept responsibility,
With God’s help,
For changing myself.
