~~OM~~

How do a couple know they are right to have kids? What makes a good parent?

Unfortunately, too few people ask this question before they begin families, and I appreciate your asking it in advance. It is time to begin talking about the possibility of having children when a relationship is not just secure and stable but also has so much love that that love calls to be manifested in a greater commitment of sharing. When we feel so full to overflowing that we want to share our abundance, that is the time to begin the discussion of we might go about doing that through having children.

A good parent would be an individual who has tremendous patience, knows their goals in life, and wants to sacrifice one way of life for another, in order to demonstrate the sincerity of his or her devotion. A good parent is simultaneously both a good teacher and a good student, and will rejoice in sharing the learning experience of family growth.

~~OM~~

Q: Why does the Shanti mantra bring so much noise both inside and outside?
Like ringing a bell during the Shanti mantra.

A: You know, Dilip, the bell is despised by all ashuras!
They can't stand the noise!

In fact, I want to make such a racket that I can't even hear the ashuras calling out,
"Hey, stop that, Swami! Stop that noise!"

Do you know how many voices are calling out to you every time you say,
"Shanti, shanti, shanti"?

You just want to say shanti louder than them!
And that's why we make such a ruckus.