Tag: Father’s Day Special

Fatherhood and Beyond: Unveiling the Deeper Meaning of Father’s Day

Greetings! Happy Father’s Day to all dear fathers.

Introduction: The Power of Fatherly Love: Celebrating Father’s Day with Gratitude”

Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honouring and celebrating the paternal figures in our lives. Beyond the gifts and gestures, it presents an opportunity to delve into the profound significance of fatherhood from a philosophical and scholarly standpoint. In this article, we explore the multifaceted role of fathers, their impact on individuals and society, and contemplate their place in the broader context of Vedanta philosophy.

The Role of Fathers:

Fathers play a crucial role in shaping the lives of their children. They serve as providers, protectors, and guides, offering love, support, and wisdom along life’s journey. A father’s influence extends beyond the immediate family, contributing to the fabric of society at large. Through their actions and teachings, fathers instil values, impart knowledge, and help cultivate the character of their children.

The Impact of Fatherhood:

Research has shown the positive effects of involved and caring fathers on child development. A father’s presence fosters emotional stability, enhances cognitive abilities, and promotes healthy social relationships. By being actively engaged in their children’s lives, fathers contribute to their overall well-being and growth, offering a unique perspective and complementary nurturing style.

Vedantic Perspective on Fatherhood:

Vedanta, a philosophical tradition rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the pursuit of self-realization. From this perspective, fatherhood is seen as a divine opportunity for spiritual growth and service.

In the realm of generation and procreation, the role of the father, while significant, cannot be isolated or fully appreciated without acknowledging the indispensable presence of the mother. From a spiritual perspective, this divine dance of creation embodies the harmonious interplay between masculine and feminine energies, symbolizing the fundamental duality of existence.

In Vedanta, the relationship between a father and child symbolizes the eternal bond between the individual soul (jivatma) and the supreme soul (Paramatma). Just as a father provides for his child’s needs, the Supreme Being sustains and nourishes all of creation. Recognizing this connection, fatherhood becomes a sacred duty and an opportunity for selfless service, aligning one’s actions with the universal harmony.

Lessons from Fatherhood:

Fatherhood teaches us profound lessons about life, love, and sacrifice. It reminds us of the importance of selflessness, as fathers often put the needs of their children above their own. The unconditional love and support received from a father become the foundation upon which individuals build their lives, instilling values that guide them even in adulthood.

Moreover, fatherhood serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of life and the need to appreciate and cherish every moment. Children grow up quickly, and fathers play an essential role in helping them navigate the world and find their purpose. This transient nature of fatherhood urges us to make the most of the time we have with our fathers, expressing our gratitude and affection while they are still present in our lives.

Four key words—role model, mentorship, provider, and support—paint a picture of the invaluable contributions fathers make in our lives. They shape us, guide us, provide for us, and uplift us. Let us celebrate and express our heartfelt gratitude for their profound impact on Father’s Day and every day.

Conclusion:

Father’s Day provides an occasion to reflect on the profound impact fathers have on individuals and society. Through their presence, guidance, and love, fathers shape the lives of their children, fostering personal growth, and contributing to the betterment of the world. Vedanta philosophy reminds us of the sacredness of fatherhood, highlighting the opportunity for spiritual growth and selfless service that it entails.

Through selflessness and devotion, he illuminates the path of his children, kindling the flame of their spirits, and instilling in them the virtues that will guide them on their journey. As we celebrate fathers today, let us acknowledge their profound role in shaping lives, and honor the eternal bond they share with the source of all creation. May fathers be blessed with strength, wisdom, and love, and may their spirits continue to shine brightly as beacons of light in the lives of their children.

Father’s Day Special: One story of Father and his Son

Ancient story: Sage Uddalaka and his son Shvetaketu~PART-1

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY [2022]: TO ALL FATHERS

Introduction: (Conceptual):

Generation and procreation is an autonomous system. That is what the essence of this part.

KHANDA-II of AITAREY UPANISHAD

The creation of human body is described in order to inculcate a sense of dispassion by showing the impermanence of the body. Creation continues through procreation. A man is born, he gives birth to a son and he takes rebirth after death. This signifies that a person has really three births. The procreative fluid of a father is said to be the essence of his Self. The mother looks after it during pregnancy as her own Self. After birth, the parents nourish the child so that he can be their substitute for performance of pious deeds.

The importance of natal care and oneness of the father and the son are emphasized.

KHANDA-II (Chapter-4)

Three Births of the Self [ Three incarnations]:

Sloka: 4.1- First Birth :”The Pregnant Father”

This Jiva in the male body of his father first becomes semen. This semen is the vigour extracted and transformed from all the limbs. First the father holds and nourishes it in his own body and rears it which is not different from him. When he injects this in mother’s body he procreates himself in the form of a foetus. This is his first birth.

Sloka: 4.2- :”The Development of the Foetus”

That semen becomes one with the woman-just like a limb of her own. That is why it does not hurt her. She nourishes this self of his that has come into her.

Sloka: 4.3- Second Birth :”The Pregnant Mother”

She, being the nourisher of the child , should be nourished. The woman nourishes the embryo. Immediately after its birth the father nourishes the child. Nourishing the child from birth onward, he thus nourishes himself for the continuation of these worlds. For thus alone are these worlds perpetuated. This is one’s second birth.

Sloka: 4.4- Third Birth :”The Pregnant Son”

Father himself becomes son. When son comes of age, father entrusts him with all the family duties and responsibilities and frees himself from parental debt. As life span of father shortens, father departs from this world and takes birth in another womb according to his Karma. This is his third birth. Thus the cycle of birth and death continues and become a bondage till he does not realize the truth, the reality.

Sloka: 4.5- “Breaking Through Iron Fetters”

 Rishi Vamadeva realized the truth while he was in mother’s womb.

Rishi said ” While yet in embryo, I knew all the births of these Deities!, i.e. the inner senses and Indriyas are subjected to birth and death and not the Atman. Before I realized  this secret I had to pass through several Births which are compared with cages made of Iron. I was so attached with them that it was very difficult for me to get rid of those iron gates. Now by applying full strength of knowledge I broke all the fetters, became detached. Like a hawk, I escaped, being free and now I have no relation with the body. I am not the Body.”

Sloka: 4.6- ” The Jivanmukti and Videhamukti of Vamadeva”

Having gained the knowledge of Atman, and freedom from Body Consciousness, Vamadeva took his Upward path. He attained the heavenly world of Bliss and fulfilled all his desires. He became immortal, yes He became immortal !!!

” Freedom from Body” : We can understand this in two ways:

  1. Death: This is applicable to a mortal
  2. Freedom from Body-Consciousness: Upward path towards Nirvikalpa Samadhi.

For a man, once the highest state of True realization is reached, the attainment of the Heavenly worlds of Bliss accompanies him, while still in the Body. While still in the body, the realized state experiences the Supreme Bliss. He enjoys all he desires.

Self Realization is the only way to come out of the bondage of repetitive cycle of Birth and Death. For that one should have Vairagya.

The three “Aavasthas”(states) and “Swapnas”(Dreams): in relation to Three Births:

Three Aavasthas are three dwelling places occupied by the Supreme Being after HE enters the body. The three Swapna state (Swapna Aavasthas) because of ignorance.

Until man realize the Supreme truth and awakens to his spiritual destiny, he is considered to be in the state of Dream(Swapna).