spiritual songs

Reflecting on my many years as both a pediatrician and a parent, I’ve come to recognize how intricately linked our spiritual journey is with the everyday realities of raising children. Years ago, as I sat in my clinic, a harried mother approached me with concerns about her son’s health. As we spoke, I realized that her worries extended beyond physical ailments; she was navigating the vast seas of parenting, seeking a compass by which to guide her child through life. It was in that moment that I recalled my own experiences and the teachings of Swami, which have acted as a beacon of light in my own journey, both as a father and a seeker of truth.

In guiding you, dear parent, I wish to introduce you to the concept of Sai-centric Parenting. It is about nurturing what I call the Four Pillars of Life: Health, Relationships, Financial Values, and Knowledge. When aligned with the T.E.A.R. Formula—Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, Results—these pillars form a robust foundation for your child’s life.

Health is the first pillar, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Swami often emphasized that the body is the temple of the spirit. Through conscious communication, we can instill gratitude for health. A simple bedtime routine I adopted with my children involved thanking our bodies for all they allowed us to do that day, thus promoting healthy habits and appreciation. When children learn to regulate their emotions through practices such as deep breathing or a gratitude journal, they become adept at maintaining mental balance, which reflects in their actions and eventually, their health results.

Moving on to Relationshipsthe heart of our existence, Swami’s teachings remind us to see the divine in everyone. In practice, this means fostering empathy and understanding through seva (service). I recall organizing a small service project for my children where they helped prepare meals for a local shelter. This not only nourished their sense of compassion but also built stronger familial bonds as we reflected on our shared experiences. Conscious communication in relationships—through active listening and expressing love—creates an emotional environment where children learn the importance of caring actions and receive loving results.

In terms of Financial ValuesSwami’s guidance shapes our understanding of true wealth. He taught that contentment is the greatest treasure and this reflects on how we guide our children in financial matters. By involving children in simple budgeting activities or encouraging them to save for a purpose, we teach them the value of money, not as an end in itself, but as a means to serve others and expand their capacity to give. This value-based upbringing results in actions driven by responsibility and choices made with integrity.

Finally, Knowledge—both worldly and spiritual—ought to be pursued. Swami professed that education is for life, not merely for a living. My children’s bedtime stories often included tales from Swami’s life, creating a space where spiritual knowledge naturally intertwined with day-to-day learning. This practice fostered not just a love for reading, but also a desire for lifelong learning spurred by curiosity. We encourage our children to question and explore, resulting in a deep-seated love for knowledge that directs their actions towards positive growth and purposeful living.

Embarking on this journey of parenting with spiritual insight and practical wisdom allows us to discipline with love, to see every moment as an opportunity for growth, and to plant seeds of morality and empathy in the fertile ground of youth. As Swami said, “Education that does not foster the qualities of humility, harmony, and brotherhood is no education.”

Please share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comment box below. I read every comment with love and deep respect.