Story 011b

A Mother Leads, Words Turn to Actions, the Family Transforms

Story 11: A Mother Leads, Words Turn to Actions, the Family Transforms

Once upon a time, there was a family consisting of a father, a mother, Aarav, and Aaron. The father worked in a vegetable wholesale business, while the mother divided her time between her role as a part-time fruit wholesaler and caring for their sons. The boys were diligent in their studies, and together they lived in harmony and peace, sharing the household chores.

Initially, the mother had a significant influence on her family. She regularly warned her husband and sons when their lifestyle became unbalanced due to, for example, excessive use of mobile devices, watching series without spiritual values, excessive playing of computer games, unhealthy eating, and neglecting bhajans, prayer, meditation, and seva activities.

But gradually, the father and sons began to listen less to the mother. She couldn't understand why her inspiring influence was waning. As a result, she decided to seek help from Guru Practice. Guru Practice listened to her story and soon understood the cause. "You also do the things you advise your family against," he said. The mother was momentarily taken aback and confessed that, although her family didn't know, she had gradually fallen into these habits as well. "Start practicing to let go of these habits by connecting everything you do with values, and come back in a week," the guru advised.

The mother felt hopeful that there was a prospect of restoring the old harmony and peace in the family. After a week of practice, she returned to the guru hoping that he would perform a miracle or give a mantra to solve her problems, but Guru Practice asked her the exact same question again. The mother admitted that she had not yet managed to let go of all the bad habits. Guru Practice continually encouraged her to keep up her efforts and to come back every week. At the fourth visit, Guru Practice said, "You can now kindly ask your family to let go of bad habits."

Now, Mother's message was truly inspiring. Her family gradually began to leave their unhealthy lifestyle behind. Mother learned that true healing begins with setting the right example yourself. Only then will your words inspire others.

Today's question: Why is it that our advice, which we do not practice ourselves, does not have a lasting effect?

Five questions of Story 11: A Mother Leads, Words Turn to Actions, the Family Transforms

1) What did the mother warn her family against?

1. a) Excessive sports

2. b) Excessive use of mobile devices and unhealthy habits

2) What did Guru Practice notice about the mother’s advice?

1. a) It was perfect.

2. b) She was not following her own advice.

3) What did the guru advise the mother to do?

1. a) To punish her family

2. b) To practice letting go of bad habits herself

4) How did the family react when the mother started setting the right example?

1. a) They ignored her.

2. b) They began changing their habits.

5) What is the moral of the story?

1. a) True healing begins with setting the right example.

2. b) It's okay to not follow your own advice.