Mother’s Duty

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Gitanjali, Bangalore

May 1, 1962

Padma, I could not talk to you separately at Parthi. You yourself might have observed. However, there was not even a single day of leisure this time. Therefore, I couldn’t find time to talk to any of the old devotees. I thought of finding an occasion to speak, at least, to your father. But since there were people around, always, there was no opportunity to do so.

The main matter at present is that as it is the month of May and by the end of this month, the children have to be admitted to school. They have to be brought to Bangalore for admission. Otherwise, children get spoilt because of the mistakes and lapses of the elders. The path of life opened to you is to take good care of them. Don’t worry about your own life. The one who has planted the sapling, He will certainly water it.

It was your good fortune to have come to Swami and earned His grace at this time. Swami takes care of everything. One should think and imagine that all this time is for one’s good. Don’t think that is ‘bad time’. When the blood in the body itself changes, won’t the feelings born of the mind change? Did Ratnakara always remain a robber? Did he not change into Valmiki? Angulimala too, did not remain a thumb-cutting king of thieves forever. In the same way, your husband will quickly change into a good man. Swami will not disappoint you. Just now, do not give room for such brooding, but work hard for the progress of the children, dear one (nayana). See to it that they become persons of good character and distinguished in education. That is the duty of the mother, isn’t it? You may be thinking as to how long this will go on. Don’t wait for time. Wait for duty and action. Time comes along with them.

In such matters, action is more important than time. Time may be any time (good or bad). But, if the action is pure, then the time will also be purified. Isn’t the good or bad time the consequences of actions? So, accepting this as Swami’s command, perform your duty and righteous actions. Don’t shed tears for difficulties and losses. Shed tears for God, the Lord. There is none in the world free from difficulties and losses, but there are many who do not have the grace of the Lord. So, one must try to achieve what one does not have and not get depressed.

Don't brood over what has already passed. Past is past. The stale rice cannot become fresh again. First, think of life’s support and life's bliss. That is important. Bangaroo (literally gold, but used as a term of endearment), go with courage and enthusiasm to Bangalore with the children. Swami’s grace is there and will be there in every way. If grace had not been there, who knows what would been your condition? Very soon, your lives will be free from problems, and yours will be a bright family. Don’t worry.

Yours

Baba

(Translation from Telugu)