Know thyself — free the angel
Yea, certain persons shall in this divine dispensation
produce heavenly children...
~ Abdu'l-Baha ~
KNOW THYSELF IV: Spiritual Parenting
Accompanying the child’s unique tendencies with wisdom, patience, and divine guidance.
Dear Ones,
In the three preceding articles of this series we have explored the noble potential of the human soul (KNOW THYSELF I); the subtle cosmic birthprint received at the threshold of earthly life (KNOW THYSELF II); the unique spiritual imprint — the personal measure — inscribed by the Creator in every soul (KNOW THYSELF III).
We now turn our gaze to one of the most sacred responsibilities entrusted to us: spiritual parenting, the accompaniment of the child whose angelic nature waits to be gently unfolded, such as ours still is.
As we have considered in the preceding articles, every child is a unique being shaped, in part, by the subtle cosmic and physiological influences received at birth — influences that the medical tradition, from Hippocrates to the present day, has long observed. Recognizing these early imprints helps the parent understand more clearly the child’s natural temperament and constitution, setting aside our own desires and illusions about the nature of the child, for a much greater certainty.
Yet the human being also carries a dual nature.
Every child is potentially the light of the world — and at the same time its darkness; wherefore must the question of education be accounted as of primary importance.Without wise guidance, as Abdu'l-Baha reminds us, the lower nature can easily overshadow the higher.
Man is even as steel, the essence of which is hidden: through admonition and explanation, good counsel and education, that essence will be brought to light. If, however, he be allowed to remain in his original condition, the corrosion of lusts and appetites will effectively destroy him.
True spiritual parenting therefore requires a delicate balance. On the one hand, we must protect the child from the corrosion of unchecked instincts and appetites. This is why spiritual parenting cannot rest on love and freedom alone. It must also help the child recognize both the justice and the mercy of God, so that the fear of God becomes a protection rather than a terror.
In explaining the fear of God to children… the child should be made to understand that we don’t fear God because He is cruel, but we fear Him because He is just, and, if we do wrong and deserve to be punished, then in His justice He may see fit to punish us. We must both love God and fear Him.On the other, we must never crush the tender soul through rigidity, harshness or excessive control. The Writings offer us clear guidance on this point:
Whensoever a mother seeth that her child hath done well, let her praise and applaud him and cheer his heart; and if the slightest undesirable trait should manifest itself, let her counsel the child and punish him, and use means based on reason, even a slight verbal chastisement should this be necessary. It is not, however, permissible to strike a child, or vilify him, for the child’s character will be totally perverted if he be subjected to blows or verbal abuse.This balanced approach protects the child while still honoring the unique imprint he or she carries. One child may require more structure, another more space for exploration. One may be naturally inclined toward quiet reflection, another toward active service. Our role is to notice these tendencies with humility, to pray for insight, and to offer the conditions that allow the child’s own measure to unfold — never forcing it into a mold shaped by our own unfulfilled desires or fears.
To refer to the scientific tools listed in KNOW THYSELF II should help any such conscientious gardener. The self-knowledge of both parents also greatly facilitates this task of education while contributing to the harmony of the entire family.
The Writings remind us as well of the immense responsibility and privilege of this task:
Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abhá Paradise...They also place this responsibility primarily on the shoulders of the mother who must be convinced that spiritual parenting is among the highest forms of service, and that every sincere effort in this regard will be assisted by divine grace:
O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God’s sight, the best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the perfections of humankind; and no nobler deed than this can be imaginedFor practical tools that can help nurture the innate potential of your children and support the unfolding of their angelic nature, you are warmly invited to visit our page: CHILDREN RESOURCES.
The presence of our little ones being invaluable, may we, their parents and guardians, learn to honor their unique imprint.
.…another step toward our angelic nature.
Be wonderfully blessed!
Loesha
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