The concept of the Divine Father, the masculine aspect of God, has permeated human consciousness since time immemorial. Whether it be Zeus in Greek mythology, Shiva more familiarly, or the Sun from the perspective of Vedic astrology, various philosophies strongly endorse this father figure. Tomorrow is Father’s Day, which is a great opportunity to express gratitude to our fathers for all that we owe them.
When Lord Vishnu incarnated on earth as Krishna, there were two special men who played the role of father: his biological father, Vasudeva, and his adoptive father, Nanda Baba. Krishna was born in a prison where his biological parents were held captive by the evil Kamsa. Through the divine interaction of Maya, Vasudeva carried the baby Krishna to his cousin Nanda Baba’s house in Gokul on a stormy night, saving his life from the evil machinations of his uncle Kamsa. Krishna was his father’s prized possession, who ensured that the little prince was raised safe and sound from the dangers that were always lurking around the corner.
In Vedic culture, the father is also considered the first diksha guru, responsible for the spiritual development of his child. The father facilitates the introduction into the Vedic tradition and provides the first spiritual initiation, which helps the child become aware of his heritage and gain a perspective beyond the materialistic perspective of life. Traditionally, the father also ensures that the child is sent to an appropriate gurukul to further his learning; of course, this is a responsibility shared by modern parents.
We are one of the youngest countries in the world, with an average age of 29, and we have a culture that has captured the hearts of people all over the world. With the International Day of Yoga celebrated on the 21st and the popularity of sustainable diets, our ancient way of life is gaining new appreciation in today’s stressful and tense world.
Children need the presence of healthy father and mother archetypes during their formative years to develop holistically. It is the responsibility of today’s young parents to transmit the ancient wisdom and culture to the next generation so that it can continue to contribute to humanity for centuries to come. And, of course, it is also important to show gratitude to fathers for the role they have played in our lives. So, whether your father is taking a day off from work or retired years ago, tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to plan a special experience for him and find a way to thank him for all he has done for you.
Published on: Saturday, June 15, 2024, 06:00 AM (IST)
