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Being obedient is not a matter of sympathy or compulsion
but it is display of respect and humbleness towards our elders
which is worth appreciation.

This dependency on our elders proves instrumental in
eliminating our bad points like ego, pride, freedom,
independency, etc. Can you term such respect and obedience to
be a subject of sympathy and compulsion ? Can you consider
it to be a fault ?

Instead, living life recklessly without consideration for others
and acting according to our free will is the greatest fault.

Because,

Since eternal times this soul is habituated to walk on the
wrong path obstructing one’s own welfare. Dependency on
elders can act as the soul’s saviour.

We come upon the wrong path because of our independence
and acting according to our own will. On the contrary, if we
stay dependent on our elders, then they save us from going
on the wrong path.

You can examine a little child in day-to-day life. If he acts
according to his own mind what will be the result ? Will it
be good or bad ? Will he always speak the truth or sometimes
resort to lies for his self interest ? Will he always be just
or sometimes walk on the path of theft-injustice ? Will he
have sweets, etc. in proportion or sometimes succumb to his
taste buds and savour sweets beyond his capacity ? Without
any instructions, will a 5-6 year old child study sincerely or
just play all day ? Will he let go small matters or fight with
his siblings and friends ? All children are generally inclined
towards the negative.

Here, if they do not stay dependent and obey their parents
they are bound to go the wrong way. If the initial phase is
22. A Faithful Wife 109