What should be your parenting style: like Lord Ram or like Lord Krishna?
In Hindu mythology there are two great epics. One is called Ramayan and other is called Mahabharata. The centre story of both these books is around victory of good on evil. In one story Lord Ram leads his army to defeat Ravana in his land, while in the second, Lord Krishna oversees the defeat of Pandavas in the battle at Kurushektra.
In Ramayan, Lord Ram is the best yodhaa of his side. He leads his army from the front. Strategies and directs different people to do things which will meet the objectives. His people are happy to follow orders and want to get all the appreciation for being the best executors. Lord Ram sets the direction and also tells people what to do during difficult times.
Ultimately they win the war and the final outcome was achieved.
On the other hand, Lord Krishna told Arjuna, “I won’t fight the battle. I won’t pick up any weapon; I would only be there on your chariot as a charioteer.” And he did what he said. He never picked up the weapon, and he never fought.
Still, Pandavas won the war and the final outcome was achieved.
So, what was different? It was their leadership style. It was also the type of people who were being lead.
Lord Ram was leading an army of ‘MONKEYS’ who were not skilled fighters and they were looking for direction. While Lord Ram’s role was to show it and lead from the front.
Krishna played the role of a coach whose job was to remove cobwebs from his protégée’s mind. While on other hand, Lord Krishna was leading Arjuna who was one of the best archers of his time. Krishna couldn’t teach Arjuna archery but he could definitely help him see things from a very different perspective.
Here are some of the basic differences in two styles:
Lord Ram- skilled warrior, lead monkeys, was emotional, gave precise roles and instructions, motivated the army to fight for his cause.
Lord Krishna- works with best professionals, provides strategic clarity, allows team members to take lead, fights for the cause of the team, did not depict true emotions
Look at your team and reflect what type of leader you are, one who keeps answering/solving problems for people or who asks relevant questions from their people so that they can find their own solution. Are you someone who tells/directs all the time or someone who clarifies doubts and allows their people to find their own ways. Are you someone who has monkeys in the team and the way you deal with it or you have brightest experts in their area getting stuck with issues?
Why are we discussing this on a platform for Parenting? To find out…keep reading…
Our younger generation doesn’t want you to tell or show how things are done. They want to know the meaning of their task and how it makes a difference in their life.
They are Arjunas who don’t necessarily seek more skill/knowledge but they need someone to clarify the cobwebs in their mind. If you still apply Lord Ram’s style on them, you are bound to fail as a parent.
On the other hand, if you have children who aren’t skilled enough and rely on your expertise to sail through, Lord Ram’s style is appropriate.
Take the wrong style and you are bound to fail. Take the right style, and you are bound to succeed.
Isn’t it good for you to reflect and understand what style will bring the best result for you and your children?
