QnA with Sri Sri
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Q: Could you speak about the responsibility of children to their parents? How appropriate are old-age homes?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Today, when children are staying in another country, they are busy with their kids, there is nothing wrong to have older people living in a community, where there is more spiritual activity. We should not call it old-age home, we should call it Vrudhashram. Vanaprasthashram, not even Vrudhashram. This is what they used to do in the past. After 50, people used to go to Vanaprasthashram. 50-75. Till the age of 25 it is Bramhacharya Ashram, where you study and focus on your career. Then from 25 to 50, enjoy your household life. Do all that you want to do. Raise kids, educate them, get them married, and give them responsibility. Then, when you are above 50 or 60, take Vanaprasthaashram. Live in community not just for your children, but for everybody. Expand your avenue of advice and action. Advise all other kids. Do something meaningful for the society. That is Vanaprasthaashram.
Then, Sanyaas. After 75-80, when you cannot do anything, then you dedicate yourself to the spiritual cause. No need of running around and doing any activity. Wherever you stay, be still. And know I am complete.

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