23 June 2013 - QA 5

Gurudev, how do I explain the idea of success to my children in simple straight words?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:

Children do not mind success or failure. For kids I would say leave them as they are and don’t try to put a concept of success or failure in their minds. Let them experience life in totality; as it comes to them.

For adults I have a different formula. For adults, measure your success by the numbers of hours you smile. Your smile and your confidence indicates your success. Your fearlessness and ability to share and care for people indicate your success.
As far as kids are concerned, tell them that whatever is the result, it is fine. Whether they win a prize or they lose, its okay. If they pass an exam or if they do not do so well, it’s okay. Just remind them that they need to pass the exam, need to study little more, and put a little more effort. Do not try to impose this idea that they have to be successful in life. This can become a big tension. Many teenagers have this tremendous pressure to be successful and they land up with many psychosomatic illnesses. So I would say that the natural and creative tendency that children have should be protected.