Let be and let go

We just do not let others be what they are. We also cling to our young ones for too long. Of course, this may be truer of Eastern cultures than Western. We like to control the lives of our dependants in every single matter, whereas we are not given the power to change even a comma in their lives.

Read the book 'Sidhartha' by Herman Hesse. Sidhartha was the son of a Brahmin (Indian priest class) who was very respected for his piety and knowledge. Sidhartha got restless as a youth, disobeyed his father and left the house in search of truth and wisdom. After going through a lot of pleasure and pain, he settled down to a simple life. From the pleasure episodes of his life, he had a son from a city courteasn. The death of the mother forced the boy to leave the comforts of the city and move in with his father. Being accustomed to the city life, the young bird was not able to adjust to the rustic one. Sidhartha was forever compelling him to do the chores of a simple life and the son was getting rebellious. Sidhartha was getting frustrated at his inability to teach his son the right ways. After one such episode, Sidhartha's old friend talks to him thus, " Why do you want him to do as you wish? Why don't you let him be. You resented your father running your life for you and now you are doing the same to your son. All the knowledge and virtue gained by your father due to his religious sacrifices did not help you escape the pain of life you were to undergo. You had to start afresh and learn it your way. Now you want your knowledge to shield your son from his destiny. Don't make the same mistake, my friend" ( ideas are of Hermann Hesse, words are mine ).

Stop playing God. Let be and let go. Advise, when necessary but be content with it being rejected. And, do not feel so responsible for the lives of others. It would be blasphemy to do so.