Getting Through Father’s Day by Arpit Om

When I was growing up, this day didn’t have any significance, much less a celebration. Nevertheless, with social media growing, Father’s Day has become a trendy day to celebrate, like festivals, anniversaries, national days, or your dog’s birthday. Father’s Day has been something I intentionally neglected over the past 15 years since my father passed away. Thanks to the brutal reminders of social media, you simply cannot ignore it anymore!

Some see it as a chance to get the whole family together, have a lovely barbecue party beneath the glowing sun, and surprise their fathers with presents. However, for others, it may trigger some terrible experiences and upsetting memories. If you fall into that second category, then getting through the third Sunday in June is a bit harder.

Fatherhood! Why not explore this concept from the perspective of our scriptures?

“Ek pita, ekas ke hum baarik” – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Raag Sorath, Ang 612.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji beautifully explains that we are all children of the same Father. He is our guide, our Guru. The entire universe is His playground. He is our shelter and our honor. All beings and creatures are His creation. All that happens is His doing; we can do nothing ourselves. With the perfect Guru, one can win the arduous battlefield of life and feel Him, the Father.

“Aham Bija-Prada Pita” – Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 14.4.

In the Bhagavad-Gita, Shri Krishna says: I am the Father of not just human beings but of all that exists. They are present not only on this planet, but also on other planets, including the highest, where Brahma resides. Srila Prabhupada Ji emphasized universal brotherhood and accepting Shri Krishna as the Supreme Father of every living being.

“For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one Spiritual Father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you.” – Bible, 1 Corinthians, 4:15.

It asserts outright here that we have one Spiritual Father. One must not be divided over loyalties to other personalities. One’s relationship with the Supreme Father is eternal.
If one has a perfect Guru as a father, as a guardian, how could one fear any distress or anxiety?

We all have a father, our Guru, who is ever gracious, compassionate, and loving. He is our role model. He not only stirs us to realize our full potential, but also works with us silently as a true father does without expecting anything in return. When all that we possess comes from His grace, who can offer anything to Him? The above meme sums us up perfectly! 😃

Having no worldly father doesn’t mean the universe hasn’t taken care of you. In fact, for me, it has not only provided the essential material comforts but has also blessed me with the radiant shield of my master’s grace, the father of all fathers – our beloved, Swamiji.

Our lives are full of His infinite love, so let us embrace the gift of His presence. Greetings to our most beloved Swamiji on Father’s Day (albeit belated) – we love You!