The innocent child

On 9th June 2010, I was in Ahmedabad with my family. I reached at about 7:00pm and Rishi (my son) just woke up from the afternoon sleep as he had a party day the night before. He likes me a lot so talks a lot to me. We sat in the balcony and he started - Pappu (he calls me that lovingly), you know what. My friend told me that we all have soul which resides here (He points to his forehead). And when we die, it goes to God. This is not true. Isn't it" he asked. I did not know what to reply. Looking at his age, I was a little confused, but thought of telling him what I thought of body and souls. "Dear, some say there is soul and some don't believe in it. If there is soul, it is in our body and no one knows where it is exactly located. And yes, people say that it merges with the supreme power after the body dies. I don't know if the should exists or not as I am not sure if the supreme power- the God exists or not." He spontaneously told me - "I know pappu that God exists, I was not sure about soul". There were a lot of discussions thereafter - about his school, studies, friends and so on.


In the night we all were at the dinner table, having our dinner. Rishi, Rhea, Deepali and myself. Rishi started again "Pappu, if the soul exists, then we take birth again and again. Isn't it? And you once said that I was a hippo in my previous birth as I like water a lot. Will I be a Hippo in my next birth too"? I said- "Yes, you may become one if you like water. We all will come to meet you in the jungle and watch you playing in the water." "Okay, that is fine" he said "When you come over to watch me, will you hold my hand and take me with you. I want to stay with you in all my lives"?

I was moved by his innocence and touched by his feelings. It felt very good. I kissed him on the head. He was busy eating his food and was unaware of the emotional storm going inside me. I felt like I put him in my pocket and keep him with me for the eternity. I don't know what will happen when he grows up, but I can always see a lot of love for me in his eyes.