Chapter 7: The Blessing of Children

Verse 70
A proud father stands smilingly with his accomplished sons before a crowd. All are impressed by the sons’ closeness and humility.

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Weaver’s Wisdom

Verse 61

Of all blessings we know of none greater than
the begetting of children endowed with intelligence.

Verse 62

Those who bear children of blameless character
will be untouched by evil for seven births.

Verse 63

It is said that children are a man’s real wealth,
and that this wealth is determined by his deeds.

Verse 64

Far sweeter than divine nectar is simple boiled rice
stirred by the small hands of one’s own child.

Verse 65

The touch of one’s children is a delight to the body,
and listening to them chatter is a joy to the ear.

Verse 66

“Sweet are the sounds of the flute and the lute,” say those
who have not heard the prattle of their own children.

Verse 67

A father benefits his son best by preparing him
to sit at the forefront of learned councils.

Verse 68

What pleasure it is to human beings everywhere
when their children possess knowledge surpassing their own!

Verse 69

When a mother hears her son heralded as a good and learned man,
her joy exceeds that of his joyous birth.

Verse 70

The son’s duty to his father is to make the world ask,
“By what great austerities did he merit such a son?”