Should parents teach religion to children?

Parents should teach children authentic spirituality. Genuine spirituality is based on practical teachings that lead to demonstrable results--to the direct experience of the Supreme Being. Instead of teaching children mental and emotional gymnastics of religious dogmas that create an illusion of spirituality, they should be shown and inspired to follow an approach to the spiritual path that actually works.

As I have said many times in the past, ordinary religion is mostly a secular phenomenon, contaminated by limiting thinking (dogma) and, most importantly, lacking in spiritual practice that leads to the direct experience of God. In the name of spirituality, religion encourages empty ritual and outdated worldviews, and, therefore, outdated ideas, ideologies and laws. Genuine spiritual teachings with their orientation toward a rational approach to living, authentic spiritual practice, love and service are too threatening for religious mentality, which is based on fear and hunger for power (such as proselytizing in the name of service).

The best way to encourage genuine spirituality in children is for the parents themselves to cultivate their own spiritual practice. Parents must become role models for their children, because children do not listen to the words of their parents, but are inspired by their behavior. Parents should create a pure environment at home, begin meditating, find a competent teacher, and under his or her direction, start moving on their own spiritual path. Parents cannot convey to children something that they only vaguely understand themselves. There is not need to pressure children—they will follow your lead according to their natures. Regularly discuss spiritual topics with children: How does meditation work? What is the difference and similarity between spirituality and religion? What is ethics? Is morality something fixed? What is the goal of human life and how does one reach it?

How fortunate are the children who have parents who ask such questions!