The Legacy Of Wisdom

More than a wealth or property will, a spiritual will can be of immense benefit to our progeny by instilling in them priceless values, says Jamuna Rangachari

- Jamuna Rangachari

Soon after my marriage, my late mother-in-law took me aside and told me that our family was all about promoting education. “Whatever else you may choose to do dear, please donate something to someone to promote education. This could be a book, school fees paid for a month, or the sponsorship of a child. It could even be you teaching someone on a voluntary basis,” she explained. This had actually happened in our family. My late father-in-law had sponsored the complete education of a house help, who is now employed in a bank and is always part of our family celebrations. I am proud of belonging to this lineage and would definitely wish to carry it forward. Hence, every year, in my parents-in-law’s names, we try to focus on educating others in whichever way we can and have requested our children too to follow this family tradition.

Most of us want to be remembered by our children and grandchildren for generations to come. We like to tell them how much they mean to us by leaving them valuables and assets before passing away. This is why we create a will mentioning who our possessions shall go to. While this is important, is it not more important to leave behind a spiritual will as well?

Unlike an ordinary will, a spiritual will is a document that passes on wisdom and valuable experiences rather than money. In other words, it is about values rather than valuables. It is also called an ethical will. In the Hindu tradition, it is called pitru pooja (remembering our ancestors). The ethical will is also a Jewish tradition that dates back to ancient times and emphasises a legacy of transferring values over material things. Putting together this kind of will is powerful because it validates our lives. Sometimes people feel that they haven’t done anything interesting in their lives. However, taking stock of their lives can lead them to important insights.

Spiritual legacy