Pita Ki Chaya Me

This is a summary of the provided Jain text, "Pita ki Chaya me" (In the Shadow of the Father) by Allen Goodman, based on the excerpt:

The text describes a father's evolving feelings as he watches his 13-year-old son play baseball. The son has become skilled at the game, dedicating significant time and effort to master it. The father observes with a mixture of pride and a critical eye, as most parents do, but today his emotions are colored by a deeper sense of wonder, longing, and the bittersweet experience of his son growing up.

He reflects on the changes in his son's life, from schoolwork transitioning from crafting simple objects to more complex assignments, and how his son is entering a new phase of adolescence. The father experiences a common parental paradox: joy at his children's development and the pain of them gradually becoming independent. He notes how quickly children seem to transition between life stages, comparing it to a jarring gear change. He remembers his son's early years, the simple act of holding his finger and the nascent sense of independence he felt.

The narrative then shifts to discuss the broader themes of parenthood and legacy. The father acknowledges a common paternal inclination to guide children along their own path and impart their learned wisdom. However, he's also coming to terms with the idea that children must forge their own learning experiences, even if it means making similar mistakes their parents or ancestors did. He quotes English novelist Doris Lessing, suggesting that children must walk the same path to learn things in their own unique way. This realization leads him to understand his own father's journey of learning about deep emotions, attachment to children, and the necessity of eventually letting them go.

The baseball game concludes, and the son approaches his father, handing him the glove and ball. The son then heads off with his teammates to get pizza, calling back to his father, "Thanks for coming, Dad." The father waves back, acknowledging the truth of how quickly children grow up.

The text then provides two anecdotal examples to illustrate its themes:

• The Bank Robbery Analogy: A bank robber hands a note to the teller demanding money. The teller cleverly writes back, "Fix your tie, you goof. Security cameras are watching your face." This illustrates a quick-witted, independent response, perhaps akin to how children develop their own problem-solving skills.

• The Business Executive's Dilemma: A highly successful business executive suffers a significant financial loss due to a fraudulent scheme. Overwhelmed and ashamed, he breaks down in his office. His computer then responds, "You think you're the only one struggling? Look at me, I was trying to make at least five hundred thousand in this game." This highlights the idea that even those perceived as having everything can face immense challenges and that everyone has their own struggles and ambitions.

In essence, "Pita ki Chaya me" explores the emotional journey of a father as his son navigates adolescence and growing independence. It delves into the universal experiences of parenthood, the anxieties and joys of watching children mature, and the evolving understanding of legacy and learning across generations.