How far can I depend on others to develop my personality ?_ Question asked by a young student.

Answer :

This is the most crucial time of your precious life.  You are young and there is tremendous youth energy in you.  You should be very alert and careful.  This is the right time for you to mould your life and character.  Young people always want freedom, without knowing the meaning of the term.  You are still young and your mind is not yet fully matured.  Restless mind and turbulent senses will always try to pull you down.  Giving freedom to such minds and senses is a sign of weakness and certainly harmful.  Since you are not able to discriminate between the right and the wrong, it is always better for you to seek advice of elders, specially your parents and teachers in serious matters.  They are your well-wishers.  Their mature advice will certainly help you to follow the right path.  Even if they scold you for your mistakes, it is for your good.  Since they love you, and are interested in your well being, you should take it in the right spirit._Swami Srikantananda