Sibling Rivalry

When children of the same parents behave differently and at times fight each other, we wonder what is happening. Only in Hindi movies, we have seen that separated on birth one becomes a Police officer and other a Villain and fight to death or reconcile at the end. However, the truth is different. Even though scientific studies prove that both nature and nurture (Genes and Environment) affect behaviour, nurture matters the most. Often, sibling rivalry starts even before the second child is born, and continues as the kids grow and compete for everything from toys to attention. As kids reach different stages of development, their evolving needs can significantly affect how they relate to one another. It can be frustrating and upsetting to watch your kids fight with one another. A household that is full of conflict is stressful for everyone. Yet often it is hard to know how to stop the fighting and usually futile.

Sibling rivalry is not new. It has started with the creation of the universe itself as per Hindu mythology. Brahma created many Prajapatis who in turn created the universe, the primary creator being Kasyapa Prajapati. His children includes Gods, Asuras, demons, Gandharvas, Yakshas, birds, snakes, reptiles, cows and many more. As you can see, most of them are enemies by birth and never can reconcile with each other. Gods fight with Asuras and Demons and Birds eat snakes.

Kashyapa, son of Sage Marichi, is considered to be the father of all the devas, asuras, nagas and all of humanity. Daksha Prajapati married thirteen of his daughters to Sage Kasyapa. The daughters of Daksha married to Kasyapa are Aditi, Diti, Danu, Arista, Surasa, Khasa, Surabhi, Vinata, Tamra, Krodhavasa, Ira, Kadru and Muni.

From Aditi have sprung the twelve Adityas who are the lords of the universe. The 33 crores of Devas came into being from the twelve Adityas.

The Daityas or Asuras were born from Kasyapa’s second wife Diti. The chief Daityas are Hiranyakasipu and  Hiranyaksa.

Danu had forty sons, called Danavas.

Gandharvas was born to Arista.

Surasa gave birth to Nagas (serpents) and Kadru gave birth to Uragas(reptiles). Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka, Kumara, and Kulika are known to be the sons of Kadru.

Two daughters named Rohini and Gandharvi were born to Surabhi. Cattles were born from Rohini and horses from Gandharvi.

Grass on earth originated from Ira and Muni gave birth to the Yaksas.

Krodhavasa gave birth to ten daughters. Of these Mrgi gave birth to beasts, Mrgamanda to trees and plants. Lions and monkeys are the children of Hari, Bhadramada got a daughter named Iravati. Airavata was the son of Iravati. From Matangi were born the elephants and from Sarduli the tigers. The Astadiggajas are the sons of Sveta. Pradha’s children are Apsaras.

Sons of Vinata are Garuda and Aruna, the birds.

Tamra had five daughters named Kraurici, Bhasi, Syeni, Dhrtarastri and Suki. Of these Kraurici delivered owls, Bhasi delivered Bhasas, Syeni, Kites and Vultures, Dhrtarastri, swans, geese and cuckoos.

With such a lineage, can we even have peace in this world?