According to ancient Indian philosophy, there are at least six kinds of mother: --
- Mother who gave birth to us.
- Mother who brought us up, Often mother who gives birth also brings us up but it is not necessary in every case and hence who brings us up is a mother.
- Mother who is source of our life. Those powers of nature which are feminine in nature.
- Mother who holds us as we are. Our motherland, where we are born and grow. which feeds us without any condition.
- Mother who feeds us. The Cow who feeds us with milk throughout our life.
- One who is seen as a mother by others: Our ‘Guru’ (Teacher) mother, our friend’s mother, any woman who is a mother, any elderly lady etc.