(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 October 2013, Melbourne, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.8)
One should never think that we possess anything in this world, not even our children. Our children, they are independent from us; living beings on their own destiny who are placed under our care for sometime, that is all. It is not that they are part of us, ”Something of me lives in this child.” That is illusion.
Genetically, it can be proven, fine! But genes have nothing to do with our identity, absolutely nothing – they are simply part of our bodies. The soul is not determined by genetic clumps in any way. The soul is completely aloof and therefore, why single out one living entity over another and get very affectionate towards one particular living entity and not affectionate towards another.
Maybe if it is based on devotional service, then that criteria is right, that we feel particularly affectionate towards one living being because that living being is very much eager to serve Krsna. That is when we are free from illusion otherwise when we are bound by all kinds of different affections in this world – deep, emotional, we feel it so strong. If it is due to temporary relationships then we are in illusion – we are in maya!