Bangalore (India), May 25: HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was the key note speaker at the centenary celebrations of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
“Are you feeling at home?” asked Sri Sri right at the onset. He then shared: “Our ancient scriptures have always said that true learning happens in a relaxed environment where an exchange of ideas takes place through enquiry and questioning.”
A Q&A session followed in the relaxed atmosphere of the auditorium. Excerpts:
Q. Is life governed by free-will or destiny?
Sri Sri: Life is a combination of both. There are some things which are beyond your control. That is your destiny. Then there are things where you have a choice. That is free-will. If it’s raining outside, it’s your destiny as you have no control over the weather. However, to be wet or remain dry is your free-will.
Past is your destiny, future is your free-will. And be happy in the present. A foolish person looks at the past as free-will with regret, future as destiny and is miserable in the present.
Q. What is true love?
Sri Sri: If you have a doubt, it is true love. We always doubt the positives. We doubt our capabilities. We doubt our happiness but are 100 percent sure of our depression. We doubt a person’s honesty and doubt the existence of higher power. So what is true love? Time will tell you.
Love is what we are made up of. All negative emotions are off springs of true love.
Love without wisdom makes life miserable…love with wisdom is bliss.
Q. How can we attain that wisdom?
Sri Sri: By adopting an attitude of enquiring.
Q. How can love move science?
Sri Sri: When love for science is intense, it is already moving the world.
The ultimate aim of a researcher is not to earn a livelihood. If the main aim of a researcher is to earn a livelihood, it is not a best quality research. It has to lead to a soul-search. Research is to know. The joy of knowing is itself the goal. Getting recognition is immaterial.
Q. How do you know what level of spirituality you are at?
Sri Sri: It depends on how often your buttons can be pushed. If you have no buttons to be pushed then you are very strong.
Q. Who am ‘I’? And what ‘that’ is? Can these two questions coexist?
Sri Sri: Of course. Yes. The theory of relativity has already accepted this. The observer has an impact on the observed. This was taught some thousands of years ago. But people kept it a secret. This is where we missed out.
Q. What is true happiness?
Sri Sri: Know the reason of your unhappiness. If you remove it, then there will be happiness. Meditate. Just do the Sudarshan Kriya and you will find out.
Q. Why do thoughts come and where do they originate from? Why do the thoughts rule us?
Sri Sri: Where do the thoughts come from? From the mind, or the body? Close your eyes and think about it. That itself becomes a meditation. Then you will reach the point or space within you from where all the thoughts come. And that is fantastic.
Q. Some people have positive thoughts, while some have negative thoughts. How does one control this?
Sri Sri: By keeping a stress-free mind. If you have a stress-free mind, your thoughts will be positive.
Q. How do you know all these things?
Sri Sri: Life is a journey from an angry “I don’t know” to a beautiful “I don’t know!”
Q. What is wrong and what is right?
Sri Sri: Which gives you short term pleasure and long term misery is wrong and vice-versa.
Q. Why do other people’s feelings inflict us?
Sri Sri: Because you are not a single individual but a part of a single collective consciousness.
Q. In spite of having so many great saints why is there so much of communal violence, cascades, conflicts. What is the problem with India? Are we going wrong somewhere?
Sri Sri: People who have been involved in these activities have never been in touch with any of these spiritual leaders.
Q. Why don’t you suggest government to include spiritual knowledge at the level of class 10th, at least in India?
Sri Sri: I have been telling it. Now, you all should give voice too.
Q. How to forgive and let go of things?
Sri Sri: When you see a culprit from a broader perspective, forgiveness becomes natural.
Q. What do you consider success?
Sri Sri: A smile that nobody will take away from you - that is the greatest achievement.
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
Sunday, May 31, 2009
‘Consciousness blossoms without form and with relaxation’
Bangalore (India), May 25:
Q.: How and when will the worldwide terrorism end? How can we contribute?
Sri Sri: Terrorism can only be ended by satsang. More and more people should do satsang and work together. Satsang can change the ones who are influenced by terrorism.
Only strength cannot combat terrorism. Mindsets have to change. That is important. For that, all of you must come together as a unit and work.
Q.: How can one become strong without losing sensitivity?
Sri Sri: That needs skill. And that skill comes to you by silence.
Through silence, our internal abilities come forth. Everyone should meditate for some time regularly.
Q.: Today, the youth only think of themselves. Are family and society no longer important?
Sri Sri: The parents must also be only thinking of themselves, that’s why the kids are the same. If parents think of others, then even the kids will think of others.
This is Sanskaar (culture), which is passed down from parents to children.
Q.: Can I carry this bliss with me forever?
Sri Sri: Establish God in your body, and then you will experience Divinity. While doing Puja, (when you say keshavaya svaha etc... ) know that Keshav, Madhav (Forms of the Divine) are in the body – and that you accept this offering for them. Meditate, and sit quietly. You may offer flowers, if you have, but it is not necessary.
It is important that the mind is clean, and calm, and completely immersed in the puja.
Q.: Have I found the Divine, or did the Divine find me?
Sri Sri: Both are the same thing. Why do a post mortem?
There are two types of followers: The first type is those who follow the shastras. They are like the baby monkey. The baby monkey plays for a while but clings onto the mother wherever she goes. The mother walks on; it is the kid's responsibility to come back to the mother.
The second type is the devotees: They are like the kitten. The mother carries the kitten around in its mouth. The kitten does not have to worry about where it is and how to move.
Whatever the type, it is enough that the mother and child are together. It is the security that is important.
Q.: Even after surrendering mistakes, why does the mind feel upset?
Sri Sri: Because you did not surrender completely!
Every moment, realize that there is a new person in you. Don’t think of the past.
Q.: Is it necessary to match horoscopes for a good marriage?
Sri Sri: Check if the horoscopes are correct or not. Sometimes they are manipulated to suit someone’s needs. If you like someone in all other aspects, and everything seems okay, then it’s fine, you should go ahead and marry the person.
Q.: Do re-births happen?
Sri Sri: Yes, if you want them to. If you are free, if you have mukti, then you have the choice to come back or not; you are not forced to come back.
Q.: If I think badly of others, will something bad happen to me? Or will my positive thinking work for me?
Sri Sri: Don’t get entangled in these thoughts. Just be simple, easy, and relaxed.
If you don’t have a complicated mind, you won’t have bad thoughts. Just observe the mind and relax.
Q.: How do we handle family members who are not on the spiritual path?
Sri Sri: With skill. Do more seva (service) and praise your family. If they are harsh on you, you should praise them all the more. Change the questions and distresses into wonder, and continue doing your work. Then they will come and tell you that you have changed their life.
There is a saint from Karnataka who said, “Only with speech can there be laughter and mischief. Conflicts also arise because of speech. For the world, your speech is your wealth.”
That is why; one should learn how to talk.
Just like those who know what should be eaten at what time will never fall ill; those who know how to speak will never fight.
Q.: I’m always worried about the future and afraid of the unknown.
Sri Sri: Leave your fears behind here!
Look at the past – you always had these fears, yet wasn’t life good?
Learn from the past, be in the present and hope for the future.
Q.: When love is our essence, why do we seek love from others?
Sri Sri: Perhaps you don’t know that love is your essence – that’s why! If you knew, you wouldn’t ask.
Q.: How do we deal with corrupt people who do illegal things?
Sri Sri: With skill, patience, and courage.
Q.: When we know that we are doing something wrong, we are unable to stop ourselves? What should we do?
Sri Sri: Feel the pinch of your wrong action – it will keep pinching you and one day, you will stop.
When you feel sadness over your weaknesses, then you will be able to overcome them.
Q.: Why are we on earth? Is it to remove our karma or for something else?
Sri Sri: Give love, gain knowledge and remove karma – that is the purpose of life!
Q.: What is the significance of success in life?
Sri Sri: Success means strength, an unshakable smile that nobody can take away, and courage that does not diminish.
Success does not mean having a big bank balance. There are some very rich people, who don’t have strength of character. They don’t have any sense of belongingness, of love
They are unable to appreciate the subtleness of life.
Consciousness blossoms without form and with relaxation.
Q.: How to deal with attachment on the spiritual path?
Sri Sri: When you are aware of the attachment, then your behavior will naturally become balanced.
Q.: Sometimes there are dilemmas in life. What to do then?
Sri Sri: The problems should be taken as an opportunity to be prayerful, and in gratitude.
Q. What is trust?
Sri Sri: Trust is like breath.
Just like you can’t live without breath, you also cannot live without trust.
There are three types of trust:
Self – confidence
Faith in society
Faith in God
If any one trust is absent, then life is incomplete.
Q. What is the difference between Guru, God and the soul?
Sri Sri: Guru is knowledge, Guru is love. Guru is light,
There is no difference between Guru, God and the Soul.
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
Q.: How and when will the worldwide terrorism end? How can we contribute?
Sri Sri: Terrorism can only be ended by satsang. More and more people should do satsang and work together. Satsang can change the ones who are influenced by terrorism.
Only strength cannot combat terrorism. Mindsets have to change. That is important. For that, all of you must come together as a unit and work.
Q.: How can one become strong without losing sensitivity?
Sri Sri: That needs skill. And that skill comes to you by silence.
Through silence, our internal abilities come forth. Everyone should meditate for some time regularly.
Q.: Today, the youth only think of themselves. Are family and society no longer important?
Sri Sri: The parents must also be only thinking of themselves, that’s why the kids are the same. If parents think of others, then even the kids will think of others.
This is Sanskaar (culture), which is passed down from parents to children.
Q.: Can I carry this bliss with me forever?
Sri Sri: Establish God in your body, and then you will experience Divinity. While doing Puja, (when you say keshavaya svaha etc... ) know that Keshav, Madhav (Forms of the Divine) are in the body – and that you accept this offering for them. Meditate, and sit quietly. You may offer flowers, if you have, but it is not necessary.
It is important that the mind is clean, and calm, and completely immersed in the puja.
Q.: Have I found the Divine, or did the Divine find me?
Sri Sri: Both are the same thing. Why do a post mortem?
There are two types of followers: The first type is those who follow the shastras. They are like the baby monkey. The baby monkey plays for a while but clings onto the mother wherever she goes. The mother walks on; it is the kid's responsibility to come back to the mother.
The second type is the devotees: They are like the kitten. The mother carries the kitten around in its mouth. The kitten does not have to worry about where it is and how to move.
Whatever the type, it is enough that the mother and child are together. It is the security that is important.
Q.: Even after surrendering mistakes, why does the mind feel upset?
Sri Sri: Because you did not surrender completely!
Every moment, realize that there is a new person in you. Don’t think of the past.
Q.: Is it necessary to match horoscopes for a good marriage?
Sri Sri: Check if the horoscopes are correct or not. Sometimes they are manipulated to suit someone’s needs. If you like someone in all other aspects, and everything seems okay, then it’s fine, you should go ahead and marry the person.
Q.: Do re-births happen?
Sri Sri: Yes, if you want them to. If you are free, if you have mukti, then you have the choice to come back or not; you are not forced to come back.
Q.: If I think badly of others, will something bad happen to me? Or will my positive thinking work for me?
Sri Sri: Don’t get entangled in these thoughts. Just be simple, easy, and relaxed.
If you don’t have a complicated mind, you won’t have bad thoughts. Just observe the mind and relax.
Q.: How do we handle family members who are not on the spiritual path?
Sri Sri: With skill. Do more seva (service) and praise your family. If they are harsh on you, you should praise them all the more. Change the questions and distresses into wonder, and continue doing your work. Then they will come and tell you that you have changed their life.
There is a saint from Karnataka who said, “Only with speech can there be laughter and mischief. Conflicts also arise because of speech. For the world, your speech is your wealth.”
That is why; one should learn how to talk.
Just like those who know what should be eaten at what time will never fall ill; those who know how to speak will never fight.
Q.: I’m always worried about the future and afraid of the unknown.
Sri Sri: Leave your fears behind here!
Look at the past – you always had these fears, yet wasn’t life good?
Learn from the past, be in the present and hope for the future.
Q.: When love is our essence, why do we seek love from others?
Sri Sri: Perhaps you don’t know that love is your essence – that’s why! If you knew, you wouldn’t ask.
Q.: How do we deal with corrupt people who do illegal things?
Sri Sri: With skill, patience, and courage.
Q.: When we know that we are doing something wrong, we are unable to stop ourselves? What should we do?
Sri Sri: Feel the pinch of your wrong action – it will keep pinching you and one day, you will stop.
When you feel sadness over your weaknesses, then you will be able to overcome them.
Q.: Why are we on earth? Is it to remove our karma or for something else?
Sri Sri: Give love, gain knowledge and remove karma – that is the purpose of life!
Q.: What is the significance of success in life?
Sri Sri: Success means strength, an unshakable smile that nobody can take away, and courage that does not diminish.
Success does not mean having a big bank balance. There are some very rich people, who don’t have strength of character. They don’t have any sense of belongingness, of love
They are unable to appreciate the subtleness of life.
Consciousness blossoms without form and with relaxation.
Q.: How to deal with attachment on the spiritual path?
Sri Sri: When you are aware of the attachment, then your behavior will naturally become balanced.
Q.: Sometimes there are dilemmas in life. What to do then?
Sri Sri: The problems should be taken as an opportunity to be prayerful, and in gratitude.
Q. What is trust?
Sri Sri: Trust is like breath.
Just like you can’t live without breath, you also cannot live without trust.
There are three types of trust:
Self – confidence
Faith in society
Faith in God
If any one trust is absent, then life is incomplete.
Q. What is the difference between Guru, God and the soul?
Sri Sri: Guru is knowledge, Guru is love. Guru is light,
There is no difference between Guru, God and the Soul.
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
Truth will always triumph
Bangalore, India, May 24:
Sri Sri: All of us want to be happy and have the willingness to do something to be happy. What is the way for this?
What is the formula?
You should always think, "I don't need anything from anyone.", because attachment causes misery.
When you are happy, take a sankalpa that -
1. You don't need anything from anyone
2. You should be of use to everybody, and
3. No one can make you unhappy.
After we do something for someone, we expect thanks or gratitude from them. This expectation makes us even more miserable if they don't say thanks! We think that they are not grateful enough.
No, we don’t need anything from anyone. We should keep that sankalpa in mind. Then we can be content, and we can do whatever is possible from our end.
Q. What should we do if others take undue advantage of us?
Sri Sri: Don't let them take undue advantage! When you are fully aware, people cannot take undue advantage of you. If you go to sleep or are unaware, then the distinction between your pocket and theirs will be blurred, and they may put their hands in your pocket!
You keep doing what you want. Then no one can humiliate you. If you give room for it, only then it becomes possible. People hold on to small things and then say they are humiliated. If some guests come to your home, and you forget to offer them some tea, they will get humiliated that you didn't respect them enough by not offering them tea.
But you know that you did not mean any disrespect. You see, it is the same situation, but people view it differently.
We should see the opposing view as well. We need to be broadminded, and look at our fellow human beings as equals.
Q. My wife was not cooperative and we had a fight. I stepped outside briefly, but by the time I got back, she hung herself and committed suicide. Now I feel guilty, that I could have stopped her somehow. How can I overcome this grief?
Sri Sri: Whatever happened, don't sit and brood over it. Each moment is the start of a new life.
Whatever happened, had to happen, don't sit and think I could have done this or that, it is of no use.
Leave your burden, clear the mind, and move on.
Q. The state of society nowadays is very bad. There is suppression due to casteism and a large economic divide, and for a number of reasons, one feels lonely. How does one gather strength and gain self confidence during these times?
Sri Sri: Do you feel lonely here? (Audience says "No!")
That's it! We have satsangs here and everywhere, so you should feel like a member of a "sangha" (group).
You are not alone in your fight for justice and pursuit of peace or happiness.
Truth will always triumph.
Q. What is death? What happens after death?
Sri Sri: First, find out what is life and what happens when we are alive!
Q. What is the meaning of karma?
Sri Sri: This is my karma to listen to your question, and asking the question is your karma, and whether you get an answer or not is your karma.
Every impression, thought and action is karma.
Q. We do sadhana regularly, yet we face difficulties. Why?
Sri Sri: It is only when you face difficulties that you ask 'Why do I face difficulties?', you never ask 'Why am I happy?' when you are happy!
When we face difficulties, sadhana gives us the strength to face it, to overcome it.
Things have changed and will change. Have faith.
Q: How does one find one's true calling?
Sri Sri: How do you know when you are hungry? How do you feel pain? It's obvious, isn't it?
Your true calling will also be equally obvious; it will be like a pain in your leg.
(Audience: "But it is so confusing to make a career choice!")
Sri Sri: Choice is always between bad and worse. So just accept it and make a decision!
Q. I am a student of media, and I am always asked why the media doesn't report the truth. What is the truth? Does it exist?
Sri Sri: Only truth has existence. Everything else is maya (Illusion)!
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
Sri Sri: All of us want to be happy and have the willingness to do something to be happy. What is the way for this?
What is the formula?
You should always think, "I don't need anything from anyone.", because attachment causes misery.
When you are happy, take a sankalpa that -
1. You don't need anything from anyone
2. You should be of use to everybody, and
3. No one can make you unhappy.
After we do something for someone, we expect thanks or gratitude from them. This expectation makes us even more miserable if they don't say thanks! We think that they are not grateful enough.
No, we don’t need anything from anyone. We should keep that sankalpa in mind. Then we can be content, and we can do whatever is possible from our end.
Q. What should we do if others take undue advantage of us?
Sri Sri: Don't let them take undue advantage! When you are fully aware, people cannot take undue advantage of you. If you go to sleep or are unaware, then the distinction between your pocket and theirs will be blurred, and they may put their hands in your pocket!
You keep doing what you want. Then no one can humiliate you. If you give room for it, only then it becomes possible. People hold on to small things and then say they are humiliated. If some guests come to your home, and you forget to offer them some tea, they will get humiliated that you didn't respect them enough by not offering them tea.
But you know that you did not mean any disrespect. You see, it is the same situation, but people view it differently.
We should see the opposing view as well. We need to be broadminded, and look at our fellow human beings as equals.
Q. My wife was not cooperative and we had a fight. I stepped outside briefly, but by the time I got back, she hung herself and committed suicide. Now I feel guilty, that I could have stopped her somehow. How can I overcome this grief?
Sri Sri: Whatever happened, don't sit and brood over it. Each moment is the start of a new life.
Whatever happened, had to happen, don't sit and think I could have done this or that, it is of no use.
Leave your burden, clear the mind, and move on.
Q. The state of society nowadays is very bad. There is suppression due to casteism and a large economic divide, and for a number of reasons, one feels lonely. How does one gather strength and gain self confidence during these times?
Sri Sri: Do you feel lonely here? (Audience says "No!")
That's it! We have satsangs here and everywhere, so you should feel like a member of a "sangha" (group).
You are not alone in your fight for justice and pursuit of peace or happiness.
Truth will always triumph.
Q. What is death? What happens after death?
Sri Sri: First, find out what is life and what happens when we are alive!
Q. What is the meaning of karma?
Sri Sri: This is my karma to listen to your question, and asking the question is your karma, and whether you get an answer or not is your karma.
Every impression, thought and action is karma.
Q. We do sadhana regularly, yet we face difficulties. Why?
Sri Sri: It is only when you face difficulties that you ask 'Why do I face difficulties?', you never ask 'Why am I happy?' when you are happy!
When we face difficulties, sadhana gives us the strength to face it, to overcome it.
Things have changed and will change. Have faith.
Q: How does one find one's true calling?
Sri Sri: How do you know when you are hungry? How do you feel pain? It's obvious, isn't it?
Your true calling will also be equally obvious; it will be like a pain in your leg.
(Audience: "But it is so confusing to make a career choice!")
Sri Sri: Choice is always between bad and worse. So just accept it and make a decision!
Q. I am a student of media, and I am always asked why the media doesn't report the truth. What is the truth? Does it exist?
Sri Sri: Only truth has existence. Everything else is maya (Illusion)!
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
‘Recognize the cause of the barrier – and be free from it’
Bangalore (India) May 23, 2009:
Q. People say that life has both joy, and sorrow in equal proportions, but after experiencing the Divine, I have only joy. Is this the calm before the storm?
Sri Sri: No, not at all. All your sorrows have been dealt with in your past lives. In this life, you can be happy.
Do seva (service) when you are happy, and make sacrifices when you are sad. Remember the Divine in your happy moments too. Most people only remember the Divine when they are sorrowful
“Seva mein jo sumiran kare, dukh kahe ko hove.” (The one who remembers the Divine in Seva, where is the sorrow for such a one?)
Yoga saves you from experiencing sorrow. This is its purpose. Yoga is not only about practicing asanas, it is also pranayama, meditation, satsang, and seva. So keep practicing pranayama, meditation, and do seva.
Q. It is said that everyone meets their life partner at the right time. Why are parents so worried about their children’s marriage? What can be done to reduce this worry?
Sri Sri: The habit of worry is difficult to shake off. First people are worried about getting married, then about having kids, then about the children’s admission, then they have to perform well academically, then they should get a job... so if worry becomes a habit, then a person will keep worrying.
Parents should be told to stop worrying. You must also keep trying to find a soulmate. Don’t sit and wait for God to send you your soulmate!
Q. How do we increase family values?
Sri Sri: India has not yet lost family values, and it is our responsibility to maintain them.
To increase family values at home, make it a rule to eat together regularly. If not daily, then at least once a week. Sit and have a meal together; if not dinner, then at least breakfast. At these times make it a rule: unless each and every member of the family is present, no one eats. You should all eat together. Then there will be a change in the atmosphere at home.
Even in villages, all friends should meet and eat together.
When I was a child, Pitaji (Sri Sri’s father) would invite everyone to eat together once a month. Everyone would get some dish from home and there would be so much food! The atmosphere would be great.
Similarly, at least once in two-three months, have a preeti bhog (family feast). Don’t make it a party: make it a pot luck. Someone should plan – decide the dishes between yourselves. Then there will be a good atmosphere in the family and the society.
Q. The food in the Ashram is great. We can feel the love of the Divine in each bite. Now how can I go home?
Sri Sri: I thought you already came home! This is your home. Wherever you go, that is your office. You get rest at home, work at office. If you are tired from work, then you come here to rest.
In society and work, be a partner,
at home be a helper.
Q. The Divine has given me everything. What can I offer as a gift to the Divine?
Sri Sri: Keep this question with yourself – from time to time, the Divine will take the appropriate gift from you.
Whenever you feel upset, hatred, anger, or any negative emotion, give it to the Divine, and be happy.
Spread the knowledge, and happiness to other people. The happiness, faith, and devotion you have, whether it is a spark or a flame, should spread to other people so that they experience the same joy, and happiness in their lives.
Q.: Can our sadhana (spiritual practices) change the karma of others?
Sri Sri: Yes!
Q.: How can Indian youth contribute to the world?
Sri Sri: Human values. Indian youth can bring human values to the world. India has a very charming personality, and this should be projected properly.
Sometimes, our culture is depicted so badly in the media. If we degrade ourselves, and make other people laugh, we are happy about it. This weak nature has to be removed. WE should decide what our values are. We should keep our self-respect. We should decide what we like, and what we don’t like. We should not depend on others to judge us.
Of course, it’s fine that people appreciate us. But just because someone appreciates us, we are happy. We should have more self respect, and we should believe in ourselves.
Q. Why is there suffering in love?
Sri Sri: Without knowledge, there is suffering in love too. Despite knowledge, if there is suffering, then accept it. That is the nature of love.
Q. When we work in a team, should we invest our time in improving people or improving the results?
Sri Sri: Both! A little here, and a little there.
Q. I want to commit my life to serving society. But my parents are insecure about this. How can I make them understand?
Sri Sri: Good! Explain to them, convince them. But if you’re in the middle of education, complete it before you come here. Don’t leave it halfway.
Q.: The person who invented the English alphabet made a mistake: they kept ‘I’ and ‘U’ apart!
Sri Sri: They tried to keep ‘I’ and ‘U’ far apart– but could not succeed. It’s only on paper. Actually, we are very close. Do you think anyone has the power to keep you and me away? Why do you give someone that power? No way!
Q. Today is my second day of silence. My mind is a devil’s workshop, it keeps having thoughts endlessly!
Sri Sri: Sing, observe nature, and observe your thoughts. Look at nature as though you are looking at it for the first time – look at the trees, and look at the birds.
When you observe these things, your mind becomes calmer. Observe your thoughts. Silence makes you observe. As you observe, your thoughts will reduce.
The thoughts were always there, but only in silence can you observe them!
Q. In a relationship, if one doesn’t keep their commitments, what should the other do?
Sri Sri: Forgive them! Forgive them once, twice, thrice, four times. Then bark. If that doesn’t work, walk out.
Q. What is the secret to your fashion statement?
Sri Sri: In style, and fashion, no statement is required. No statement is made in fashion. Fashion is just appearance. But anything you do, do it with style!
Q. Enlightened masters and astrologers often predict the future. Does it mean that the future is fixed already?
Sri Sri: If nature were a dead phenomenon, you could predict it, the way a machine is always predictable. But it is alive, so you can’t predict its behavior.
If a car is moving, you can predict where it is going (right, left, or straight). But can you predict the movements of a cat? Can we predict which way it will turn, and where it will sit? It is the same with the mind.
Nature is not dead, it is alive. Yet, enlightened people can predict, but only to some extent.
That is called “maya” and the world is called the “maya of the mayavi” – it is the will of God, will of nature. God is also mischievous: if we plan to do something He often plans to do something else.
Nature is a lively, dynamic existence: “sat chit anand”. Because it is pure consciousness, chaitanya, it cannot be predicted 100 percent.
Q. What role does karma play if everything is predetermined by God?
Sri Sri: It is Karma that is being predicted. It is possible to change that as well. This is called ‘upaya’ (solution).
Astrologers say do upaya, but the best upaya is seva, and sadhana. Chant ‘Ohm Namah Shivaya’. Do it all the time - it is like an armor, a shield.
Q. I am unable to give my 100 percent, despite all my efforts.
Sri Sri: It’s okay, give your 99 percent. If you can’t do that either, then give your 90 percent. That is also okay.
Q. When do we get Moksha?
Sri Sri: Have you travelled by bus on a long journey? Have you then been required to answer nature’s call? Did the bus stop? When you got down and relieved yourself, how did it feel?
If you sat down in the same position for a long time, then got up and walked, how did it feel?
When you feel you are free of shackles and barriers, and you feel light and happy, that is Moksha.
Even if someone abuses you, and you say, “You curse so well!” then that is Moksha.
Recognize the cause of the barrier – and be free from it.
Q. When do we lack presence of mind, and when does the learning process stop?
Sri Sri: The learning process stops because you watch too much television. This reduces brain activity.
You should rest your mind from time to time, by closing our eyes.
Our mind is like a blackboard in a school. If the teachers don’t wipe it after using it, and other teachers keep on using the same blackboard, will it make sense to the students? Our mind is the same. We use it a hundred times but never clean it.
Pranayam, and meditation are useful for cleaning it. They will keep your mind fresh, and ready to learn.
Q. An artist is able to create a beautiful picture, but I am not. Why?
Sri Sri: You too can make a beautiful picture! The first time you try, you may not, but at your tenth attempt, you will.
Everyone is the same here. Kings, peasants, saints, - all are equal. The intelligent, and the foolish are all the same.
Q. What is the difference between aradhana (prayer), and sadhana (meditation)?
Sri Sri: What is called sadhana for yogis is aradhana for devotees. The only difference is in the language usage.
Q. Corrupt politicians are better off in life than simple, good people like us. Why?
Sri Sri: If something good happens to them, it won’t last. For some time, they might believe that their deceit got them ahead, but it won’t last. “Satyameva Jayate” – truth always triumphs.
Q. I’ve heard that hell is a place where people are burnt. Could you explain further?
Sri Sri: Your own mind creates heaven, and hell. Don’t listen to preachers who tell you that you will be toasted, and fried. They are in total ignorance. They misquote the scriptures. There is no such hell. Don’t worry and be free!
Q. The days, I don’t do my spiritual practices, I ask God for forgiveness. Is it okay?
Sri Sri: Yes, yes. Do only as much as you can do. In the Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna says to Arjuna: “Practice as much as possible, and if you can’t, then do my work. If you can’t do that, then feel that you are one with Me. Then drop the fruits of your actions, and relax.”
Q. What is the secret for a happy married life?
Sri Sri: If the husband and wife will focus on each other and police each other, they will clash. If they have a common goal, then they will be like parallel lines, they can be together and go on forever.
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
Q. People say that life has both joy, and sorrow in equal proportions, but after experiencing the Divine, I have only joy. Is this the calm before the storm?
Sri Sri: No, not at all. All your sorrows have been dealt with in your past lives. In this life, you can be happy.
Do seva (service) when you are happy, and make sacrifices when you are sad. Remember the Divine in your happy moments too. Most people only remember the Divine when they are sorrowful
“Seva mein jo sumiran kare, dukh kahe ko hove.” (The one who remembers the Divine in Seva, where is the sorrow for such a one?)
Yoga saves you from experiencing sorrow. This is its purpose. Yoga is not only about practicing asanas, it is also pranayama, meditation, satsang, and seva. So keep practicing pranayama, meditation, and do seva.
Q. It is said that everyone meets their life partner at the right time. Why are parents so worried about their children’s marriage? What can be done to reduce this worry?
Sri Sri: The habit of worry is difficult to shake off. First people are worried about getting married, then about having kids, then about the children’s admission, then they have to perform well academically, then they should get a job... so if worry becomes a habit, then a person will keep worrying.
Parents should be told to stop worrying. You must also keep trying to find a soulmate. Don’t sit and wait for God to send you your soulmate!
Q. How do we increase family values?
Sri Sri: India has not yet lost family values, and it is our responsibility to maintain them.
To increase family values at home, make it a rule to eat together regularly. If not daily, then at least once a week. Sit and have a meal together; if not dinner, then at least breakfast. At these times make it a rule: unless each and every member of the family is present, no one eats. You should all eat together. Then there will be a change in the atmosphere at home.
Even in villages, all friends should meet and eat together.
When I was a child, Pitaji (Sri Sri’s father) would invite everyone to eat together once a month. Everyone would get some dish from home and there would be so much food! The atmosphere would be great.
Similarly, at least once in two-three months, have a preeti bhog (family feast). Don’t make it a party: make it a pot luck. Someone should plan – decide the dishes between yourselves. Then there will be a good atmosphere in the family and the society.
Q. The food in the Ashram is great. We can feel the love of the Divine in each bite. Now how can I go home?
Sri Sri: I thought you already came home! This is your home. Wherever you go, that is your office. You get rest at home, work at office. If you are tired from work, then you come here to rest.
In society and work, be a partner,
at home be a helper.
Q. The Divine has given me everything. What can I offer as a gift to the Divine?
Sri Sri: Keep this question with yourself – from time to time, the Divine will take the appropriate gift from you.
Whenever you feel upset, hatred, anger, or any negative emotion, give it to the Divine, and be happy.
Spread the knowledge, and happiness to other people. The happiness, faith, and devotion you have, whether it is a spark or a flame, should spread to other people so that they experience the same joy, and happiness in their lives.
Q.: Can our sadhana (spiritual practices) change the karma of others?
Sri Sri: Yes!
Q.: How can Indian youth contribute to the world?
Sri Sri: Human values. Indian youth can bring human values to the world. India has a very charming personality, and this should be projected properly.
Sometimes, our culture is depicted so badly in the media. If we degrade ourselves, and make other people laugh, we are happy about it. This weak nature has to be removed. WE should decide what our values are. We should keep our self-respect. We should decide what we like, and what we don’t like. We should not depend on others to judge us.
Of course, it’s fine that people appreciate us. But just because someone appreciates us, we are happy. We should have more self respect, and we should believe in ourselves.
Q. Why is there suffering in love?
Sri Sri: Without knowledge, there is suffering in love too. Despite knowledge, if there is suffering, then accept it. That is the nature of love.
Q. When we work in a team, should we invest our time in improving people or improving the results?
Sri Sri: Both! A little here, and a little there.
Q. I want to commit my life to serving society. But my parents are insecure about this. How can I make them understand?
Sri Sri: Good! Explain to them, convince them. But if you’re in the middle of education, complete it before you come here. Don’t leave it halfway.
Q.: The person who invented the English alphabet made a mistake: they kept ‘I’ and ‘U’ apart!
Sri Sri: They tried to keep ‘I’ and ‘U’ far apart– but could not succeed. It’s only on paper. Actually, we are very close. Do you think anyone has the power to keep you and me away? Why do you give someone that power? No way!
Q. Today is my second day of silence. My mind is a devil’s workshop, it keeps having thoughts endlessly!
Sri Sri: Sing, observe nature, and observe your thoughts. Look at nature as though you are looking at it for the first time – look at the trees, and look at the birds.
When you observe these things, your mind becomes calmer. Observe your thoughts. Silence makes you observe. As you observe, your thoughts will reduce.
The thoughts were always there, but only in silence can you observe them!
Q. In a relationship, if one doesn’t keep their commitments, what should the other do?
Sri Sri: Forgive them! Forgive them once, twice, thrice, four times. Then bark. If that doesn’t work, walk out.
Q. What is the secret to your fashion statement?
Sri Sri: In style, and fashion, no statement is required. No statement is made in fashion. Fashion is just appearance. But anything you do, do it with style!
Q. Enlightened masters and astrologers often predict the future. Does it mean that the future is fixed already?
Sri Sri: If nature were a dead phenomenon, you could predict it, the way a machine is always predictable. But it is alive, so you can’t predict its behavior.
If a car is moving, you can predict where it is going (right, left, or straight). But can you predict the movements of a cat? Can we predict which way it will turn, and where it will sit? It is the same with the mind.
Nature is not dead, it is alive. Yet, enlightened people can predict, but only to some extent.
That is called “maya” and the world is called the “maya of the mayavi” – it is the will of God, will of nature. God is also mischievous: if we plan to do something He often plans to do something else.
Nature is a lively, dynamic existence: “sat chit anand”. Because it is pure consciousness, chaitanya, it cannot be predicted 100 percent.
Q. What role does karma play if everything is predetermined by God?
Sri Sri: It is Karma that is being predicted. It is possible to change that as well. This is called ‘upaya’ (solution).
Astrologers say do upaya, but the best upaya is seva, and sadhana. Chant ‘Ohm Namah Shivaya’. Do it all the time - it is like an armor, a shield.
Q. I am unable to give my 100 percent, despite all my efforts.
Sri Sri: It’s okay, give your 99 percent. If you can’t do that either, then give your 90 percent. That is also okay.
Q. When do we get Moksha?
Sri Sri: Have you travelled by bus on a long journey? Have you then been required to answer nature’s call? Did the bus stop? When you got down and relieved yourself, how did it feel?
If you sat down in the same position for a long time, then got up and walked, how did it feel?
When you feel you are free of shackles and barriers, and you feel light and happy, that is Moksha.
Even if someone abuses you, and you say, “You curse so well!” then that is Moksha.
Recognize the cause of the barrier – and be free from it.
Q. When do we lack presence of mind, and when does the learning process stop?
Sri Sri: The learning process stops because you watch too much television. This reduces brain activity.
You should rest your mind from time to time, by closing our eyes.
Our mind is like a blackboard in a school. If the teachers don’t wipe it after using it, and other teachers keep on using the same blackboard, will it make sense to the students? Our mind is the same. We use it a hundred times but never clean it.
Pranayam, and meditation are useful for cleaning it. They will keep your mind fresh, and ready to learn.
Q. An artist is able to create a beautiful picture, but I am not. Why?
Sri Sri: You too can make a beautiful picture! The first time you try, you may not, but at your tenth attempt, you will.
Everyone is the same here. Kings, peasants, saints, - all are equal. The intelligent, and the foolish are all the same.
Q. What is the difference between aradhana (prayer), and sadhana (meditation)?
Sri Sri: What is called sadhana for yogis is aradhana for devotees. The only difference is in the language usage.
Q. Corrupt politicians are better off in life than simple, good people like us. Why?
Sri Sri: If something good happens to them, it won’t last. For some time, they might believe that their deceit got them ahead, but it won’t last. “Satyameva Jayate” – truth always triumphs.
Q. I’ve heard that hell is a place where people are burnt. Could you explain further?
Sri Sri: Your own mind creates heaven, and hell. Don’t listen to preachers who tell you that you will be toasted, and fried. They are in total ignorance. They misquote the scriptures. There is no such hell. Don’t worry and be free!
Q. The days, I don’t do my spiritual practices, I ask God for forgiveness. Is it okay?
Sri Sri: Yes, yes. Do only as much as you can do. In the Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna says to Arjuna: “Practice as much as possible, and if you can’t, then do my work. If you can’t do that, then feel that you are one with Me. Then drop the fruits of your actions, and relax.”
Q. What is the secret for a happy married life?
Sri Sri: If the husband and wife will focus on each other and police each other, they will clash. If they have a common goal, then they will be like parallel lines, they can be together and go on forever.
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
‘There is no rest deeper than meditation’
Bangalore (India), May 22:
Today, India has a new government. There are two pieces of advice for the new government:
First, advice for those who won. They should think that ‘We won, people have trusted us. So, we should be humble.’ Increase humility. See those who lost with love. Sympathize with them. When a war is fought, it's a different situation: you fight. But when the war is over, the situation becomes different. Embrace the enemy. Start the process of healing wounds.
Now, advice for those who lost. When you lose, what you want doesn’t happen. Then many vikalpas (choices) arise.
Frustration
Depression
Anger
These three vikalpas stop you from going on the right path, they cause harm to you.
The fourth vikalpa is that, ‘This is the Lord's wish.’ This way, we get over the bad feelings, and get on with productive work. Calm your mind, and engage yourself in something constructive. There is little progress if you go into depression. There is progress neither in the Self, nor in society.
The party that lost should think, ‘We tried our best, but what had to happen, happened.’
"Karmanye va dhikaraste ma faleshu kadachana" – Do your duty, without expecting the fruits of your actions. Accept whatever fruit you get - this surrender to the past is true surrender. True surrender to God is not offering fruits, and garlands. Surrendering the garbage of the past to God is real surrender. God transforms this garbage into flowers, and fruits.
So, don't be angry with the past, and don't go into depression. There is no point in hate, and no point in doing nothing. The sign of intelligence is to surrender and move ahead.
This happens in every country. There is war, victory and defeat.
The people who win should show more humility, and be more respectful. They should believe: ‘The other party lost in order to give us happiness.’ If they think like this, then they won't humiliate the happiness-giver, and will respect the defeated.
God knows whom to put where. Accept God's decision. This is how people should think. Victory, and defeat are part of life. Recognizing this pattern, and rising above it, is the sign of an evolved human being.
Q. When clothes get smaller, we recognize physical growth. How do we recognize spiritual growth?
Sri Sri: Very easily. It depends on how you go ahead in every situation, especially bad situations. Do you deal with the situation with courage, and peace? If so, then, that is sign of your spiritual development. The more you smile, and the more you are happy, the more you are spiritually developed.
Sometimes, in spite of doing a lot of sadhana, you get angry, and then you tend to think that you have not developed spiritually.
Don’t blame yourself. Even though you get angry, it is not the same as before. Earlier your anger would remain for long, now it subsides. To other people, you look the same but if you look within, the anger comes and goes away quickly. Earlier it used to take five years, now it takes five minutes to go away. This is our experience. That is why you should not blame yourself when you get any negative sentiments. Witness the feeling and let it go. With practice, the consciousness becomes stronger.
A plant has to be watered but when it grows into a tree, it is no longer necessary. Similarly, if the inner consciousness becomes stronger, all these vikaar (distortions) get erased.
Vishranti vikar mita (Deep rest removes negativity). That is why people are jailed. They are tired of doing bad deeds, so we let them take rest. When they rest, the negative thoughts get destroyed. There is no rest deeper than meditation.
Q. What subjects is God testing us on? If we know, then we can study accordingly.
Sri Sri: God does not test, he takes interviews. (Applause). Not even an interview - interior view. All subjects are relevant. Hence keep meditating.
I do not believe that God takes tests. Only an ignorant person tests. The One who knows, does not need to test. He knows the Past, Present and Future. People believe that God conducts tests so that they can get over it, it gives them courage.
Q. After how many years of sadhana do we get 100 % control over our feelings?
Sri Sri: No emotions are bad. But if they stay for long, then it is bad.
Emotions should be like a line drawn on the surface of water. It is alright to be angry, but only for a few seconds or a few minutes. But, if it surpasses days and months, it is disastrous.
Q. People are being fired, and new jobs are hard to get. What should we keep in mind when choosing a new job?
Sri Sri: Don’t be too choosy. Just see how much you need to support a family. There are many choices, and there are many negative thoughts. Meditate, keep your mind calm, and then choose.
But not during meditation! Do it after meditation, otherwise meditation won’t happen. You will just keep thinking.
Q. We get good ideas during meditation, but we can’t write them down. What should we do to remember them later?
Sri Sri: You must accept that the idea is there, inside your mind. It will come up when you need it. Accept that the idea is in a safe locker inside your mind. You can take it when you need it.
Q. How should one enhance intelligence and will power?
Sri Sri: There is no way. Not in this life, not in ten lifetimes. You have assumed that you have no will power; even Brahma cannot give it to you.
Where is the lack of will power? You have it in abundance. Just believe this and use it slowly. And don’t spend it too fast.
Q. Does our past life karma decide who we meet in this life? In this life, are we meeting the people we knew in our past lives?
Sri Sri: Yes, perhaps.
You know your mind always wants something new and the heart look s for something old. That’s why fashion is a topic of the mind. You want the latest technology, and the latest fashion. But if you like someone, then you believe that you have known them forever. The heart always takes pride in the old. That is why love is always considered as something old, or ancient. You have been there forever. You never say, “This is a fresh love of mine today.” You say, “Old is gold.”
So heart, or emotions take pride in the ancient, and the old. The mind always takes pride in the new, the fresh, and the latest.
Q. If there were a flaw in the Divine, what would it be?
Sri Sri: Nobody can find any flaws or perfection in the Divine.
Only when you see perfections, do you see flaws. However, the Divine has neither flaws nor perfections. The Divine is nobody. The whole evolution is going from somebody to nobody, and nobody to everybody. In a way, all flaws in the world are present in the Divine, because everybody belongs to the Divine.
Vices, and virtues are only viewpoints. For instance, Lord Krishna is an incarnation of God for Hindus. Yet Jains believe that Lord Krishna is in hell, because he was the cause of the war (Mahabharata). This is just a viewpoint. Sri Ram did not kill Ravana according to Jain tradition. They believe that Ravana was killed by someone else. They have to believe that Lord Ram is completely non-violent.
Many siddhantas (values) are present in us, that’s why we say saguna (with form), and nirguna (without form). In fact, our consciousness has no qualities, and no attributes. We are a combination of these two. When you become nobody from somebody, then negativity will simply leave you. It will no longer be a part of you.
The human system is like an atomic particle. The nucleus is positive, and the circumference is negative. As you go deep, there are no more electrons. This is exactly how every human being is. The scriptures say there is God in the heart of human beings. He manages the whole universe, not sitting somewhere in heaven, but in the heart of every human being. In the Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna: ‘The Lord is in all beings, and is present in the space of the heart, my dear Arjuna.’
Q. How does one know exactly what one wants? Is it so confusing to know what one wants?
Sri Sri: This question is very confusing. If we have some clarity in the question, then the answer will be clear. Answers to unclear questions create more confusion.
Q. God is in the details, but we should also have a broad outlook. How do we combine the two?
Sri Sri: There is happiness in detail. When the heart is heavy, and the head is like a stone, there is no place for subtlety or details. When the heart is light, then you experience love, and happiness. There is no subtlety in sorrow.
Being light is being dense, and being dense is also being light. When you go deep in meditation, you will experience both density, and subtlety. That is why so many processes are required to go deeper within you.
In surrender, we feel subtle. Love is subtle, and work is dense. After lunch, we experience heaviness. In the morning we feel fresh, and subtle.
Q. Can evil people meditate?
Sri Sri: Anyone can meditate. When people meditate, they become good.
I don’t see anyone as bad. If they are bad, it is because they do not meditate, or they are badly hurt, or they are deprived of spiritual knowledge. That is why anyone is bad.
Q. What should we do if we find opposition from our parents towards our spiritual practices?
Sri Sri: Do well in your studies, and they will allow you. Maintain a balance. Don’t be bookworms, then you would have no experience of the real world. You could gain a doctorate but become practically good-for-nothing. You can’t even handle simple human relationships. You become completely cut off from interaction with people, and are unable to gel with others. You are unable to contribute to society. You should be good at academics but be social, spiritual, and emotional beings too. Connect with the world. Don’t be caged in a box somewhere. This is very important. That is why, add a little bit of seva(service), and spiritual practices to your subjects of interest. They will always complement you. This would make your parents understand.
Today a lady called me, and said: “My son meditates in the morning, and evening. What will happen when he gets married? What will his wife say?”
I told her that these concerns are to be discarded. The mother agrees that her boy has changed tremendously after meditation. She is worried about how his wife will accept this. This is a wrong concept – that one should not meditate, and that they should be ‘normal.’ Normal for them is really abnormal. We need to educate them.
Q. We believe that even a leaf falls due to God's will. If everything in this world happens due to God's will, then why does God give us unhappiness?
Sri Sri: You always have the choice to do good or bad. The fruits of your deeds are good or bad according to the choice you make.
Don’t cry if you make a mistake. Just learn from it, and move ahead. But, don’t repeat the same mistake - that’s foolishness! At least be smart enough to make new mistakes.
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
Today, India has a new government. There are two pieces of advice for the new government:
First, advice for those who won. They should think that ‘We won, people have trusted us. So, we should be humble.’ Increase humility. See those who lost with love. Sympathize with them. When a war is fought, it's a different situation: you fight. But when the war is over, the situation becomes different. Embrace the enemy. Start the process of healing wounds.
Now, advice for those who lost. When you lose, what you want doesn’t happen. Then many vikalpas (choices) arise.
Frustration
Depression
Anger
These three vikalpas stop you from going on the right path, they cause harm to you.
The fourth vikalpa is that, ‘This is the Lord's wish.’ This way, we get over the bad feelings, and get on with productive work. Calm your mind, and engage yourself in something constructive. There is little progress if you go into depression. There is progress neither in the Self, nor in society.
The party that lost should think, ‘We tried our best, but what had to happen, happened.’
"Karmanye va dhikaraste ma faleshu kadachana" – Do your duty, without expecting the fruits of your actions. Accept whatever fruit you get - this surrender to the past is true surrender. True surrender to God is not offering fruits, and garlands. Surrendering the garbage of the past to God is real surrender. God transforms this garbage into flowers, and fruits.
So, don't be angry with the past, and don't go into depression. There is no point in hate, and no point in doing nothing. The sign of intelligence is to surrender and move ahead.
This happens in every country. There is war, victory and defeat.
The people who win should show more humility, and be more respectful. They should believe: ‘The other party lost in order to give us happiness.’ If they think like this, then they won't humiliate the happiness-giver, and will respect the defeated.
God knows whom to put where. Accept God's decision. This is how people should think. Victory, and defeat are part of life. Recognizing this pattern, and rising above it, is the sign of an evolved human being.
Q. When clothes get smaller, we recognize physical growth. How do we recognize spiritual growth?
Sri Sri: Very easily. It depends on how you go ahead in every situation, especially bad situations. Do you deal with the situation with courage, and peace? If so, then, that is sign of your spiritual development. The more you smile, and the more you are happy, the more you are spiritually developed.
Sometimes, in spite of doing a lot of sadhana, you get angry, and then you tend to think that you have not developed spiritually.
Don’t blame yourself. Even though you get angry, it is not the same as before. Earlier your anger would remain for long, now it subsides. To other people, you look the same but if you look within, the anger comes and goes away quickly. Earlier it used to take five years, now it takes five minutes to go away. This is our experience. That is why you should not blame yourself when you get any negative sentiments. Witness the feeling and let it go. With practice, the consciousness becomes stronger.
A plant has to be watered but when it grows into a tree, it is no longer necessary. Similarly, if the inner consciousness becomes stronger, all these vikaar (distortions) get erased.
Vishranti vikar mita (Deep rest removes negativity). That is why people are jailed. They are tired of doing bad deeds, so we let them take rest. When they rest, the negative thoughts get destroyed. There is no rest deeper than meditation.
Q. What subjects is God testing us on? If we know, then we can study accordingly.
Sri Sri: God does not test, he takes interviews. (Applause). Not even an interview - interior view. All subjects are relevant. Hence keep meditating.
I do not believe that God takes tests. Only an ignorant person tests. The One who knows, does not need to test. He knows the Past, Present and Future. People believe that God conducts tests so that they can get over it, it gives them courage.
Q. After how many years of sadhana do we get 100 % control over our feelings?
Sri Sri: No emotions are bad. But if they stay for long, then it is bad.
Emotions should be like a line drawn on the surface of water. It is alright to be angry, but only for a few seconds or a few minutes. But, if it surpasses days and months, it is disastrous.
Q. People are being fired, and new jobs are hard to get. What should we keep in mind when choosing a new job?
Sri Sri: Don’t be too choosy. Just see how much you need to support a family. There are many choices, and there are many negative thoughts. Meditate, keep your mind calm, and then choose.
But not during meditation! Do it after meditation, otherwise meditation won’t happen. You will just keep thinking.
Q. We get good ideas during meditation, but we can’t write them down. What should we do to remember them later?
Sri Sri: You must accept that the idea is there, inside your mind. It will come up when you need it. Accept that the idea is in a safe locker inside your mind. You can take it when you need it.
Q. How should one enhance intelligence and will power?
Sri Sri: There is no way. Not in this life, not in ten lifetimes. You have assumed that you have no will power; even Brahma cannot give it to you.
Where is the lack of will power? You have it in abundance. Just believe this and use it slowly. And don’t spend it too fast.
Q. Does our past life karma decide who we meet in this life? In this life, are we meeting the people we knew in our past lives?
Sri Sri: Yes, perhaps.
You know your mind always wants something new and the heart look s for something old. That’s why fashion is a topic of the mind. You want the latest technology, and the latest fashion. But if you like someone, then you believe that you have known them forever. The heart always takes pride in the old. That is why love is always considered as something old, or ancient. You have been there forever. You never say, “This is a fresh love of mine today.” You say, “Old is gold.”
So heart, or emotions take pride in the ancient, and the old. The mind always takes pride in the new, the fresh, and the latest.
Q. If there were a flaw in the Divine, what would it be?
Sri Sri: Nobody can find any flaws or perfection in the Divine.
Only when you see perfections, do you see flaws. However, the Divine has neither flaws nor perfections. The Divine is nobody. The whole evolution is going from somebody to nobody, and nobody to everybody. In a way, all flaws in the world are present in the Divine, because everybody belongs to the Divine.
Vices, and virtues are only viewpoints. For instance, Lord Krishna is an incarnation of God for Hindus. Yet Jains believe that Lord Krishna is in hell, because he was the cause of the war (Mahabharata). This is just a viewpoint. Sri Ram did not kill Ravana according to Jain tradition. They believe that Ravana was killed by someone else. They have to believe that Lord Ram is completely non-violent.
Many siddhantas (values) are present in us, that’s why we say saguna (with form), and nirguna (without form). In fact, our consciousness has no qualities, and no attributes. We are a combination of these two. When you become nobody from somebody, then negativity will simply leave you. It will no longer be a part of you.
The human system is like an atomic particle. The nucleus is positive, and the circumference is negative. As you go deep, there are no more electrons. This is exactly how every human being is. The scriptures say there is God in the heart of human beings. He manages the whole universe, not sitting somewhere in heaven, but in the heart of every human being. In the Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna: ‘The Lord is in all beings, and is present in the space of the heart, my dear Arjuna.’
Q. How does one know exactly what one wants? Is it so confusing to know what one wants?
Sri Sri: This question is very confusing. If we have some clarity in the question, then the answer will be clear. Answers to unclear questions create more confusion.
Q. God is in the details, but we should also have a broad outlook. How do we combine the two?
Sri Sri: There is happiness in detail. When the heart is heavy, and the head is like a stone, there is no place for subtlety or details. When the heart is light, then you experience love, and happiness. There is no subtlety in sorrow.
Being light is being dense, and being dense is also being light. When you go deep in meditation, you will experience both density, and subtlety. That is why so many processes are required to go deeper within you.
In surrender, we feel subtle. Love is subtle, and work is dense. After lunch, we experience heaviness. In the morning we feel fresh, and subtle.
Q. Can evil people meditate?
Sri Sri: Anyone can meditate. When people meditate, they become good.
I don’t see anyone as bad. If they are bad, it is because they do not meditate, or they are badly hurt, or they are deprived of spiritual knowledge. That is why anyone is bad.
Q. What should we do if we find opposition from our parents towards our spiritual practices?
Sri Sri: Do well in your studies, and they will allow you. Maintain a balance. Don’t be bookworms, then you would have no experience of the real world. You could gain a doctorate but become practically good-for-nothing. You can’t even handle simple human relationships. You become completely cut off from interaction with people, and are unable to gel with others. You are unable to contribute to society. You should be good at academics but be social, spiritual, and emotional beings too. Connect with the world. Don’t be caged in a box somewhere. This is very important. That is why, add a little bit of seva(service), and spiritual practices to your subjects of interest. They will always complement you. This would make your parents understand.
Today a lady called me, and said: “My son meditates in the morning, and evening. What will happen when he gets married? What will his wife say?”
I told her that these concerns are to be discarded. The mother agrees that her boy has changed tremendously after meditation. She is worried about how his wife will accept this. This is a wrong concept – that one should not meditate, and that they should be ‘normal.’ Normal for them is really abnormal. We need to educate them.
Q. We believe that even a leaf falls due to God's will. If everything in this world happens due to God's will, then why does God give us unhappiness?
Sri Sri: You always have the choice to do good or bad. The fruits of your deeds are good or bad according to the choice you make.
Don’t cry if you make a mistake. Just learn from it, and move ahead. But, don’t repeat the same mistake - that’s foolishness! At least be smart enough to make new mistakes.
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
‘Good luck comes by good deeds, not by lucky charms’
Bangalore (India), May 21:
Excerpts of the question and answer session with Sri Sri:
Q. In every human being there is some hidden talent. I’m 22 years old, I haven’t realized my talent yet. How do I know what I am good at?
Sri Sri: Best is that you acquire all skills. Whatever you excel at becomes your main skill. Other skills are added on. It’s okay to be Jack of all trades to begin with, then you get a taste of things, and whatever clicks, you go with that. Don’t sit and wait for some skill to pop up one day – like a mushroom. In fact, you should excel in every field. That’s what I aimed at. You should be good in cooking, cleaning, art, talking, writing – take interest in all fields, and then something will come out of it.
Q. I always get confused in everything. Please tell me what to do.
Sri Sri: Give a pat on your back. Whenever you get confused, it means an old pattern is breaking, and something new is happening. Listen, you can’t be confused in everything. You know you have to have dinner – are you confused about that? You know when you have to come for satsang.
Confusion is when you want more joy, and are not happy with what you have.
A bird in hand is worth two in a bush – be happy with what you have.
If confusion steps in a short while, it should be welcomed. But if it remains perpetually, take an attitude about it.
Q. What makes a person truly secure?
Sri Sri: Faith in one’s abilities, and faith in the righteousness of the laws of nature. Have faith that you are supported by nature. And you will succeed. If you fail ten times, you will get success the eleventh time. You must have this faith. This comes by conviction, not any practice. You should say, ‘I will succeed, I refuse to accept failure.’
Q. I have lost someone very close to me. This troubles me. I want to know where he is?
Sri Sri: He is in a good place, a safe place, a place where all of us will be going. He got advance booking, and so earlier. Know that it’s a place which is everywhere. Our mind is alike electromagnetic waves. When you’re watching a channel, and change the channel, where did the previous one go? It didn’t go anywhere. It’s still there, but you are able to concentrate on only one.
Our body is like the television box, and the spirit is like the wave. When the body is gone, the waves will remain. Our access to a person who is close to you is when you meditate. The vibrations bring some coolness, and solace to the person on the other side also.
Q. Is leadership in the Art of Living based on seniority or spiritual evolvement?
Sri Sri: There is chaos and bliss here! Everyone is welcome to contribute to the organization’s growth, and grown himself. The Art of Living has one policy: we don’t reject anybody. We carry everyone along with us. That is a very tough job. There are hundreds of challenges.
The human mind is like the wild elephant – its makes all sorts of concepts, and ideals. People who don’t work have great ideals. When they start work, they realize that many ideals don’t work.
On the other side, there are people who have no ideals, and go with the chaos. Both approaches are wrong. If you drop ideals completely, organizations become hopeless. However if you don’t see practicality, and don’t have a foot on the ground, you cannot perform a dance. If your feet are buried in the ground, can you dance? If your legs are not on the ground, can you dance? You have to have a foot on the ground. Life is about balance.
Life is complex, and the world is full of complexities. Many complexities will arise. What you need to take care is not to get frustrated, and deal with them. We have to. Conflicts, and complexities are everywhere - in bureaucracies, political parties, social organizations, NGOs, schools, colleges, everywhere. Even in a house, there could be so many complex behavioral patterns. Yet, rejection is not the way, frustration won’t lead you anywhere. That is the skill you need to acquire. Skill will help you move through sleeping elephants. A saint from India once said: You have to walk through sleeping elephants. When wild elephants are awake, you can’t walk.
How do you get the skill? Silence is the mother of all skills. When you lack some skill, sit quietly for a moment. Then that part of the brain becomes active, that can give you intuition and ideas.
Silence is the mother of all skills, innovations, and inventions. A few moments of quietness. This is the first step. Take a step away from the situation. When you are in a situation, you cannot be a good judge – you have to step out of the situation for a minute and look at it. Through quietness: you will gain the skill right there!
We need to get out of the blame game. If anything goes wrong, you either blame others or yourself. This tendency is so deep in our psyche. Silence gives the skill to see the distance. This principle and philosophy has been developed in this country. However, it has been kept only with a few select people. That is why spirituality should be kept alive in every part of the world, so that everyone can gain skill with ease, and grace. This is the main advantage of meditation practices: it enables you to handle situations with ease and grace. A few moments of silence will bring up tremendous talents from within us.
However, if someone practices too much silence, then also they lose their skills.
Ati sarvatra varjayet – drop anything that is too much. Avoid extremes.
(A member from the audience says: If the bliss and happiness felt here (in the ashram) could spread all over the world, there would be no violence in the world.)
Sri Sri: Absolutely. That’s why you should come here, and spread the word, like sahasra sesha. Each one should inspire at least 1,000 people. Have the intention of bringing knowledge, joy, love, and happiness to the lives of 1,000 people. This is real merit.
Good luck does not come by lucky charms. It comes from good work. Good deed is to bring happiness into the lives of people. This is the best way. I have seen that. So bring this joy, solace, and happiness in people’s lives. When the hearts and minds of people get healed, their spirit blesses you. That becomes your real merit, good luck.
Q. Where are Shiva and Krishna (Hindu Gods)?
Sri Sri: Shiva, Krishna is in everyone of us. Krishna is a tatva – celebration, joy, love, mischief. Everything that is inside you, inside me.
In the Bhagvad Gita, Krishna says:
Yo mām paśyati sarvatra sarvam ca mayi paśyati
tasyāham na pranaśyami sa ca me na pranaśyati
Krishna says, “One who sees me in everything and one who sees everyone in me, I will never be out of sight for such a person.”
That what you all are going to do – dive into that inner space.
Shiva and Krishna are different aspects of the One jyoti (flame), one aspect.
Q. What is Art of Living doing in the Islamic world?
Sri Sri: Islamic world is an integral part of the Art of Living family – we have projects in Iraq, Pakistan, and Turkey too. The responsibility is much more on all of you who are coming from the Islamic world to educate people in inter-disciplinary, inter-faith knowledge.
We must move from extremism, and fanaticism to the center – change the image of countries like Lebanon, and Afghanistan from being war zones to places of peace.
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
Excerpts of the question and answer session with Sri Sri:
Q. In every human being there is some hidden talent. I’m 22 years old, I haven’t realized my talent yet. How do I know what I am good at?
Sri Sri: Best is that you acquire all skills. Whatever you excel at becomes your main skill. Other skills are added on. It’s okay to be Jack of all trades to begin with, then you get a taste of things, and whatever clicks, you go with that. Don’t sit and wait for some skill to pop up one day – like a mushroom. In fact, you should excel in every field. That’s what I aimed at. You should be good in cooking, cleaning, art, talking, writing – take interest in all fields, and then something will come out of it.
Q. I always get confused in everything. Please tell me what to do.
Sri Sri: Give a pat on your back. Whenever you get confused, it means an old pattern is breaking, and something new is happening. Listen, you can’t be confused in everything. You know you have to have dinner – are you confused about that? You know when you have to come for satsang.
Confusion is when you want more joy, and are not happy with what you have.
A bird in hand is worth two in a bush – be happy with what you have.
If confusion steps in a short while, it should be welcomed. But if it remains perpetually, take an attitude about it.
Q. What makes a person truly secure?
Sri Sri: Faith in one’s abilities, and faith in the righteousness of the laws of nature. Have faith that you are supported by nature. And you will succeed. If you fail ten times, you will get success the eleventh time. You must have this faith. This comes by conviction, not any practice. You should say, ‘I will succeed, I refuse to accept failure.’
Q. I have lost someone very close to me. This troubles me. I want to know where he is?
Sri Sri: He is in a good place, a safe place, a place where all of us will be going. He got advance booking, and so earlier. Know that it’s a place which is everywhere. Our mind is alike electromagnetic waves. When you’re watching a channel, and change the channel, where did the previous one go? It didn’t go anywhere. It’s still there, but you are able to concentrate on only one.
Our body is like the television box, and the spirit is like the wave. When the body is gone, the waves will remain. Our access to a person who is close to you is when you meditate. The vibrations bring some coolness, and solace to the person on the other side also.
Q. Is leadership in the Art of Living based on seniority or spiritual evolvement?
Sri Sri: There is chaos and bliss here! Everyone is welcome to contribute to the organization’s growth, and grown himself. The Art of Living has one policy: we don’t reject anybody. We carry everyone along with us. That is a very tough job. There are hundreds of challenges.
The human mind is like the wild elephant – its makes all sorts of concepts, and ideals. People who don’t work have great ideals. When they start work, they realize that many ideals don’t work.
On the other side, there are people who have no ideals, and go with the chaos. Both approaches are wrong. If you drop ideals completely, organizations become hopeless. However if you don’t see practicality, and don’t have a foot on the ground, you cannot perform a dance. If your feet are buried in the ground, can you dance? If your legs are not on the ground, can you dance? You have to have a foot on the ground. Life is about balance.
Life is complex, and the world is full of complexities. Many complexities will arise. What you need to take care is not to get frustrated, and deal with them. We have to. Conflicts, and complexities are everywhere - in bureaucracies, political parties, social organizations, NGOs, schools, colleges, everywhere. Even in a house, there could be so many complex behavioral patterns. Yet, rejection is not the way, frustration won’t lead you anywhere. That is the skill you need to acquire. Skill will help you move through sleeping elephants. A saint from India once said: You have to walk through sleeping elephants. When wild elephants are awake, you can’t walk.
How do you get the skill? Silence is the mother of all skills. When you lack some skill, sit quietly for a moment. Then that part of the brain becomes active, that can give you intuition and ideas.
Silence is the mother of all skills, innovations, and inventions. A few moments of quietness. This is the first step. Take a step away from the situation. When you are in a situation, you cannot be a good judge – you have to step out of the situation for a minute and look at it. Through quietness: you will gain the skill right there!
We need to get out of the blame game. If anything goes wrong, you either blame others or yourself. This tendency is so deep in our psyche. Silence gives the skill to see the distance. This principle and philosophy has been developed in this country. However, it has been kept only with a few select people. That is why spirituality should be kept alive in every part of the world, so that everyone can gain skill with ease, and grace. This is the main advantage of meditation practices: it enables you to handle situations with ease and grace. A few moments of silence will bring up tremendous talents from within us.
However, if someone practices too much silence, then also they lose their skills.
Ati sarvatra varjayet – drop anything that is too much. Avoid extremes.
(A member from the audience says: If the bliss and happiness felt here (in the ashram) could spread all over the world, there would be no violence in the world.)
Sri Sri: Absolutely. That’s why you should come here, and spread the word, like sahasra sesha. Each one should inspire at least 1,000 people. Have the intention of bringing knowledge, joy, love, and happiness to the lives of 1,000 people. This is real merit.
Good luck does not come by lucky charms. It comes from good work. Good deed is to bring happiness into the lives of people. This is the best way. I have seen that. So bring this joy, solace, and happiness in people’s lives. When the hearts and minds of people get healed, their spirit blesses you. That becomes your real merit, good luck.
Q. Where are Shiva and Krishna (Hindu Gods)?
Sri Sri: Shiva, Krishna is in everyone of us. Krishna is a tatva – celebration, joy, love, mischief. Everything that is inside you, inside me.
In the Bhagvad Gita, Krishna says:
Yo mām paśyati sarvatra sarvam ca mayi paśyati
tasyāham na pranaśyami sa ca me na pranaśyati
Krishna says, “One who sees me in everything and one who sees everyone in me, I will never be out of sight for such a person.”
That what you all are going to do – dive into that inner space.
Shiva and Krishna are different aspects of the One jyoti (flame), one aspect.
Q. What is Art of Living doing in the Islamic world?
Sri Sri: Islamic world is an integral part of the Art of Living family – we have projects in Iraq, Pakistan, and Turkey too. The responsibility is much more on all of you who are coming from the Islamic world to educate people in inter-disciplinary, inter-faith knowledge.
We must move from extremism, and fanaticism to the center – change the image of countries like Lebanon, and Afghanistan from being war zones to places of peace.
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
Thursday, May 21, 2009
‘Think of serving, that is the right direction for every individual’
Bangalore (India), May 20 (Wednesday): “First you should think, what can I do for this world? The people who only think, ‘What can I get from this world?’, become sad. Think of serving, that is the right direction for every individual.
If you want to reach somewhere but are going in the wrong direction, you won’t be able to reach there, right? If every member in a family, thinks, ‘What can I do for the other?’, then the family moves ahead. A family that doesn’t think that way will break.
This is the state of business companies. Everyone wants to reap benefits. If four people start a company, and each partner thinks, ‘How much can I get from it?’, the company won’t work… it will be handicapped!
Don’t have any expectations from others. Fulfill the expectations of other people to the best of your ability; do whatever good you can do.
Whom do you want to be friendly with? When you believe that the other person doesn’t want anything from you. When people see that you want something from them, they will run away. Who will sit next to a thief?
Know this: Society does not expect anything from you, other than what you are capable of. If you are not a doctor, no one will expect you to treat them. If you know you can’t do something, then relax, don’t do it. However, it is wrong to not do something that you are perfectly capable of.
Know this: However good you are, society assumes you are better than your good qualities, and however bad you may be, society assumes you are better than your worse qualities. This is the law of Nature.
There are some people who don’t think this way. Everyone is a thief in their eyes, and a bad person. That is their problem.
We have to instill a sense of belongingness in society. No one should be an untouchable in society, even in politics.
Human beings have the unique gift of being able to connect with other. Even birds, and animals have this ability. An elephant forms a bond with the mahout. Dogs, and cows form bonds with their owners. Every creature has this strength, it is especially strong in human beings. We have to nourish this aspect in ourselves - one who has no enemies – ajath shatru. This is not difficult. We only need to have this intention.
You don’t have to go to the Himalayas for that. Some people remain angry even after meditating for long periods of time. Arrogance about spiritual practices, is the worst type of arrogance. The fruits of spiritual practices (tapasya) are love, and a sense of belonging.
What does tapasya mean? The ability to remain calm in the midst of a storm is tapasya. Life gives you many opportunities to practice tapasya.
Let’s go through the points again. What did you understand?
First: What can I do for the society? Don’t worry about your needs. Your needs will be taken care of, even before the need arises in you! This is called siddhi.
Second: Society wants only that from us, which we are capable of giving.
Third: Society believes that you are better than what your best qualities, and better than your worst qualities. So forget about what society thinks.
Just concentrate on what you can do for society. Thinking in this direction is sadhana. When you celebrate sadhana, it is called satsang.
Often people say, “Look at him, he’s doing sadhana.” But when you look at him, he looks unenthusiastic, and tired.
A person who does sadhana should be bright, and cheerful. True sadhana is that which makes you, and others happy. That is utsav (celebration).
Nowadays people who celebrate, and party are not happy. They spend money, time, and energy. You show off, and get tired. Your display of wealth does not benefit you, only makes others envious.
Q. I am 23 years old. How do I know when should I listen to my heart, and head?
Sri Sri: For work, use your head; for seva, use your heart. For business, use your head and lock your heart at home!
Q. Tell us the secret of sankalap siddhi (power of the intention)?
Sri Sri: When there is surrender alongwith having an intention, then it easily bears fruit. It is very easy for intentions to get fulfilled when there is surrender. Thus when intentions are fulfilled without effort, it is called Naishkarmya Siddhi. There are many references to Naishkarmya Siddhi in Vedanta. Even Adi Shankaracharya has spoken extensively on this – getting siddhi (result) without the need to act. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t work for it. You have to put in effort.
Q. Does God sleep, and get tired of us?
Sri Sri: God sleeps only in India. Here, as we know that God is sleeping, we don’t have any fear. We believe that since God is sleeping, we can get away with anything.
This is a very deep topic. God is sleeping, and you are awake. Yet, you wish God a Good Morning, sing Suprabhatams, Balaji Suprabhatam, do Devi jagran. Scholars have established this –Humanity wakes up first and then they awaken God. This is a unique ritual among humans. Yet, there is something very subtle in this. These rituals signify that:
In a stubborn individual, awaken humanness.
In a human being, awaken the Divinity.
Like a seed that sprouts into a bud first, and then a flower, a human being blossoms only when humanness, and Divinity is awakened.
God is present in every cell of your body. We think God is resting because he is tired. But no! Lord Vishnu (a Hindu God) is depicted lying down, and a lotus comes out of his navel, followed by Brahma. Creation came later, first the strength to nurture was born. (In Hindu philosophy, Vishnu is considered to be the Sustainer of the Universe.)
Many people believe that God is tired after working. No, no! For God, creation is effortless. Like for a housewife, making tea is effortless – she can talk, sing and still make the tea.
Q. I feel that spirituality, and politics have separated in today’s world. How will the two meet?
Sri Sri: Spiritualize politics. We must also encourage spiritual people to take an interest in politics. They shouldn’t think that it is dirty, and for corrupt people.
Any post – a minister’s, chief minister’s or an officer’s post – is to serve others, not to enjoy your life. You get the post so that you can serve the citizens. It should be treated like seva. You have to neither hold on to it nor run away from it.
Leaving a rank is not about leaving prestige or position. This should be understood. Politics is supposed to be an important limb in the administration of a country. In ancient times, kings, and ministers used to take a keen interest in spirituality. Those who were not spiritual, were unable to support society’s progress.
Leaders should have five types of qualities: satya-darshi (truthful), sam-darshi (equanimous), priya-darshi (pleasant), paar-darshi (transparent) and door-darshi (visionary). Then the country can progress.”
(From the Office of HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Bangalore, India)
© The Art of Living Foundation
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
If you want to reach somewhere but are going in the wrong direction, you won’t be able to reach there, right? If every member in a family, thinks, ‘What can I do for the other?’, then the family moves ahead. A family that doesn’t think that way will break.
This is the state of business companies. Everyone wants to reap benefits. If four people start a company, and each partner thinks, ‘How much can I get from it?’, the company won’t work… it will be handicapped!
Don’t have any expectations from others. Fulfill the expectations of other people to the best of your ability; do whatever good you can do.
Whom do you want to be friendly with? When you believe that the other person doesn’t want anything from you. When people see that you want something from them, they will run away. Who will sit next to a thief?
Know this: Society does not expect anything from you, other than what you are capable of. If you are not a doctor, no one will expect you to treat them. If you know you can’t do something, then relax, don’t do it. However, it is wrong to not do something that you are perfectly capable of.
Know this: However good you are, society assumes you are better than your good qualities, and however bad you may be, society assumes you are better than your worse qualities. This is the law of Nature.
There are some people who don’t think this way. Everyone is a thief in their eyes, and a bad person. That is their problem.
We have to instill a sense of belongingness in society. No one should be an untouchable in society, even in politics.
Human beings have the unique gift of being able to connect with other. Even birds, and animals have this ability. An elephant forms a bond with the mahout. Dogs, and cows form bonds with their owners. Every creature has this strength, it is especially strong in human beings. We have to nourish this aspect in ourselves - one who has no enemies – ajath shatru. This is not difficult. We only need to have this intention.
You don’t have to go to the Himalayas for that. Some people remain angry even after meditating for long periods of time. Arrogance about spiritual practices, is the worst type of arrogance. The fruits of spiritual practices (tapasya) are love, and a sense of belonging.
What does tapasya mean? The ability to remain calm in the midst of a storm is tapasya. Life gives you many opportunities to practice tapasya.
Let’s go through the points again. What did you understand?
First: What can I do for the society? Don’t worry about your needs. Your needs will be taken care of, even before the need arises in you! This is called siddhi.
Second: Society wants only that from us, which we are capable of giving.
Third: Society believes that you are better than what your best qualities, and better than your worst qualities. So forget about what society thinks.
Just concentrate on what you can do for society. Thinking in this direction is sadhana. When you celebrate sadhana, it is called satsang.
Often people say, “Look at him, he’s doing sadhana.” But when you look at him, he looks unenthusiastic, and tired.
A person who does sadhana should be bright, and cheerful. True sadhana is that which makes you, and others happy. That is utsav (celebration).
Nowadays people who celebrate, and party are not happy. They spend money, time, and energy. You show off, and get tired. Your display of wealth does not benefit you, only makes others envious.
Q. I am 23 years old. How do I know when should I listen to my heart, and head?
Sri Sri: For work, use your head; for seva, use your heart. For business, use your head and lock your heart at home!
Q. Tell us the secret of sankalap siddhi (power of the intention)?
Sri Sri: When there is surrender alongwith having an intention, then it easily bears fruit. It is very easy for intentions to get fulfilled when there is surrender. Thus when intentions are fulfilled without effort, it is called Naishkarmya Siddhi. There are many references to Naishkarmya Siddhi in Vedanta. Even Adi Shankaracharya has spoken extensively on this – getting siddhi (result) without the need to act. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t work for it. You have to put in effort.
Q. Does God sleep, and get tired of us?
Sri Sri: God sleeps only in India. Here, as we know that God is sleeping, we don’t have any fear. We believe that since God is sleeping, we can get away with anything.
This is a very deep topic. God is sleeping, and you are awake. Yet, you wish God a Good Morning, sing Suprabhatams, Balaji Suprabhatam, do Devi jagran. Scholars have established this –Humanity wakes up first and then they awaken God. This is a unique ritual among humans. Yet, there is something very subtle in this. These rituals signify that:
In a stubborn individual, awaken humanness.
In a human being, awaken the Divinity.
Like a seed that sprouts into a bud first, and then a flower, a human being blossoms only when humanness, and Divinity is awakened.
God is present in every cell of your body. We think God is resting because he is tired. But no! Lord Vishnu (a Hindu God) is depicted lying down, and a lotus comes out of his navel, followed by Brahma. Creation came later, first the strength to nurture was born. (In Hindu philosophy, Vishnu is considered to be the Sustainer of the Universe.)
Many people believe that God is tired after working. No, no! For God, creation is effortless. Like for a housewife, making tea is effortless – she can talk, sing and still make the tea.
Q. I feel that spirituality, and politics have separated in today’s world. How will the two meet?
Sri Sri: Spiritualize politics. We must also encourage spiritual people to take an interest in politics. They shouldn’t think that it is dirty, and for corrupt people.
Any post – a minister’s, chief minister’s or an officer’s post – is to serve others, not to enjoy your life. You get the post so that you can serve the citizens. It should be treated like seva. You have to neither hold on to it nor run away from it.
Leaving a rank is not about leaving prestige or position. This should be understood. Politics is supposed to be an important limb in the administration of a country. In ancient times, kings, and ministers used to take a keen interest in spirituality. Those who were not spiritual, were unable to support society’s progress.
Leaders should have five types of qualities: satya-darshi (truthful), sam-darshi (equanimous), priya-darshi (pleasant), paar-darshi (transparent) and door-darshi (visionary). Then the country can progress.”
(From the Office of HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Bangalore, India)
© The Art of Living Foundation
Posted by WisdomfromSriSri
‘You have to let go (of the breath) to enjoy the fresh air. In life, it is the same thing’
Bangalore, (India), May 19 (Tuesday), 8: 25 pm: The heavy rains in the ashram didn’t dampen the spirit of the satsangees who continued to sing, and dance in Vishalakshi Mantap. As soon as Sri Sri stepped on stage, the audience erupted in delight, and satsang continued with celebration.
Following are the excerpts of the Q&As that followed:
Q. What can make us centered? If we are shaken, how can we come back to ourselves?
Sri Sri: Become more hollow, and empty. Practice more meditation. Do more seva. Seva brings the merit to go deep in. When you go deep in, the mind becomes fresh, energetic, and intuitive to do more seva.
Q. In the Isha Vaasya Upanishad, there are references to renunciation. What has to be renounced? What is tena?
Sri Sri: Isha vasyam idam sarvam, yat kincha jagatyaam jagat, tena tyaktena bhunjitha, ma grdha kasyasvid dhanam.
Tena becomes this world. It is a practice. This whole universe is being permeated by That. Enjoy the world, without getting attached to it. You have to take a deep breath in. But you can’t hold onto it. You have to let go (of the breath) to enjoy the fresh air. In life, it is the same thing. Letting go is important.
Q. Shiva is the Lord of the Universe. Who does He meditate on? And why?
Sri Sri: Shiva is not a person sitting somewhere. Shiva himself is meditation. Shiva is Shiva tatva. How do you experience it? By meditation. When you sit and meditate, you get in touch with the Shiva tatva deep inside you.
Q. Is there anything wrong in idol worship?
Sri Sri: You keep the picture of your beloved ones. Is the picture really your beloved one? (Audience replies: No). But still, you keep the picture. The picture is not the person – yet it reminds you of that person. That is how murthi puja is practiced in different parts of the world. Some don’t believe in it. If you don’t want to see God in a form, it is fine.
If you want to, that is also fine.
You are only seeing something that is beyond the form, in the form.
Q. How to retain the positive energy of the ashram in the future?
Sri Sri: Yes, by meditating everyday, singing and chanting.
Q. When we are entangled and cry out for the Divine, will the Divine come to help us? What should we do when we are in fear?
Sri Sri: Tell me, what is your experience? Is the Divine doing His duty properly? These questions are irrelevant. When you need help, the cry for help is spontaneous. You can’t plan what you will do when you’re in crisis.
Q. In our society, the people who break the laws are considered to be heroes, and those who follow the laws, are thought to be fools. When can we expect a change in this?
Sri Sri: Change is happening, and it will continue to happen. Don’t worry. Change will happen.
Q. Does the Divine feel like a human being? How can a simple human being be close to God?
Sri Sri: Only simple human beings can understand The Divine. If someone thinks they are special, they cannot.
First understand yourself, and God will chase you Himself. Ask yourself – Who Am I?
Anybody can do that.
Q. What is Guru tatva?
Sri Sri: You have a question, you want an answer. Wherever the answer comes from - that is Guru tatva.
Q. If something bad is happening, what do we do about that?
Sri Sri: First, you accept that something bad is happening, and then realize that you want to stop the wrong from happening. The wrong will stop at the right time.
Q. My friends want to come to the ashram, but don’t have the money.
Sri Sri: Don’t worry. Those who cannot afford must come. They have to come.
Q. What is the significance of the sacred thread?
A.: The sacred thread indicates the three responsibilities that you shoulder: duty to parents, duty to society, and duty towards the knowledge you receive in life. You have to disseminate the knowledge in life.
Once you finish the duties, then the thread is thrown – this means that you have taken Sanyasa (renunciated the world). No more duties left.
Q. What do you think about the election results?
Sri Sri: Good! It’s better that national parties come to power than smaller parties amalgamating. A party with a national agenda should be there, instead of smaller parties trying to bully each other.
Q. What do you think about the situation in Sri Lanka?
Sri Sri: Peace has to come in Sri Lanka. Still it has some way to go. It will happen.
A member of the audience stands up and shares an experience. “I did the Art of Living program in 1997 in Abu Dhabi. Since then my life has been full of joy. In 2002, I was detected with brain cancer. My sincere gratitude to Guruji. With his blessings, I have recovered. Doctors say I am a survivor hero. I have taken chemotherapy, radiotherapy and would like to tell all - do the Sudarshan Kriya, regularly and with enthusiasm. Do seva. "
© The Art of Living Foundation
‘Love never questions the presence’
Bangalore, (India), May 18 (Monday) 7: 50 pm: “Every graduation, you are reminded of your duty. May the world become more prosperous, violence-free, and peaceful,” said His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as he was conferred with a doctorate from the Bangalore University at satsang this evening. As the Vice-Chancellor of the university read out the citation, he highlighted Sri Sri’s work as a peace negotiator, and counselor, as well as all the work done as a social activist.
“I accept this doctorate with all humility,” said Sri Sri. “Vidyaa dadaati vinayam – Knowledge brings humility. I would urge all to remember what you need to do for society - social responsibilities, as well as personal responsibilities.”
Earlier during the satsang, Sri Sri answered many questions asked by the audience.
Q. Why do some people love others so much, knowing that they have nothing to get from them?
Sri Sri: There are two types of joys – one joy is that from getting, another joy is giving. That’s a more mature joy. When grandfathers and grandmothers come to meet their grandchildren, they are not waiting for some gifts. They just want to be with them.
With children, it’s the other way around – children wait for their uncles and aunts to get gifts.
So the joy in giving is more mature than the joy in getting.
(A child from the audience shouts out - Happy b’day, Guruji! {It was Sri Sri’s birthday on May 13}.)
Q. How to feel, and experience the presence of the Divine all the time?
Sri Sri: Now you’re in Bangalore? So do you have to think all day that you’re in Bangalore? No, you know you’re in Bangalore, and you take it for granted. You don’t wake up and think – ‘Oh, I’m in Bangalore’. You don’t keep reminding yourself while eating, isn’t it? Take it in the same way – the presence of the Divine is with you.
You know, a child never asks a mother everyday: ‘Mummy, do you really love me?’ and it doesn’t say ‘Mummy, I really love you.’ You take it for granted.
Love never questions the presence. Never question love, never question the presence. It is there – you have to assume that it is there.
Kuch maan ke chalo, kuch jaan ke chalo (Accept some things, and know some things).
Q. How relevant is the caste system in India? Do they help preserve tradition, and culture?
Sri Sri: No, no, you don’t have to worry about the caste system.
There is only one jati (caste), and that is manushya jati (humankind). (Audience claps)
Q. How to reduce attachment?
Sri Sri: Why are you so bothered about attachment? Because it gives you pain, suffering. Small attachments always bring you pain.
If the attachment is bigger, wider, and deeper, it always uplifts the spirit.
Q.: Why are there so many religions?
Sri Sri: Unless there are opposites, you cannot even know this - that there are differences. So many religions are there, so that you can learn how to live in peace. If you don’t know disturbances - you will never know peace. You know that opposite values are … (Audience says: “Complementary”)
Q. What is the difference between sankalpa (intention), and desire?
Sri Sri: Desire is that which gives you anger, and upsets you. Sankalpa is having an intention. That is it! It works. Desires mean it has to happen now. In sankalpa you say, ‘Let it happen whenever it has to.’
Q.: What is puja, and prayer? What is the significance of Rudra puja? During puja, is it better to watch or meditate?
Sri Sri: Meditation! What is happening outside, is not important. With your eyes closed, you must feel that when the water is being poured on the shiva lingam, you too are getting an abhishekam (sacred cleansing) of chanting. Just sit, and get immersed in the chanting.
Q. Why does God hide from us?
Sri Sri: God has five aspects, and one of them is hiding.
The aspects are: Shrishti (creation), Stithi (maintenance), Anugraha (grace), Laya (dissolution), Tirodhana. Tirodhana – means hiding. So God is in you, he is hiding too. God is everywhere, and is hiding.
Q. Who controls God?
Sri Sri: If someone controls God, he cannot be God. The one who cannot be controlled is God.
Q. How is it possible that you give the answers to all questions so quickly?
Sri Sri: Very naturally, and easily.
Q.: Sages say that only chanting Hari’s (God) name can give salvation. Then, why are yoga, and meditation required?
Sri Sri: Even to repeat a name, you need to have a certain presence of mind. Yoga gives that presence of mind. When the body is strong, and mind is focused, only then will repetition of any mantra give the required result.
Q.: Why chant the shanti mantra three times after meditation? Does it have a different significance each time?
Sri Sri: No, no. It means ‘Inner peace, peace in the world, peace in the soul.
Q. How can someone with a family life achieve spiritual growth?
Sri Sri: Family life is not contrary to spiritual practices. If you go deep into spiritual practices, then your relationships with people, with your children become better.
Q.: What is silence? How is it celebrated?
Sri Sri: (He smiles at the audience, and doesn’t say anything. After a few seconds, the audience begins to applaud.)
Q: Is a Christian God more powerful and caring than a Hindu God?
Sri Sri: God is only one. If people say that, ‘My God is better than your God’, then they are wrong. Just turn your face away.
Q.: What is the use of being born? Everyone dies anyways.
Sri Sri: There are many such questions. Why are there two eyes in the same place? Why not front, and behind? Why does everything have a lid, but not your ears? We can then see who is listening, and who is not. (Laughter)
When we ask ‘why’, it is associated with misery. We never ask ‘why’ when we are happy. Understand why we are asking the question ‘why’! Wonder and question – they are opposite in nature, and also in the same realm. Wonder is a question, but not looking for an answer, or asked from inquisitiveness – when you really want to know.
When a question turns into a wonder – life becomes WONDERful.
Q.: When a mother denies love, and tells her child that he is an unwanted one, what should the child do?
Sri Sri: You should know that the mother is saying this out of too much love. If the mother says ‘Get lost!’, and you really get lost, then she would be more worried than you. If a mother is saying this– know that she is just very stressed, and that she needs your care and help.
Be the master of your feelings
Bad Antogast, (Germany), May 16, 2009 (Saturday): The satsang atmosphere was very meditative as most people sank into meditation to the strong fragrance of roses.
The Q&A session that followed with HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was, as usual, uplifting, and fun.
Q: It is easy to do seva. I love doing seva even when it is hard. My question is: Why is it hard to finish college when everyone tells me to do it? I know it is important to finish. How to induce commitment to do it?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Just do it. For some things, there is no 'how'. If I tell you to open your eyes, you just do it. If I tell you to open your mouth, you just do it! (laughter)
Q: When I am in a group I often feel I don't belong to them. How to overcome this?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: That must have been an old pattern. Take a step, take a leap. Tell yourself, 'I will be at home, come what may', and then you be the master of your feelings. Don't let your feelings rule you. When you are in a group, and there is discomfort, this is because of barriers, of the ego. Take a deep breath, watch the discomfort, it will disappear.
Q: What to do with good friends whose paths have just changed? There has been no growth since the last five years. Slowly, there is nothing to talk about but they are good friends.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You need to educate them.
Q: When someone loves another human being, and feels wonderful, and at peace about it, what is the fine line between attachment, and surrender?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When you feel attachment, go inward, and when you move inward, you feel surrender spontaneously. Love, and surrender are linked. When you love, there is surrender. It is best not to analyze these emotions. You love the person, just move through that. Success or failure, change or non-change, that's how it is. It is inevitable.
Q: When I see people who are sick or poor, I feel for them very strongly, and I spend days thinking about them. How to let go?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: In Patanjali Yoga Sutras, it is said there are four clues, ideas, or concepts on how to deal with real life situations.
First, there is friendliness. If you feel friendly for those who are happy, you will overcome jealousy.
For people who are suffering, you should have only compassion, and not friendliness.
Be happy for those who do good work, who are productive, and meritous.
For those who are doing bad things, feel indifference, not hatred.
These are the four different attitudes in our life. If we practise these, we will save our 'mann' (mind). When any other feeling opposite to this bothers you, then reverse your feelings. When you feel jealous, turn it around to love. Feelings cannot be changed by effort, but only through intention.
Q: How to improve my self-esteem? Sometimes, I feel invisible. People forget about me, where I am.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Be useful to others. When you do that, they remember. If you only think about yourself, then they forget.
Q: I am afraid of so many things especially death. How to overcome fear?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Meditation, and Meditation. Meditation, and Knowledge: only two things will help you overcome this fear.
Q: I live in a family whose members are very anxious, insensitive, egoistic, and under-confident. I understand that accepting them as they are is the way you say, but living 24 hours in a surrounding like this takes a toll on me. I have done a lot of things over the years to address this, and I feel I am losing my life, enthusiasm, creativity, and love - again and again. Can you please guide me in this regard?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Know that I am with you. Whenever you feel low or unhappy – even to the slightest extent - know I am with you. Come on, nobody can be with someone for 24 hours. You sleep for at least six to eight hours. Then, two hours are for yourself - you bathe, you feed, you stay with yourself. If you have a room by yourself, (it's good to have a room), sometimes stay by yourself. Take a walk.
Usually, we generalize, and eternalize problems. We think: 'I am always wrong. I always have a problem.' How can you always have a problem? Then, there is no problem as you are so used to it. Some people create problems for others because it's the only time they don't have any problems (laughter). Some people, who have no problems, create problems for others. Wake up, and see. It is wise not to eternalize, and generalize the problem.
Q: I am constantly afraid I will commit a sin, and God will not forgive my sins, including those from the past.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: C'Mon! (applause) Don't make God look so cruel. I will be your advocate. (applause) God is an ocean of forgiveness, of compassion. Don't put such ideas in the mind. Just move on. It's the temptation of pleasure that irritates you. But the greatest temptation is God himself. Do your practices. Read Yoga Vashista, Ashtavakra Gita, and this will bring you to the path. If something happens, move ahead.
Q: On my spiritual path I passed through different traditions. Last year I started to practise Kriya Yoga, and I thought I found my way. Now I am here practising the Sudarshan Kriya, and I found this is difficult to continue with Kriya Yogas as well. Can I do both practices or should I choose only one? How can I meditate without using the technique from another tradition if I have not done Sahaj Samadhi course yet? Finally, I would really love to stop seeking and changing spiritual practices, and know the spiritual path of my life. How can I know it?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: All practices you did in the past led you here.Don't mix practices. When you are in this path, stay. When there is no progress, I, myself, will tell you to move on. It is impossible not to progress here. Continue. Here you have silence and music, seva and fun, wisdom. Every aspect of life is covered, it is so beautiful.
Know you are here only to give instead of take
Bad Anotgast (Germany), May 15 (Friday): Tonight, the Q§A session with His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, as usual, had that mixture of depth and lightness that captured all the audience.
Q: Dearest Guruji, you spoke of the ant and the elephant in the video today. I would like to know how to be in Divine Love. Am I like the ant? What is the way of Divine Love? Is it to be an ant, or an elephant?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When you realize you are an ant, you become an elephant. If you think you are like the elephant, you become the ant! (Laughter)
Q: How can I strengthen my male energy blocked inside? I have very little male, and more feminine energy.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You have both energies in balance, equal. One is being expressed more, the other is dormant. Just have an intention, and it will be expressed.
Q: I am a wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and am on the spiritual path. What is my dharma, especially in light of my husband who is also on the spiritual light?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It is easier for you. So, all the roles are coming together. Just be at ease with it. The question comes: ‘Am I balancing all my roles?’ You are, and you will be. Especially if you are a mother, you feel you have not done enough for the child. All mothers feel like that. No mother feels she has done enough for the child. It is the same if you are a daughter. You feel you have not done enough for the father. With the husband, you feel you have done enough! (laughter) I can’t answer that. Just have an intention that you have that balance. If you open your eyes, you will see there is the balance.
Q: A hundred years of a disease-free body, and stress-free mind seems like a theory. How is it possible in this age to live a hundred years, in a disease-free, and stress-free state?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Have an intention. 100 years does not mean exact 99 years and 12 months, or 99 years 11 months 29 days. Rishis (a renunciate) used to say a 100 years. When people bless, they usually say ‘Live 1,000 years’. It does not mean that they want you to live 1,000 years. When you get tired of this life, you say you have stayed too long on this planet. But when you are connected to the Divine, the natural wish that comes is ‘Let me live to the maximum of human life. Let me work till the last breath. Let me live healthily.’ These are natural wishes.
Q: When was the first human being born? (laughter)
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Tell me - where is the first point of a ball, of a tennis ball? This answer will follow. We keep thinking everything should have a beginning, and an end. But this universe has no beginning, no end. So, the Rishis used two words Anadi, and Ananta. Anadi means without beginning, and Ananta means without end.
Q: If everything is impermanent, and life is moving at such a speed, how can everything be impermanent? How can the impermanent, and the absolute coexist?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You cannot know impermanence unless there is something permanent. Change is there when there is non-change. To notice changes, there should be a reference point, and that is non-change.
Q: Why do people stop behaving like normal people as soon as they think Sri Sri will turn up the next moment? (laughter)
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I have no idea. (laughter)
There is a story. It is very famous in India. There was a king called Vikram Aditya. He was known for his righteousness, and piousness. He was a saint of a king. He had all the characters that were required of a king - wise man, saint, good human being, and very intelligent also. There are many good human beings, but they are not intelligent (laughter), and intelligent human beings who are not good. This king had all the aspects. He was very patient. After he died, there was nobody who could take his place. His seat was so powerful, nobody could get on the throne. After some time, the throne got buried. Many years passed. There was a garden, and in the garden, a small hillock. The gardener would go sit on the hillock, and have a big smile on his face. From there he would invite all the passer-bys he would see on the road. He would invite people to come, and have fruit from the garden - mangoes, coconuts.
But when they came, he would take a stick, and chase them. He would fight with them. ‘How dare you come to my garden? How dare you trespass?’ People would not understand his behavior. Some thought he was mad. Others thought there must be something else. So, they decided to dig the hillock, and find out. They dug the hillock, and found the throne of the king. It had such an impact on the gardener, the vibrations.
If you sit in negative company, you feel negative. If you sit where there are doubts, then this is what you will feel. That´s why Buddha said ‘Sangha’. The company of people who are positive, focused on the higher goals of life is important. If someone is always thinking of money, or of cheating, those vibrations will have an impact on you. If you sit in joyful company like here (in satsang), you will feel joyful.
Q: Why are we here back on earth if we have to eat, breathe, sleep? What is the purpose of life?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: What is the purpose of life? Make a list. Your purpose is not to eat, breathe, sleep. (laughter) Your purpose is not to watch TV, die, fight. Your purpose is not to be selfish. If you go by elimination, you will find the purpose.
Q: I spent a lot of my life chasing questions. How to be calmer and decisive, instead of being tensed?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Make a drastic shift in your life from wanting everything from everybody to giving to everyone. Know you are here only to give instead of take. The strength for you is ‘I want nothing from anybody and if I can be useful to 10, 20 people in life that´s good enough, and my needs will be taken care of by nature. This body belongs to planet earth. It is made of the materials of the planet earth, and will go back to this earth.’ When you can’t lift your hands, nature will make arrangements to feed you. You will be taken care of, if you can’t see. It will put that compassion into someone to come, and feed you. So you must know that this body belongs to planet earth and it will take care of you.
How can I be useful to the planet? Just having these thoughts gives better direction. The lack will disappear. How to draw abundance towards you is not to be greedy, self-centered.
Q: Silence is not so cheerful. It brings a lot of sadness. What is the best way to deal with this?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Something deep inside is coming out, so let it come out. It is like vacuuming the carpet, and removing the dust mites. So, never mind, let it come out. From meditation, the practices, it will come out.
Q: If somebody does not like their name, is it OK to change it?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Change. So what? (laughter) It´s like changing the clothes. Last question.
Q: Is this life only to test my strength, and courage to love people around me, and not to be loved back?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This life is not a test. Nobody is testing you. I do not subscribe to that idea of someone testing your life. No, it is not a test. Just relax. It’s learning, and unlearning. Just learn, and unlearn.
Q: I am afraid of people and very tight when I speak to them. I often ask what they think of me. How can I be more open and communicative?
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Get onto the DSN course (laughter) and if that does not work, get onto the TTC (more laughter). Till you do that, now for an immediate remedy. Don’t be the football of other´s opinions.
That beautiful combination of commitment, and dispassion is the most important thing
Bad Antogast, (Germany), April 30 (Thursday): “Life needs to be a perfect balance between sound and silence, between dynamic activity and stillness, between being funny and jovial, and then being serious. If one aspect is missing, life is incomplete. If you are only serious, and not funny, then it’s not complete. If you are only funny, you become superficial. You are not deep.
Silence is our ability to switch between them, this is most important. Your ability to be busy, and yet relaxed.
Your ability to be concerned, deeply concerned, yet completely dispassionate. If you are deeply attached to something, you are prone to get angry, upset or frustrated.
At the same time if you are only detached, you will be careless, uncaring, uncommitted.
That beautiful combination of commitment, and dispassion is the most important thing.
There are five aspects that make the individual soul connected to the Divine, or make the individual soul different from the divine:
Ignorance
Ego
Craving
Aversion
Fear
So how will you know whether you have grown in life? How do you know if you have come close to God? Examine these five aspects. These keep you separate from God. How ignorant were you five years ago, ten years ago, a year ago? How much more knowledge do you have now? Is there an improvement? Just imagine how you were before your first Sudarshan Kriya, and what you are now. Is there a difference?
Audience: Yes!
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Your ignorance has reduced. That is Asmita. How unnatural were you before and how much natural are you now? How much more at ease are you? Are you less egoistic now? Are you thinking less about ‘Me, me, me, me, me’? Are you freer?
Audience: Yes!
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: The aspects of avidya and asmita have reduced? You are more with the nature, more natural. There is less of “I, I.”
The third aspect: cravings. How strong were your cravings before and how much have they reduced? Is it less?
Audience: Yes!
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Aversion. How much is the aversion now? Anything that gives pleasure creates craving, anything that gives pain or displeasure creates aversion. Is it not less now?
And fear. Is this less? And it reduces further, as you practice. That is why, these practices are meant to reduce these five things in life and keep you close to Divinity, the Universal Spirit. And that is enlightenment.
Achieving enlightenment is reducing all these things to almost nothing, one percent - because as long as the body is there, this one percent has to remain. From 99 percent to one percent.
From the time you are born up to three years, these aspects are in a very small proportion. From the third year onwards, all these things increase up to ninety nine percent. And then through education and sadhana, you start to reduce them again.
A baby of two – three months doesn’t have much of these aspects - they are not afraid. Have you seen fear in a baby? Only when baby grows older - six months, one year – do the qualities of the mother begin to appear. Craving and aversion come in when the baby turns a year old. If the baby gets something sweet, then craving appears. When someone unfamiliar comes near, the baby will push them away.
That is when the individual spirit, soul, becomes more prominent. Before that it is only God, Universal Spirit. Universal Spirit gets back to individual spirit with this. Like air inside the balloon. When the balloon bursts, the air goes out. Like in life, when these five things are reduced – ignorance, ego, craving, aversion, and fear - then consciousness, scintillating energy comes up. It is satchitanand. Sat - truth, chit - consciousness, anand - bliss.
That is the balance - to have fun, but in the next moment, have the ability to be still, to be serious. To be very serious, but to be able to crack a joke. Serious people get annoyed when a joke is cracked. You should have the ability to switch from one, and tolerate more.
Similarly, music, and silence. Feel at home in silence. Some are always in silence, and some always listen to the music. Life is complete when you can switch between the spectrum. That is the Shiva element, Shiva dance. When Shiva dances, the world shakes, it is so powerful, such a dynamic dance. And yet Shiva can be absolutely still. These two aspects are expressed: one that is very innocent, and in the highest knowledge at the same time. There are people who are ignorant, yet innocent. Shiva is wise, and innocent. The complete range of life, consciousness, so alive.
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Are the participants in the Teacher’s Training Course doing well?
Audience: Yes!
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You have no choice. You know what is very important, in Art of Living, when you go out in the world, you shouldn’t get lost in the glamor or in the fun. Have fun, but don’t get lost in it. It will be there for a few days, few months, then you will find yourself empty. How many of you have had this experience? But you never thought about it, right? Art of Living gives a lot of fun to you, meditation gives you so much energy, your devotion, and energy brings so much joy, and fun. But when we put our foot, and just get lost there, all this goes. Then we wonder why our meditation is not good.
I have said in one knowledge sheet: If you follow wisdom, fun follows you. If you follow fun, misery follows you. The sutra is just to be in silence. So you can have fun, but don’t get lost it. Got it? Don’t feel guilty. Some people feel guilty: ‘Oh, I’m having fun.’ Balance it. Know that you should not get lost in it. It’s ok.
Do you know that there are two types of devotees? One is a monkey, and another one is a kitten. An intellectual person is like a monkey. Like a baby monkey, clings on to the mother monkey, and follows her everywhere. The mother monkey doesn’t do anything, and the baby monkey does not go far away. The baby monkey clings on the tummy or on the back. The mother doesn’t bother. This is an intellectual person, conscious, aware.
Then there are the others, they are like the kitten. A kitten plays around, and the mother takes it with her mouth, by the hair, and carries it around. The mother uses the same teeth to bite a mouse, but she doesn’t hurt the kitten. It is the same with nature – it takes care of us like this. It is the path of love, and devotion.
An intellectual person is taking an action. In the life of the seeker, sometimes it the monkey, and sometimes it is the kitten. Kitten is when you are in so much love, hollow and empty, and monkey thinks and analyzes. It is up to you, what do you want to be?
Both are good.
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