Thursday, July 31, 2008

Human Values


Question :What is your mission? What is most needed in today's world?
Sri Sri :Human values. Bringing back the human values.

Question: What is your focus right now?
Sri Sri: Presently our focus is on village development. For this we have the 5H (health, hygiene, housing, harmony in diversity and human values) Program

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Science in Sudarshan Kriya


Dr Vinod Kochupillai, head of the Cancer Centre at AIIMS, the premiere medical institute of India, explains the scientific aspect of sudarshan kriya: "In today's society, psycho-neuroimmunology (PNI), often referred to as of mind-body importance, is becoming very popular. PNI shows how the mind and emotions influence both the nervous and immune systems. For instance, happy people produce chemical messengers, which travel from the nervous system to the immune system, resulting in better health.
Sudarshan kriya is a unique breathing process, which removes stress from the body. Negative toxins are flushed out and each cell flooded with new life to energize body and mind. This experience of centeredness, freedom and fulfillment releases neuropeptides, which influence the immune system positively and hence, the whole physiology. Both sudarshan kriya and pranayama have been researched in Nimhans, Bangalore, India, where it was found successful with 70-80 per cent patients suffering from severe depression. Abnormal brain wave patterns turned normal with regular practice.
Studies conducted at Harvard, USA, revealed that 70-80 per cent patients suffering from AIDS benefited from this process. Lymph node swellings decreased, pain was reduced, breathing and digestion improved, energy levels increased. The Republic of Slovenia conducted a research on patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. With sudarshan kriya, significant improvement was found in the patient's mobility, endurance levels and lung capacity while anxiety levels came down. Ongoing studies at AIIMS suggest that these processes help cancer patients also.
It also helps in controlling the urge to consume tobacco."

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Spiritual gurus in India

Question : There seems to be as many spiritual gurus in India as there are Indians. Is that a good thing?
Sri Sri: Why not? That's okay. India has always been renowned for diversity and difference of opinion. Harmony in diversity. But people should not misuse the trust people have. Certain people are misusing the trust our population has in the ancient tradition of knowledge. And that is unfortunate. They are using spirituality for their own ulterior motives.
Question : Would you care to name these people?
Sri Sri :Here and there you hear of people being cheated in the name of religion and spirituality. It is not any big name but gullible people are being fooled in the name of religion and spirituality. It's not necessarily only Hindus but from all religions. In the name of god, healing and spirituality people are taken for a ride. One reads in the newspapers constantly of Indians killing Indians over religion, it could be over a mosque, temple, church, any place of worship.
Question :What do you think can be done to prevent such a situation? Why are Indians intent on killing each other?
Sri Sri : I don't know if it is religion, social injustice or caste violence. Any form of violence comes from a sense of frustration and a lack of knowledge of how to handle it. Education in human rights teaches you how to handle violence.
We need to bring people closer, together, not keep them apart in caste, community etc. Politics is playing a very big role in keeping communities apart in terms of religion etc. That is a very dangerous thing for the unity of this country. There should be justice and equality.

Monday, July 28, 2008

What is the divine logic for so much suffering in the world?

Question: If there's a god above why should there be so much suffering? Karma surely can't be the cause of suffering?
Sri Sri: You cannot stuff god somewhere above so he won't make you suffer; He is full of compassion and love, why should He make you suffer? That is not the case. There is the principle of karma, action and reaction.
Do an in-depth study of our scriptures to clear this mystery what the world is really bothered about, what is happening to god, why is He behaving this way etc.
There are opposite values that coexist in this planet. Creation, destruction. Joy, suffering. Pleasure, pain. But you are something beyond that. This understanding is a gift to the world from Indian philosophy, the Vedas.
The whole world is grouping in an ideological struggle to play Satan. If god is omnipresent, present everywhere, where do you keep Satan? Satan should be in a place where god is not. Then god is not omnipresent. If He is not omnipresent, He is not omnipotent also. Then Satan becomes even more powerful. So there is a fight between good and evil.
Our Vedanta, our philosophy in India, has given a big solution to this. The age-old struggle we are talking about, the good and bad, right and wrong are relative. In the absolute sense there is only one truth. The divine. It is one. It is beyond duality. One step below comes the good and bad. They are the opposites, and they all complement each other.
Like the hero and villain. They appear to be in conflict with each other but they merely complement each other. There is no hero, there is no villain. Similarly poison and nectar. Even nectar, if consumed too much, can be poisonous. And poison very often saves the lives of people. All the life-saving drugs have poison written on them.
Take the concept of opposite values that are complementary to each other, which exists in the world, in our philosophy, and it solves most of the riddles the Western world is facing about good and evil, right and wrong, why some people are happy, why some people are not happy.
The theory of karma and the principle of dharma go hand in hand.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

What is Sacrifice?


Sacrifice is letting go of something that you are holding on to or are attached to, which gives you pleasure, for something bigger that would bring good. Sacrifice brings strength in life. Life without sacrifice is stagnant. Sacrifice gives you the quantum leap. It takes you to a higher pedestal. Often people think sacrifice makes life dull and joyless. In fact, it is the sacrifice which makes life worth living. The amount of sacrifice in your life brings out your magnanimity and helps you move out of misery. A life without sacrifice is worth nothing. Zeal, enthusiasm, strength and joy are all connected to sacrifice.

Question: Some people say, "I have sacrificed so much," and complain.

Answer: That is good. The thought of sacrifice has given them strength to complain and saves them from blaming themselves without which they would even be more depressed. Sacrifice never goes unrewarded. There can be no love, no wisdom and no true joy without sacrifice. SACRIFICE MAKES YOU SACRED.

Become sacred!Jai Gurudev........ :) :)

What is the significance of Snake Worship?


Sri Sri:Snake is a symbol of alertness। In India, what is it, that is not worshiped?

Peacock is worshipped because of Kartikeya। Tiger is worshiped because of Durga Everything is worshipped in India, indicating the whole world is connected in one organism. Latest scientific theory says that the universe is one organism। Once upon a time the whole world had one type of Vedic Knowledge.

There is a book called 'Global presence of Vedic Culture'

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Parenting


Question: Dear Guruji, please talk on parenting.

Sri Sri: You know, your evolution is very fast when you are parent. You are so keen, your observation, you are immersed. Like the security guard of a VIP, is all the time on one's toes. You are only worried about external things. When you are calm, serene, chlidren also catch that. Sometimes children also talk like 50 year olds - 10 year old childrenare like parrots. It's better you don't fight with each other in front of children. Don't do things which are not nice. Give them the seed of spirituality. Develop a sense of giving.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Moksha

Question : Revered Swamiji, What is the status of a person once he attains moksha. He is a male or Female. What is does there. How does he / she spend time there

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : It's like they say, goonge ki mithai (a dumb person tasting sweet), how he can't express the sweetness of what he has tasted

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Vedic Culture and Sanathana Dharma


Question: Namaste swamiji I have a feeling that there is a onslaught on Vedic Culture and Sanathana Dharma by intellectuals, western and local and neighbouring powers eventhough they preach universal love ,brotherhood and tolerance. why it is so?

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Vedic knowledge is so powerful and strong. It won't disappear due to any onslaught. Have faith in Sanatan Dharma, its timelessness. And educate people in the benefits of it

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

God controls everything

Question : I believe that God controls everything that happens in this world. Even a leaf cannot shake without HIS consent. In that case, all the hatred and aggression that is prevanlent in today's world should be a handiwork of the almighty himself. Can you please tell me why he first creates such a wonderful world and beautiful creatures and then puts flaws in them? If he wanted us to fight and kill each other, why did he create us in the first place? Did he purposely make this happen or has the world gone out of his control? If this is the way he wanted it to happen, then should we make an attempt to change it?

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Agreed that god controls everything that happens in this world. When you think god controls everything, then you get into theological mess. God is a field in which everything is happening. And even a question that comes into your mind, is coming from the same area. The instinct to do good is also from there. The whole universe is played and displayed on consciousness. The doctor is divine, the patient is also divine. The teacher is divine, student is also divine. They are part of the character. You need to understand quantum physics in order to understand this riddle.
A mere attempt to change the world, is also god's attempt. God is also changing thru you

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Definition of God.

Question : There are many religions in this world and each religion is having a 'definition' of its own for God. But every religion says there is only one God who rules this world. Then who is the 'actual' God? There is no case where a Religion is said to have explained about other religion existing in other part of the world.How do you explain this?

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : I think you have not studied scriptures. If you read Adi Shankara, he talks of what Jainists say, Buddhists say, Purva Paksha etc. Swami Dayanand also speaks of this. This sort of intellectual debate has been there for a long time. Same way, there has also been standoff between religions. All that you have to do is take the essence of the religions, as practically one cannot study all. If you want to see the commonalities, it is up to you. If you want to see the differences, it is up to you

Monday, July 21, 2008

The Healing Breath

A jewel in the Art of living is the healing breath known as the Sudarshan Kriya. This unique breathing practice is a potent energizer. Every cell becomes fully oxygenated and flooded with new life. Negative emotions that have been stored in the body are easily uprooted and flushed out. Tensions, frustrations an anger get released. Anxiety, depression and lethargy are washed away. Both the mind and body feel a welcome relief. After the practice, one is left calm and centered with a clearer vision of the world and of oneself. A sense of joy in the moment prevails where once again we can smile from our hearts. And when we feel good about ourselves, love flows naturally in all our relationship with others.

"A few times of the Healing Breath fully relax you. Your life becomes more total. All the faces of your personality come together to make you one whole person. Do the Healing Breath and meditate. These practices completely transform you and kindle the love deep inside."

Sunday, July 20, 2008

How can one take derogatory remarks?

Sri Sri: Dont take. What happens? You loose your sleep.
Do what gives you comfort.
If you can honour yourself, then you will not be bothered.
An elephant is not scared of the dogs barking.


If you get upset, who succeeds?

Saturday, July 19, 2008

The healing Breath of Life

Guruji: Breathing is the first act of life. Breath is linked to the vital life energy in us, or prana. We gain prana through air, fresh food and rest- and also through meditation. A lack of prana results in lethargy, dullness and poor enthusiasm.
When our bodies are lively through prana, we feel alert, energetic and full of good humor. Prana is the very basis of helath and well-being for both body and maind.
Prana is more abundant infresh air than in stale air. Yet whatever the air quality we live in, our health can be dramatically enhanced with pranayama - deep breathing practices that open lungs and maximize the absorption of prana.
Pranayama techniques recharge the cells, keeping us young and vital with resillent health and brilliant clarity of mind.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Spritual Path


Question : Guruji, Even people who have progressed on the spiritual path ocasionally tend to be drawn back into materialism and small-mindedness. Why does this phenomenon happen? Can't the progress be like a flight?

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : It totally depends on you. For some it may be a flight, for some it may be a crawl, or a walk. It depends on you entirely. The learning ability, adapting ability depends on the individual, and even that changes from time to time

Thursday, July 17, 2008

The Gift of Wealth

Guruji: Vara means gift. The gift of wealth that you have received in your life. Often children of rich people don't value to what they have! You know because it has come so easy to them. But there are some people who have under gone all the toil, struggles. They believed in something, hard earned and they valued it when they got it.
Similarly for all the gifts that you received in your life, you need to honor! When you honor then you don't misuse it. Money can be earned, money can be misused as well. Just to get some name... so much of showoff people get into! Just to get some popularity!
You know popularity should be used for good cause. You should not misuse popularity. You know there are some movie actors who are really popular. The youth is very fond of them! Now if they project themselves smoking a cigar and all that you know then the youth follow the movie actor! Children starts thinking, "I'll smoke like my here!"
And if the hero is using abusive words and violence then the child starts thinking like that. And then video game video game is again such a waste of money and energy!! The whole day they play the games where they have shoot their so-called enemies!!

How can we do seva?

Question : As the saying goes, "charity begins at home". How can we do seva outside when we are needed at home?
Guruji : You are talking about your spouse? You need to balance. If you say I'll do all my home work before I do seva then that will never happen. Because so many things keep coming for home and it will not stop. You cannot neglect your home also. But at home it's called duty not seva. Outside it is seva.
Question : Whenever I feel like doing seva, I start finding excuses. Bless me that I can do some seva.
Guruji : Just keep doing seva, blessings are already there. Good things in life you should not delay. Just do it. Whenever you get a chance to do spiritual practice, seva, generosity, don't miss it. Those are the real catchy moments of your life.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

You have tendencies!!


Question: This body of our feels like such a burden at times. We suffer several diseases and it becomes an obstacle for us to merge with the Ultimate. Guruji, can you please explain how important it is to keep the body?
Sri Sri: You know there is a saying that the grass is always greener on the other side. There are thousands of souls who want to take a body to enjoy whatever you are enjoying right now! These souls are want to get a body, they are waiting!! Only fools leave the body, I tell you!! Only fools commit suicide! You have so many impressions from the last birth!! You must have been a donkey, cow, bull, buffalo,(laughter) anything!! You keep carrying the impressions and behave in a particular way!! You have tendencies!!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

How to overcome anger?


Question : I am an agnostic, how to overcome anger?

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Satsang and group meditation will help. Engage in service activities. Tendencies which are bothering you, remove everythin.g

Love without Wisdom


Question: If love is the essence and driving force of life, why there is so much unrest and hate in the world?


His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Love without wisdom turns into jealousy, all negativeness...

Monday, July 14, 2008

What is Satsang?

Satsang means ' the company of truth' a celebration of singing, dancing and sharing knowledge. Sound is energy. Our eternal consciousness responds to the sounds and vibrations of ancient Snaskrit chants creating a beneficial effect on the human nervous system that rejuvenate body, mind and spirit.
In Satsang, both the left and right hemispheres of the brain get balanced. The wandering mind comes back to the present moment and experiences a deeper dimension to life.
Singing helps to bring serenity. Singing is simply merging into the sound, floating on its waves with a sense of contentment and meditativeness.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Guru shishya relationship


Question: Can you please tell us about the Guru shishya relationship? (The relation between the Master and the Devotee)


Sri Sri:It's a very special relationship. It cannot be described. It's like who you are to yourself. The same way Teacher is just a mirror to yourself. You know where you can be natural. You know that you are never judged. Because he know you well you know

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Does Chanting have a good impact?

Question: Guruji in certain temples chanting is done just for the heck of it. Its not done from the heart. In such a case will it have good effect on impact?

Guruji: No. it may not have as good impact. If chanting is done with the meaning and as well as the bhava(feelings), then there will be a very good impact. Like during Navratri. How many have you have felt the energy during the Navratri puja? Because all the priests who chant know what they are chanting

Friday, July 11, 2008

How to deal with anger

Question : How to deal with anger?
Guruji (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) : Anger is ok. I have a technique for you. Whenever you get angry,sing. If you get angry on your husband/wife, scold them by singing. Opera singing is even better. See if you can do it. (He sings a couple of lines... You stupid, what did you do to me and everyone breaks into laughter)
If possible take a guitar and sing with it. It must be very interesting. Some people will become musician like this. Anger comes when you go out of certain rhythm. And, music is bringing that rhythm back. Antidote for anger is music, exercise, karate, martial arts.... You know martial arts have to be done without anger.
In Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna says to Arjun, "Arjun, fight but not with anger or hatred." Now, anger does not take permission before coming. Dont regret anger. Its ok to be angry with children. If you don't get angry at them, they become so weak in the world.They cannot take criticism. They become weak. You should know the limitation though. Youknow how much salt should be put in the food. How cold or warm, your finger will tell you. As parents, dont feel guilty for scolding your children. Thinking that way you become stressed and

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is letting go of something that you are holding on to or are attached to, which gives you pleasure, for something bigger that would bring good. Sacrifice brings strength in life. Life without sacrifice is stagnant. Sacrifice gives you the quantum leap. It takes you to a higher pedestal. Often people think sacrifice makes life dull and joyless. In fact, it is the sacrifice which makes life worth living. The amount of sacrifice in your life brings out your magnanimity and helps you move out of misery. A life without sacrifice is worth nothing. Zeal, enthusiasm, strength and joy are all connected to sacrifice.
Question: Some people say, "I have sacrificed so much," and complain.

Guruji: That is good. The thought of sacrifice has given them strength to complain and saves them from blaming themselves without which they would even be more depressed. Sacrifice never goes unrewarded. There can be no love, no wisdom and no true joy without sacrifice.
SACRIFICE MAKES YOU SACRED.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Difference between dedication and devotion


Question: What is the difference between dedication and devotion.
Sri Sri: Dedication is an act and devotion is a state.
Question: Significance of 'PRANAM'.
Sri Sri: 'PRAN NA MA' yeh pran mera nahi.
(This 'Praan' (life force energy or life)is not mine)

Monday, July 7, 2008

Spirituality


Question: Dear Guruji, How should one reconcile spirituality and business imperatives ? How to go beyond cosmetic corporate social responsibility to a more meaningful corporate ethical code?

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Even if this question arises in corporate minds, half the work is done. It is lack of awareness in corporate minds that people are not moving ahead. The willingness to share, care, in corporate minds can make a huge difference

Sunday, July 6, 2008

How we can remove sorrow/sufferings?


Question: If happiness and sorrow are two sides of the same coin which are in compliment with each other, how we can remove sorrow/sufferings from this world??

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : It is dark at night, but you have the intelligence and power to bring light even when it's dark

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Dharma and Yoga


Question: What is the relation of Dharma and Yoga? Why your Yoga and other activities mostly revolves around Hindu Dharma ?


His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Hindu dharma is not a religion propounded by anyone. Yoga is part of that dharma. Hindus, Sikhs, all adapt meditation etc. It is a way of life that has come out of this ancient land, and so it has become part of it. You can't separate yoga from dharma. Dharma means righteousness. The first step of yoga is ahimsa, truth, compassion, charity, all necessary for holistic development. Dharma is not what you eat etc, but that which uplifts the spirit. You cannot separate yoga from mantras. Or from a separate lifestyle or exercises. It does not interfere with your honouring any other religion. A Muslim or Christian or Jew or Buddhist can practice yoga, because it only enhances. It became a religion much later since everybody had to be identified.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Religion and Culture

Question: Namaste, I am in software industry and I get opportunities to go to US and meet our clients. Offline discussions, some times, turns into our Religion and Culture. Common question that most of the people ask is, "Why Hindus have so many gods?". How do I answer this question? One of the answers that I got was "Hindus have one God and many Gods that we pray are symbolic representation". But, this answer does not convince me. So, please let me know how do I answer this question.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Our body is created by one cell, that one cell multiplies and becomes eyes, brain etc. There are different impulses of intelligence. Our ancient people knew all this. Like the seven colours of the white line. Similarly, there many attributes to one parmatman, those attributes are called by various names

Idol Worship

Question: Is it true that idol worship is meant for those who are still in the initial stages of spiritual development and formless worship is for those who are advanced?

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Internal meditation is considered superior, but that doesn't mean other forms of worship are not good. I would say, honour every form of worship. You don't have to do the highest all the time.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Spirituality


Question : Dear Guruji,Nameste, Should we follow certain religion or God is only one? Is it ok if we follow more than one religion?

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : Adopt spirituality, be faithful to your religion, and honour all religions

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Serenity

Question: Guruji how can I have the kind of serenity you have on you face

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar : See your life in a broader perspective, commit yourself to service.