Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Particles, Music, Patterns… and a surprise

GURUJI SPEAKS THIS EVENING IN Bangalore ashram, March 30 (Monday), 9:15 pm:
Despite an urgent prior appointment which went on till late, Sri Sri kept his commitment for satsang and came at 9:12 pm. It was a welcome surprise for the hundreds of people who were eagerly waiting for Sri Sri.Amidst claps and cheers,
Sri Sri said: “The present nine days are called Navratras (nine nights according to the Indian calendar). These are dedicated to the Mother Divine. Today is the fourth day. Auspicious pujas take place till Ram Navami (this day celebrates the birth of Lord Rama).
Here in the ashram, we celebrate the second Navratras (which usually fall in September-October).
This is the beginning of spring, of summer. It is a time for contemplation.”He then asked, “Birthdays and anniversaries?” (It is a long-standing tradition that Sri Sri follows. Sri Sri meets all the people whose birthdays and anniversaries fall on that day.
A 5-year girl rushed on stage with flowers in her hand. “Is it your birthday?” asked Sri Sri. When she shook her head, he asked, much to her delight: “Do you want a mala (garland) anyways?”
And promptly garlanded her beaming face. Earlier in this satsang this evening, a short film on experiments with chalk particles and music was shown in the Vishalakshi Mantap. With different types of music playing in the background, the particles arranged themselves in beautiful patterns.
Sri Sri mentioned these experiments at the satsang only four days ago (on March 26).
Sri Sri had spoken about the effect that music had on particles in the human body. “Harmony (between particles) is born in sound That’s why satsang is important. It changes and reorganises the particles in your system.”These words translated into a practical experience for the 750 people who sang, danced and meditated at the satsang this evening... with every particle in their beings!--

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Guruji speaksat Ashram satsang

Realising the self is our first aim, our first duty’Bangalore ashram,
March 28 (Saturday), 8:30 pm:Amphitheater Satsang:
Over 6,500 people from different parts of India sat in rapt attention as satsang with Sri Sri was held in the amphitheatre this evening.
Q: If we are spiritually connected to the Master, how does the physical presence affect us?
Ans: I have no idea!
Q: How important is knowledge on the spiritual path? One who does not know how to read/write, can they grow on the spiritual path?
Ans: Yes, one can. There are many examples in this country. Kabirdas (a famous saint in India) never went to a university. Guru Nanakdev (the Sikh prophet)…. there are lots of instances of famous people in this country.
Q. I have heard people talk about soul mates? Is it true? Are husband – wife truly soul mates?Ans: Better be! Every husband and wife had better meet their souls. They meet everyone but not their souls. Realising the self is our first aim, our first duty. Ask the question: ‘Who am I?’
Q. Why has God created this illusion of space and time?
Ans: Just for fun!
Q. Guruji, what gift shall I give u? After undergoing the advanced meditation programme, I am going back with such a rich experience.
Ans: Bring peace, knowledge and spirituality to more and more people around you. Recently, I was travelling from Canada to America. A security guy at the airport came running upto me and showed my book – ‘Celebrating Silence’. “Are you the author of this book?” he asked. I said, “Yes.” He shared his experience with me: “Someone gave this book to me six months ago. After reading this book, my life has changed. I carry this book all the time.” He has not even done the Sudarshan Kriya!
Knowledge should be brought to everyone. You don’t know who needs the knowledge when and where.
Q. When we say let go, what does it mean?
Ans: Take a deep breath in and hold! You will know what it means to let go. (Audience starts to laugh and begins clapping). Hold the fist and keep holding it. You will know.
Q. I heard this statement in a text: The amount of mother’s milk and water that every person drinks over lifetime is enough to fill the ocean? Is it true?
Ans: Never mind! Who keeps a count of how much you drink. There are better things to do. Every day you drink eight litres of water. The figure goes to 1,200 litres of water for a year. This is a conservative figure. If you’re forty years old – imagine how many gallons and gallons of water. And how many truckloads of food?This lifetime itself is a lot to count. Why bother about other lifetimes?
Q: Is doing manas pooja to an idol/picture good enough, or should we actually perform it?
Ans: The word puja means that which is born out of fullness ( Pu – fullness, Ja –born out of). Just being grateful is also puja. Just offer a flower or even a smile. Seva is puja.Jana seve Janardhan seve. Service to mankind is puja.
Q. What is the dharma of marriage?
Ans: Ask your spouse! They will give you long lectures on what your dharma is and what you should be doing. (Audience laughs) Our ancient people spoke about saptapadi – the seven steps one takes in life. The knowledge was so scientific even 1,000s of years ago. A sense of commitment, co-operation, compassion, caring and less ego – these are the benefits that one finds.
Q. I went to an astrologer and he suggested some remedies to dispel negative forecasts.
Ans: Chant Om Namo Shivay. It’s the best remedy. A bit of pujas is alright. Don’t spend too much money on them. Do charity with all your heart. Some chanting and meditation will help.
Q. I have been on this path for many years. Many juniors have gone ahead. I have not been taking enough responsibility….
Ans. That is why. You’re hesitating to take responsibility – this is the problem. Just come out of procrastination. Take responsibility. Have courage, faith and self-confidence. Work will be done then.
Q. Why do good people suffer? Is it because of karma?
Ans. Yes, yes! They also suffer because of their foolishness. It’s not enough to be good. It’s like putting your hand in the fire and saying, ‘Why did the fire burn me?’ You have to be smart, intelligent also. When there is knowledge, you will be happy and content in your life. Be centered in singing, meditation and knowledge.
Q. Is marriage important in life?Ans. That you have to decide. What is important is that you are peaceful. Unmarried people also have lot of problems. Happiness and pleasantness is important in life: with or without marriage.Got it? (laughter)
(A 10-year old stands up and asks a question)
Q. What message do you want to convey to the next generation?
Ans. Study well and excel. Make one new friend every day.Children from the ongoing Art Excel programme performed a skit. Over 1,400 yuvacharyas (youth leaders) from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh participated in the satsang. Some of them shared their experiences.The Urdu translation of Sri Sri’s book ‘Celebrating Silence’ was released. “Take this book to different places … Pakistan, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Lahore,” said Sri Sri. We need to give all our knowledge to India and Pakistan so that both countries can stay peacefully. With this knowledge we can eradicate terrorism.”
Jai Guru Dev

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Guruji speaks this evening at ashram

GURUJI SPEAKS THIS EVENING AT AMPHITHEATER:
People who meditate have double responsibility’Bangalore ashram, March 27 (Friday), 8:15 pm: “Everyone wants to be happy in life, but usually are unhappy,” said Sri Sri to a 5,000–strong crowd at the satsang this evening. Held in celebration of the New Year observed today in many parts of India, the satsang took place in the ashram’s amphitheatre.
“There are three aspects which bring unhappiness:
1. Disturbance
2. Fear
3.Poverty
How can we remove these aspects?
An unselfish feeling removes any disturbance.
Detachment erases fear.
Removal of greed alleviates poverty.
The greater the feeling, the faster we can tackle these challenges. Today, the New Year begins, Every year is given a name. This year’s name is Virodhi – year of conflict.
Sadhaks and seekers have to calm this conflicting force. A bad person is one who will increase conflicts. A good person will reduce it. This year will test your character.
We need to use skill to remove this feeling of opposition. In some cases, we can use proper understanding, compassion or knowledge.
Virudh is necessary in life. Virudh was started so that we stand up against injustice. Conflicts have a place in life. There are disease-fighting bacteria in our bodies – that’s how we stay healthy. One should not quell opposition to injustice. If we want to stand up against any malaise, this year is the best time to do so.
Elections are coming up in India. Oppose corruption. We should stand against every instance of injustice. Don’t think, “The fire is in someone else’s house - that’s why I won’t act.” It won’t take long for the fire to spread to your house.
There are 10 types of conflicts that can arise this year.
The first one is doubt. Doubt could be self-doubt, amongst people, nations and religions. When you are aware of a doubt unfolding, then you know that it will pass. It is only a matter of time.
This year, people who meditate have a dual responsibility. Not only do we have to maintain our steadfastness but also help others who are in trouble. This is the right time to get into knowledge, service and devotion. The first thought in our minds should be: ‘I want to gain self-realisation.’
God is all-permeating. It is truth, beauty, consciousness. When God is inside you and in everyone, why can’t the individual experience it? There are 5 reasons:
1. Ignorance 2. Ego 3. Craving 4. Aversion 5. Fear
When these five aspects disappear, then you are moving towards divinity.
In this New Year, observe yourself: Has your ignorance reduced? Recollect the time when you did your first part one programme and advanced progamme:Has ignorance reduced? Have you become more natural?Are you able to take insults? Are you able to smile when others are frowning at you?Has your fear reduced?
If not, meditate more. You will find that these aspects will reduce. Meditation, pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya, padmasadhana and seva will reduce these five aspects and bring you closer to knowledge.
The difference between God and an ordinary life is that these five aspects are absent in God. In an intelligent person, these aspects are present in small proportion. A foolish man has them dominant in his character.
Gauge each year by observing how much these five aspects have reduced. You will find that there has been definite progress.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Guruji's Message on Indian New Year-UGADI Parva

GURUJI'S MESSAGE ON UGADI PARVA PUJA (Indian New Year)
Guruji conducted Rudrabhisheka today on 1st day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha according to Indian Calender.
This is the first day of the New Year.
At the end of puja Bhanu Didi went on stage to do Aarati of Guruji and a devotee started singing 'Abhayam Abhayam Amma Amma" Gradually Guruji came into BHAVA with a gentle deep smile on face and Abhaya Mudra. After the Aarati some naration was made from Panchang by pandits.
Guruji spoke:" We are entering into 5110 year of Krishna calender and 2066 year of Vikrama Samvata. These are Moon and Sun based ancient Calenders followed in India. This year is named as 'Virodhi" year from the cycle of 60 years.But who ever is a Devotee and Spiritual practitioner, this year will not prove to be Virodhi. This year the devotees and Spiritual people must give top priority to Meditation and spiritual practices as compared to Material goals. Few percent of Devotees and Spiritual person's practices will not only protect them but bring Peace and Prosparity to all the other people.
Happy New Year. Jai Guru Dev."

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Guruji spoke this evening in Vishalakshi Mantap:

GURUJI SPOKE IN SATSANG THIS EVENING: Harmony is born in sound’
Bangalore Ashram, March 26 (Thursday), 8:30 pm:
“Harmony is born in sound,” Sri Sri told the 700-strong crowd, adding, “This is what happens in satsang.” Briefly speaking about the effect that sound has on particles, Sri Sri said, “Your body is made up of particles. Music has an effect on it. That’s why satsang is important. When you’re in satsang, just be immersed in it. Satsang changes the particles in your body. It reorganises your system. Experiments by a scientist have proved that particles – whether chalk dust or iron follicles – dance to music and arrange themselves in beautiful patterns.
On another note, Sri Sri referred to a German scientist Hans-Peter (Duerr) whose studies prove the essence of the Advaita principle: ‘Everything is nothing.’

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Why Hindus have so many gods?

A Devotee : 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 eye, brain etc. different impulses of intelligence. Our ancient people knew all this like 7 colours of the white line.
Similarly, there are many attributes of one parmatman, those attributes are called by various names.

Monday, March 23, 2009

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

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Who am I?

Dear guruji "After death of my beloved father (cancer) at an age of 69 years, my feelings of goodness is over. depression, pointless life. where is the happiness? why should I happy without the presence of my father."
Answer : Once guruji came to nashik for PDS course... one lady ask him about her little daughter who died at little age... she(lady) was crying as asked guruji why god do this with me??


Guruji replied: You know why you are crying? and why you have pain? because you say "My daughter"... "You keep holding MY .. at the time you leave her you will see your daughter in every little child"...i hope you got it...
See you father in every needy...work for them feel the presence of your father in them... make them happy serve them as you are serving your father... and believe me you will be happy... no one can keep himself sad for a long time... but everyone can make people happy for a long time..

Friday, March 20, 2009

The God Within

God is never an object of isolation but the very core of your being.
The difference between Self and God is just like the wave and the ocean.
Can there be a wave without the ocean? Who are you? Do you know about yourself? Find out about yourself first. If you think you are just the body, that is not possible because the body has its limitations. If you think that you are the mind then that is also not possible because the mind too has its limitations. It is just another layer of our existence. If you know that you are Silence or that you are Space, then it is possible God is also space. Just like your body is made up of proteins, amino acids and carbohydrates, your mind and soul are made up of love.
You are made up of love. Everyone is full of love and love is God. So you are made up of God! Every little atom of your body is made up of love and that is what is God. Do not think God is sitting somewhere in heaven. God is here and now!
God is not somebody with a big white beard, sitting in heaven. God is love. He is space. When you are meditating, when you feel at peace, at home with everyone, you are in touch with the Divine force. Can you live without love?
In the Upanishads, it is said kham kham brahma - the space is God, in which every thing is and into which everything dissolves.
Just as love is felt in the heart, so is God's presence felt. God is never an object of isolation. God is the sum totality. When you dissolve, God remains. When you are there, there is no God. Either you can be there, or God can be there, not both. So when you meditate, you become one with God. You are God. That is why it is said, Tat tvam asi, meaning, 'Thou art that.' God is to be felt in the depth of your heart. God can neither be perceived through your senses nor through the mind.
Life, when it is lived in its totality, is an end in itself and a beginning in itself. Love, joy, beauty, all that is precious and valuable in life, are really beyond value, beyond meaning, beyond purpose.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Why animals lead a more healthy life?

Q: Guruji, Man is intelligent, but why animals lead a more healthy life? They do not suffer diseases and they are in harmony?
Guruji : You want to go back to animals!?!?! ?(Laughter) , but you are correct. Animals don’t go to the restaurant in the middle of the night and eat fast foods. Animals sleep at the right time and gets up at the right time. They go for prey every day. They don’t store like man does. Mankind is exploiting nature so much. You know in Bangalore, we grew up with so many sparrows It is almost disappearing now.
(Someone from the crowd): But Guruji, ashram has sparrows.
Guruji: yes, yes, Ashram has sparrows, peacocks, elephants, rabbits; Someone prompts from the crowd: Guruji, monkeys also.
Guruji (laughs): Yes, yes, some in the human forms. We need to preserve the nature. We need to attend to the nature. Too much of this electro magnetic wave, high towers are destroying the harmony in nature. The air, water andland are consistently getting polluted.I was just in Iraq a few days back, you should see the kind of air pollution! It’s tremendous! It’s all a man made disaster. Human beings create fanaticism. Wisdom alone can unite people. Wisdom alone can uplift you and that’s why spirituality is so important.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Spirituality and Business imperatives

Q: 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.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Dharma and Yoga

Q: What is the relation of Dharma and Yoga? Why your Yoga and other activities mostly revolves around Hindu Dharma?
Sri Sri: 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 uplifst the spirit. you cannot separate yoga from mantras. or from a separate lifestyle or exercises. it does not intgerfere 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.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Importantance of being vegetarian

Question: Could you tell us why it is important to be vegetarian?
Sri Sri: One reason I would say our system is made up for vegetarian food, is that we don't have the type of teeth which carnivorous animals have. We have the same type of teeth that herbivorous animals have.
And our immediate ancestor, monkey, is a vegetarian. Elephant is a vegetarian. Horse is a vegetarian. Cow is a vegetarian. Sheep is a vegetarian. Animals with that habitat, they are all vegetarians. Horse. You know, we say horse power. So, looking at all this in our system, if you look at it, it is best suitable for vegetarian food. There is a substance called talon that's in the saliva, it's present only in the animals which are vegetarian. And it is present in our saliva also, human saliva. And second thing is the human intestine is so long, it takes a long intestine to digest the vegetarian food. So even in that angle, you see we have longest intestine. Six feet or more. So that also indicates our system is made for vegetarian.
Second thing, vegetarian food you can digest in two-three hours. Non-vegetarian food takes eight hours to digest. Sometimes even longer. So there are so many various such reasons. Also, combination of food is important. Even amongvegetarian, certain foods can make you a little dull. Here, to have more clear experience, we recommend vegetarian food. Because if you have non-vegetarian food, you may fall asleep, you will feel dull.Because so much time and energy is consumed just to digest that food. So, in all these various angles, if you see vegetarian food is the best suitable for our system. Easily digestible and quickly you can digest the food and be ready for the next meal. Otherwise, you eat breakfast and till dinner it is still digesting. And then we stuff more. It's no good. Some combination of, even among vegetarian food, some combinations makes it hard to digest. The carbohydrate and milk products, sometimes can take a little longer to digest the food.

Friday, March 6, 2009

How can we gain that peace?

How can we gain that peace, which is unshakable?
Being individually happy is not enough. Our wish shoild be that whomsoever we meet becomes happy and radiates happiness. A frustrated man will create frustration; a jealous person will create jealousy and so on.
You can turn every situation into your advantage. Have you ever thought of this? There is a story in the Puranas of how a saint turned an arrow, which was going to hurt someone, into a garlend.
If somebody is shooting an arrow at you, insulting you, realise that they are doing it because they are miserable. Once you are blossomed from within, you can take any insult and turn it into your advantage.
Realise that they are simply pouring out their stress, tension and anxiety. When people shout or burst out at you, you can only feel good that all that was building up inside them is coming out. I am not saying that we should encourage this tendency or justify it.
But when it happens, do not regret it.
What do we normally do? We go on regretting and with regret we commit the same mistake again. Even when someone commits a mistake, he or she is not the culprit; the stress inside is causing him or her to make that mistake. Once we get rid of the stress inside us, there is no culprit; there is no one to be forgiven.
Then we begin to realise that the whole thing is just a game in which there are no winners or losers. It's just a play!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Loving my enemy

Q: How do I start loving my enemy?

Sri Sri: If you want to directly love your enemy, it is not possible. There are 3 steps:First accept that they are evil / incorrigible. They cannot be changed! To see them as they are.

Understand that they are doing it because of stress.
Show compassion and Love.Acceptance, and then Understanding, and finally comes Love.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Skill and Manipulation

Q: What is difference between Skill and Manipulation?
Sri Sri: That is a good question.
In manipulation, there is bad/horrible intention.
In skill, there is good intention. in manipulation, there is guilt.
In manipulation, you are not honest to yourself.
When skillful, you get a pat from your heart "Go ahead...".
You are honest, when skillful. In skill, your heart will not prick you.
But finally, ONLY YOU know whether you are skillful / manipulative.