Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
Does the soul leave the body after death immediately? What happens in case of unnatural deaths and accidents etc?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
It is a wonderful relation of body and soul. This is a profound topic. We shall discuss it sometimes later.Q:
How do we get rid of expectations or get free of worry? Also how not to get bothered by the expectation that passes again and again?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Never mind, let it be there. Why do you want to get rid of all the expectations? When it is troubling you, then you want to get rid of it. Right? You know, when you have nothing much to do, then you worry, then you sit and expect, or day dream. When you are busy, it is a different story all together.Q:
Guruji, I am in a job where nothing gets done without bribing government officials. Give your guidance, now I am very much confused. How can I be a go-getter without giving bribe?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You have to look into the eyes of those people who want bribe and tell them that, “look I am on the spiritual path, I am not going to bribe. If you want me to come fifty times, I will come, but I will not give any bribe.” Your voice style should be very firm and gentle, with much sweetness and firmness. Several times we speak the truth, but express with anger.Speaking truth, but with anger in the background, or truth with hatred does not bring success. Speak firmly with sweetness. Just do it once or twice, and see what happens.
Q:
I have left my habit of drinking and smoking after the course. But my parents are still stuck up in these. What can I do?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
If your mother or father had not done the course, and is drinking alcohol, then certainly you are not having a cordial relationship. Allure them by any means, and get them into the course, then see they will also leave any addictive habit. Today, the problem is that so many homes have become slave of alcohol. It is a matter of sadness.There are so many children who ask how their parents can leave these bad habits. You have to do work for this. You have to apply some tactic. It is not only that only parents improve the children, sometimes children also improve their parents. How many of children are there whose parents have changed? Very good!
Q:
I am new to the concept of joint families? I would love having a joint family. But I am little afraid if there is any disadvantage involved?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
There are some disadvantages of joint family also. But when a family is broken into nuclear families, husband, wife and kids, there is nobody else to fight with! So, they end up fighting with themselves, and then kids and parents also separate. So, this is the advantage of joint family, they live together even after fights. Western culture is adopting the system of joint families. People are going back to the family values, and joint family system. Also it is very important to keep this tradition of celebrating festivals with the whole family coming togetherQ:
There are many cultures in the world. Are there things which work same everywhere?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Certain things work everywhere. Sudarshan Kriya works everywhere. Today you go to tip of Argentina and you will find the ‘Art of living’. You go to the North pole , and you will find the ‘Art of Living’. You go to Mongolia, and you will find the ‘Art of Living’. You go to Fiji, you go to tip of Newzeland, and you will find someone doing the Sudarshan Kriya. That is why everything in the ‘Art of Living’ is kept so universal.At some point in time, there was so much oneness in the world. People of Peru in Argentina do similar things as that of the natives of Arunachal Pradesh. Native tribes of Arunachal Pradesh do similar things as done by people in Venkovour in British. People from both the places worship all four directions. There were lots of similarities among native inhabitants of different parts of the world. People in Lithuania greet you with bread and salt. As there is no ocean there, salt is a very precious commodity there. Similarly people in Kerala put a pot flowing with paddy outside their homes, which shows there is abundance in home, so people are welcome.
Certain things are same, and there are certain other things which are unique to each culture and country. Those differences should remain. Every culture and country should maintain that uniqueness. Russian people have beautiful folk dance. Danish have their beautiful ways.
Love, compassion, meditation, yoga – These are universal.
Q:
What will you say on the end of the world on 21 December 2012?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
A fiction. A nice fantasy fiction.Q:
Should one give something to a beggar?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
If you find a very healthy and strong individual, then one should not encourage such a person. Also children should not be encouraged. Suppose if you find a very old, helpless lady then you should listen to what your mind says at that time. Listen to your intuition. But it is better to give food rather than money.Q:
It is difficult to earn money. Can you tell me some easy way?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You want everything to be easy. You should also put in some effort. If you have grown too old, I can tell you easy ways. You have enthusiasm, you are intelligent..Q:
What is intuition and how can one develop intuition?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Tuition that you get from inside is intuition. Only way to develop intuition is to become little quieter and listen inside.
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Founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,The Art of Living is an educational and humanitarian movement engaged in stress-management and service initiatives.
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