Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
No matter how much I try, I end up running after the Divine. Is this devotion or lack of self respect?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
See, no one can take away your self-respect. Yet it is seen that devotees sometimes go so mad with love that they forget everything else! I would say fine, you have ran enough. Now sit at one place. Look within yourself. When you will look within yourself, then the Divine will run after you. Not only the Divine, but the whole world will run after you! Relax and be at peace and do as much seva as you can.Q:
How can I get rid of my fear of failing? I can’t engage or start some project because of my fear of failure. How can I help myself? Thank you for all that you have done for me.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Accept: ‘Ok, I am going to fail. So what? I still want to do it.’ It's like a game you play, whether you win or lose, you play the game. Correct? If you are playing soccer, you just play, no matter if you win or lose, you just play. In the same way, don’t be afraid of failure. If you fail, never mind, still do it. Ok?You need to take some risks in life.
Q:
I’ve heard that hell is a place where people are burnt. Could you explain further?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
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:
What is Adhyatma (Spirituality)?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Adhyatama/Spirituality is that which you know yourself, that which uplifts your Atman/Self.Q:
Why is there disturbance in the world?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
There will be some pockets of disturbances in the world. There could be some gap or interval between conflicts. It is our responsibility to increase the gap between conflicts and bring peace.Q:
Can you comment on the recent crimes over Easter in Bulgaria?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
There is violence in the youth today because they have emotions trapped inside and they are not taught how to handle their own minds so they just burst out into actions such as this violence you have recently seen in Bulgaria. It is absolutely essential to teach our children how to control their mind using their own breath. We have done experiments in America, in India, and people have been saying, in prisons for example – “If I had known how to handle my emotions I would not have had these problems.”And the process is very simple, just four or five days and you learn the relationship between breath and the mind. I would like all the teachers to learn it. Many schools have started this program so that children learn how to handle their minds.
Q:
Duty whether towards the parents or God is equal for everyone. But why do only Brahmans wear Janeyu*?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Janeyu was a symbol representing that one has three kinds of responsibility- towards one's parents, guru and the society. Janeyu was there to remind one of his duties. Then after marriage it would be doubled, symbolizing the duty towards the wife as well. This is how it was- it was meant for everyone whether Brahman or Kshatriyas. But somewhere down the line the practice got discontinued. One should keep alive the intention of taking responsibility in one's heart, wearing janeyu alone is not sufficient.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 Ravi Shankar:
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:
When you experience total desirelessness, then how do you get the desire to act?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You know we don’t act as the mind says, we act with commitment. Because mind says one day I don’t want to go to work. If you ask people who are working in offices, nobody’s mind wants them to go to office. If everyday is a Sunday, everybody will be very happy. If it’s a holiday, all the seven days, people would happily sit at home but life doesn’t work like that. So you have to commit and your life moves with commitment. Whether you like it or not you simply work.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 Ravi Shankar:
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.