Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
The atmosphere of the Ashram is very beautiful. It is easy to practise seva, satsang and sadhana here but difficult in the outside world. Will I receive more merit by applying knowledge in the outside world?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes, it is alright. I also have a habit of teaching the Gita in the Warfield. Wherever there is war in the world, Gita is taught. Yes, it is easy to apply knowledge here. You begin from here then wherever you sit you can meditate and wherever you meditate such an atmosphere(like that of the Ashram) you will be able to create on your own.*The sacred thread ceremony
Q:
What is Guru tattva and who is Guru?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Guru tattva is viveka, discrimination. Does it matter who the Guru is? It is enough to take the knowledge and move forward. Don’t worry who the Guru is.Q:
Some people have positive thoughts, while some have negative thoughts. How does one control this?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
By keeping a stress-free mind. If you have a stress-free mind, your thoughts will be positive.Q:
Could you please explain why we pray to Shiva, even though Shiva is called the destructor?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Shiva is not just the destructor; Shiva means the transformer, the consciousness which is advaita, which is non-dual, the one consciousness, Mahadeva. The Shiva pooja- Rudrapooja is the most ancient yagya which unites all the five elements, through chanting and using the five elements. This ceremony is done to uplift the human consciousness.Q:
What do I do when there is duality while meditating and too many thoughts come?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Don’t try to see something in meditation. Just relax. If too many thoughts arise, give them all a hug. Duality is what? Good and bad right? Right and wrong? These are the conflicts.Keep in mind three laws while meditating – I am nothing , I need nothing, I am going to do nothing - akincan, achah, aprayatna.If you have these three principles, you will be able to meditate.Q:
I am a very happy woman and blessed with a lot of things, so why do I bother about being over weight?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You know a man or woman cannot live without botheration. That is why I started the Art of Living, to get more botherations! So this is a good botheration, at least it will put a break on you not to take a second scoop of ice cream. You will not stretch your hand for the second piece of dessert, or second piece of apple pie. You will stop at half. It is good to have a little concern, otherwise when you grow older you may have to pay a lot of bills to the doctor. So it is better to keep a check on the weight unless you want the doctors to become rich. That is your choice!Q:
I am 23 years old. How do I know when should I listen to my heart, and head?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
For work, use your head; for seva, use your heart. For business, use your head and lock your heart at home!Q:
If we must give our hundred percent to everything we do, is multi-tasking a good idea?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes. You have to develop into a multifaceted person. To get there, you need focus. Give your hundred percent and grow into a multifaceted person. Give your hundred percent whether you eat, walk or meditate. You have so many capabilities. Do not under estimate your capacity. When you find yourself too spread, scattered, or stressed, then just stick to one task and expand your capabilities. If you are a good team player, then definitely you can do it.Q:
How do we decide whom to praise?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
It is good to praise fools but for the intelligent there is no need to praise. He will work either way.Q:
When we insult others, is it true that their karma decreases? What should we do if someone blames us for no reason?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
If someone blames us without reason, what can we do? Try explaining to them, and then forget about it.