Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
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:
First, how can we be of service. Second, how can I be a good human being of the society?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
There are many ways. You can become a teacher or volunteer of the ‘Art of Living’. You can help in schools for rural children. Thousands of them are studying and thousands are waiting to get admission. You can participate in the ‘Dollar a Day’ project. One dollar a day can educate and provide medical, food and clothing for a child. We are 1000 people right here in this auditorium. If each one of us sponsors a child, 1000 more children will get access to education. These children are otherwise forced to work at a young age, and they get into violence without a value based education. If you want to take up any other projects, you are welcome. If you want to give your time, say six months or one year, you can go to places where you can bring peace to people. You are most welcome to come to India.Q:
Guruji, in the Gita, Lord Krishna has said that people who remember him and serve him are more close to him. On the other hand, we say that God loves everyone equally. Please explain.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes, Krishna gives a long list of those who are very close to him. It is a long list. The 12th chapter of the gita is full of it. He says, the one who has no dislike for anybody, one who is compassionate and friendly with everyone, one who does not have extreme attachment, one who does not have ego, those who are equanimous in all situations – are all close to me. Don’t you also express whatever you like? Your liking something does not mean you don’t like anything else.Sometimes Krishna also says this to create confusion. His work is to create confusion only. So when Arjuna was completely shaken by confusion in his mind, he asked Krishna to tell him one single thing(to follow). Then Krishna says –“All this is one. Even if I say different things, it is all one”.
Q:
How do you find the ability to switch back into happiness?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
The ability to switch into happiness comes with practice. When you are thirsty, you need to drink. When you are unhappy, tired, lost and out of energy, you must do some breathing and meditation. Watch the emotion, leave it and observe. Look at the sky for a second. Observe the sensation. If you are tight in the throat, chest, somewhere, take a deep breath and relax.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:
We heard that Abhimanyu learnt one of the difficult and tactful war act called ‘chakravyuh’ while he was in his mother’s womb. So, is it possible to learn something while in womb also?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes, it is true.Q:
Dear guruji, I am profoundly grateful for the beautiful knowledge that you bring to us. I am very curious to know from where these insights come from. When I meditate, I sometimes become calmer and more effective afterwards, but the secrets of the universe do not reveal themselves. Instead I seem to be either stuck in the same dramas or in some kind of self-hypnosis. The path is good for me. I am certain. But I feel so impatient. I found your words about the divine and nature to be the nectar for which I am hungry. Can you please elaborate on that theme. I used to feel a stronger connection with nature. I feel like a bit of a robot these days. Did I fall from grace or something?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
No, no. I think you have too much time in hand. You sit and think too much about yourself. Get busy. You know, the more good work you do, you create positive atmosphere and vibes around you. And when you create positive vibes, that helps you go deep inside. It is necessary to care for others and share with others. Do it in whatever manner you can. Involve in some projects. Do some meditation. Don’t sit and worry, ‘Oh, what experience I had today, what I will have tomorrow?’ No. They will come and they will go! You are more than all those experiences put together. For a seeker, what you do for any experience that comes, you simply have to say Hi and Bye. One hand you say Hi, and the other hand you say Bye. Don’t forget to say bye after saying Hi. And don’t forget to say Hi, and only saying bye. Then you are in trouble. If you are only trying to say bye-bye, then you are trying to resist them. If you say only Hi, then you are trying to hold on to them. That is why you are given two hands, you know! Hi and Bye. (Gestures hi and bye with hands.)All these experiences come and go, no big deal.Q:
I feel fear of you leaving me. What can I do?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
When Earth, air, Sun, stars cannot leave you, then how can I do that!Q:
What brings about the misuse of power?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Misuse of power is immaturity. Someone who is not mature misuses power. Such power do not stay long because it’s not power at all. It is only an illusion of power.Q:
Will I have more experiences?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Experience happens on its own, but don’t hanker for experiences.
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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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