27 January 2015 - QA 4

Gurudev, when we are asked to surrender, how do we know it is not procrastination or escapism?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Who told you to surrender? I tell you, don’t surrender. Hold on to whatever it is. Do not listen to somebody and surrender. Why do you bother about that? Got it? Still confused?
Yes, it is my job to confuse you! (Laughter) Forget about what everybody tells you. What is it that you want?

Devotee: I want solutions to my problems.

Just look back in your life. You had problems in the past and you also got solutions to those problems, right? So it will come. You are in the right place and are doing the right thing. Leave your problems behind here in the Ashram and go back happily.

When there are problems in life, then one is not able to grasp the knowledge. Problems act like a veil over the mind. This is why there is a need to surrender; this is why you need a Guru, or anyone else you love. Then you have this deep faith that no matter what happens in life, they are with me and will support me through everything that happens. When you have this strong faith from within, then problems no longer appear as problems.
When you know that there is someone who will cook food in the house, you never bother to think about your meals. You simply go and sit for having food when it is time. But imagine if there is no one else in the house except you. Then you sit and think, “Oh! There is no one at home. I will have to cook food for myself. What do I do? What vegetables do I buy and from where? Are there enough vegetables at home?” You start thinking about so many things. Who would think about so many things? A person who thinks like this is not aware that there is someone who is taking care of cooking the food and feeding everyone in the house.