Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
Jai Gurudev! Some of my co-workers do certain things that cause frustration to some of us. Should we tolerate it or oppose it?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
We should oppose it. Using our intelligence, wherever we think it is appropriate, we should oppose, without anger or angst, but peacefully, patiently, with equanimity.Q:
Every time I leave you, I feel very sad. Can you record a meditation that says “see you soon”?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
No, don’t feel sorry for yourself.Q:
My mirror tells me everyday that I am maturing on outside. Which mirror should I use to measure the growth that is happening inside, my spiritual growth?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
See, are you more calm, are you more fulfilled, satisfied? You feel a sense of expansion. Turn back and see how you were and how you are today. A simple reflection about yourself gives you an idea.Q:
Dear Guruji, how does one develop a ‘Yes’ attitude?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Just your wanting to have a yes attitude, you are already there.Q:
Guruji, why are all mantras in Sanskrit? What is so special about Sanskrit?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
No, Sanskrit was derived later. Mantras were already there. The words of the mantra were already there; later on the languages was created. Not only in Sanskrit, but when you go deeper into all languages, you will find all these mantras.Q:
When we say let go, what does it mean?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Take a deep breath in and hold! You will know what it means to let go. (Audience starts to laugh and begins clapping). Hold the fist and keep holding it. You will know.Q:
(A member of the audience asked this question. It was inaudible.)
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Friends make fun of you being in spirituality? Yes, you smile at that and say, 'What a great thing you are missing you don’t know'. Tell them,'Anyways you are going to follow this; it is only a matter of time', you tell them. 'In five years you will come for this knowledge. And we are pioneers you know', tell them,' I am a pioneer in everything, we first taste and whatever we leave behind you take it'. If anyone makes fun of you, you keep smiling, don’t lose your smile. Tell them wait, wait, it is only a matter of years; you will be doing the same thing. Tell them they are used to eating the leftovers; tell them, 'I am enjoying the good meal now'.Q:
Guruji, in Mahabharata Krishna supported both Pandavas and Kauravas. Why did he not lift a weapon in support of Pandavas where as he send his whole army to Kauravas?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Krishna has his own ways, most mysterious, you can't understand. Better give up. Whoever is trying to understand Lord Krishna doesn’t, different people, different groups see different aspects of Sri Krishna. That is why he is called Purna Avatara, he is so complete from every side. Very, very unique.Q:
How can you bring someone you love onto the spiritual path if they keep resisting? I try and it doesn’t seem to be working.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Don’t give up. Try with all your tricks. The question is how canyou bring someone into spiritual path if they are resisting it. I say keep trying. Try, try again, and keep doing it. If they seem to be adamant you be more adamant.Q:
Guruji, I don’t believe in God, is that bad?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
No never mind, at least you believe in yourself. You should know who you are. You believe in truth, honesty, love, compassion; these are the qualities of God.
