Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
Even after doing Advance course, I have negative emotions like anger, jealousy and greed. What should I do?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You have already assumed that you have all this. Now imagine what the case would be if you had never done meditation. These emotions were happening in you earlier also, and these are happening now also. But now these lose their grip on you very quickly. May be, few more Advance courses and you find that you are out of the grip of these emotions.Don’t assume that you have all these negative emotions in you. If you assume this, same will start manifesting. Where are these emotions right now? You are pure in the present moment. Have faith in your innocence in the present moment. Gradually, you will experience that all these are not present in you, and you would start feeling how beautiful you are from inside. You have heard this earlier, but now you would experience it.
Q:
I have to choose between my family and knowledge as they are not into knowledge. I feel suffocated and wish to leave my family. What to do?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You are receiving knowledge so that you stay in the family and give them knowledge. Do it with skill. A doctor is required among patients only. Not all the patients are cured by the doctor, but still they don’t stop treating. Give them as much knowledge as you can with skill. Do not try to show off your wisdom to them. Educate them, advice them but don’t get carried away by the force of their ignorance. Hold on to satsang with one hand. Also, once someone gets the taste of satsang it is not easy to get rid of it.You are very powerful. Pray and take up a sankalpa (intention) that your family gets interested in knowledge. It does make a difference. We are unaware of the power of the mind, the strength in sankalpa. That is why we remain miserable.
Q:
What happens to those who die unhappy?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Can’t do anything. Be contented and live life. Don’t wait to get contented at your dying bed.Q:
Dear Sri Sri, please guide me on how I can serve humanity. Lots and lots of love.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes, come join the band wagon. Come join and think about what we can all do together. See alone when we do it, individually, it is a small effort. There is not much result. In fact, we burn out, we get tired. But as a group we can do a lot. Ok?Q:
Is it true that my previous and the coming generations also get the merit when I meditate. Are my parents also benefitted when I meditate?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes, there is something like that also.Q:
I hold a high position of authority in my state and am well respected and known. When I go to another place, I sometimes find myself less important. I tend to question my identity. How to get over this?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You should know how to wear a suit – and take it off too! Everyone is a king in their place. Know how to remain in a state of Akinchan - I am nobody. The whole life journey is from ‘I am somebody’ to ‘I am nobody’ and then to ‘I am everybody’. Usually the journey is from ‘I am something’ to ‘I am nothing’ to ‘I am something’ again! Sit in satsang and let your identity dissolve. Dissolving and losing the identity is Samadhi, is fun. You will realize that you are immortal.Q:
Guruji, how to deal with the failures?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Knowing that it is the step to success in the future.Q:
I have started schools across the world. Please bless me.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Very good. Make Sanskrit compulsory in your schools.A few days ago it was in the newspaper that three schools in the UK have made Sanskrit compulsory as a subject. After so much research it has been found that studying Sanskrit brings brilliance and once learnt, it is very easy to learn any other language. Studying the Devnagri script is very good for the brain.Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Does anyone want to share his/her experience?
Experience1: Earlier I used to be afraid, I always wanted to do something for people but because of my fear I could not. The basic course has given me courage and confidence. I feel as if the world is conspiring to make me do that. Everybody is helping me. Thanks to the Art of Living for helping me.
Experience 2: I came here two days ago with a severe personal problem. I had a lot of anxiety. Suddenly since last night I feel calm and collected and feel the problem will be solved. Thank you Guruji.
Experience3: I did the Yes+ Course in August. Since then my whole life has changed. I was a drug addict and dropped the addiction. I am now smiling more and more everyday.
Experience 4: Guruji two years ago I used to wonder why people volunteer and do seva/service. It was a real wonder for me. But now when I am doing it, it is an even bigger wonder for me and I now know why people do that.
Q:
The state of society nowadays is very bad. There is suppression due to casteism and a large economic divide, and for a number of reasons, one feels lonely. How does one gather strength and gain self confidence during these times?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Do you feel lonely here? (Audience says "No!")That's it! We have satsangs here and everywhere, so you should feel like a member of a "sangha" (group).
You are not alone in your fight for justice and pursuit of peace or happiness.
Truth will always triumph.
Q:
Can you throw some light on Bhakti Yoga?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
If you sit in the Ganga aarti in the evening, you will find everybody singing so beautifully and a wave of devotion. Bhakti yoga is seeing the Divine as mine and oneself as belonging to the Divine, and all that exists belongs to the Divine.
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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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