Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q: We read in some mythological stories that the yogis curse. Why do the yogis curse? On one hand they ask everybody to be happy, do meditation etc. then why curse?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
When a yogi curses, even it helps one in some way. The anger of a learned one is also useful, and the love of an ignorant is harmful. For example, in a village when the children cry and say they don’t want to go to school, the mothers ignorantly tells them, instead of sending the child to school , to stay back and play at home, or take the herd to jungle. This may be harmful for the children in the long run. Likewise a yogi’s anger may be inspirational and may do good to others.Q: I get confused sometimes, and cannot make out what to do and what not to do. Like while studying, I get lost and don’t remember to study anything –what to do in such situations?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Keeping yourself engaged in Sadhna (Practices), Satsang and Service gives you focus in life. Are you all getting that focus?Next part of the conversation in the next post..
Q: Guruji, is it important to have a purpose in life, a destination or should we just go with the flow?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
There is no choice between these two, you have to have both. You should have a purpose. Move towards the goal, and take things as they come on the way.Q: Money and power are much needed things nowadays. How can spirituality help me get these?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You don’t have to practice wrong in order to be rich. In fact, that will be very short lived. Spirituality enhances your intuitive power and positive energy thereby enhancing hit rate of your decisions taken.Have you noticed that some people you meet, you feel like avoiding them, and some other people you meet, you feel like talking to them? Each one of us emits certain vibes. Vibes convey more than our words. If vibes change, everything changes. This way our interpersonal skills are also enhanced.
Q: My friends who have not done the course keep on asking me which meditation is best for them. What should I tell them?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
There are many CDs here. Any one will work.Q: What is Brahamcharaya?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
I have talked about this in Yogasutras. You should listen to that. Brahama means infinite consciousness. Establishing mind in that infinite consciousness is Brahamcharaya.Q: Dearest Guruji, I am very intelligent. I have heard that intelligent people cannot meditate. How can I be stupid?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Then even stupid people would not be able to meditate! Who has said you are intelligent? You have given yourself a certificate of being intelligent. One who certifies oneself or puts any label on oneself is a stupid. Asking this question has already made you what you desired to be. The very need to ask this question indicates that you are stupid!Q: You have done a lot for my life? What can we do for you?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
The society needs you. The society is to be benefitted through you. Like you have felt happiness, same way you can bring this happiness to 10, 20, 50 people. When you are happy and others become happy through you, I will also be happier.Q: After my course and Advance courses, my anger has been reduced to 80 percent. How can I completely get rid of anger?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
The remaining 20 percent will also reduce. You can keep some anger with you also. It would be a good source of entertainment for others.Q: Can you please speak on success and failure?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Failure is a step towards success. Success is a measure of a part of your ability. You have expressed little bit of your potential and that is success.