28 February 2014 - QA 11

Gurudev, it has been said in the Yoga sutra ‘Tivra samveganam asannaha’ (Those who seek liberation wholeheartedly without feverishness attain liberation quickly). For liberation does one need speed or peace?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, you need a quick pace. Often when we need to do something good, we say 'Inshaallah!' (an Urdu wish meaning ‘May God will it so’), and we often say that if God thinks it best it will happen, etc.
When it is for ourselves, if we want a car or a job, we put in our full effort to get it. However, for other things, we say, if God wishes it will happen.

If it is about coming to the Ashram, you conveniently say, when Gurudev wishes, he will call me there. When have I ever told you not to come, or not to meditate, but you say, when the calling comes, I will be there.

If you have to go out for a movie or to a restaurant, then you don’t say that only when God calls you will go. For your own entertainment, you do things at your own will, but when it comes to doing your sadhana (spiritual practices), you say that only when God wills, it will happen. Your mind is very clever at doing this.

Whatever gains you want in life, leave it to karma or fate, but liberation is in your hands and depends on your purushartha (efforts).