Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Q: When I do something good, even then my parents sometimes don’t let me do that. How to go ahead in such a situation?

Sri Sri: Take this as an opportunity to bring out that skillfulness in you. It is like if cloth has been tangled in a bush, you need certain skill to gradually remove it from there. You don’t run, but patiently deal with them with your skill. Have such a skillful conversation that they get agree to whatever right you say.

Q: What is it that I should do in the future?

Sri Sri: Whatever you did in the past which was not to be done, don’t do it in future as well.

Do something that brings a smile on your face and that of others.

Q: What is spirituality?

Sri Sri: Being able to feel a connection with everybody is spirituality. The skill to feel connected with everybody and to know the Truth is spirituality.

Like this flower is matter. But from a scientific perspective, this flower is made up of molecules, the molecules are further made up of atoms, atoms of sub atomic particles and those further are made up of only wave function. In quantum physics, they say this is only the wave function. Similarly, to understand the Source and Base of the whole world is spirituality. Intuitively knowing the DNA of the flower is spirituality.

Q: How to have focus while studying?

Sri Sri: Do at least something. Sometimes a little pain is also good. Like if you cannot walk, but when you participate in a marathon, you put in your 100 percent. Isn’t it? Like if you are thrown in an ocean, until you don’t find the shore, you continue swimming. Would you leave in between even if you are tired? So, even if you don’t feel like doing, it is boring, take it as a challenge, “I will somehow finish this subject”. Even if you don’t know swimming, you get to learn that in water.

Q: Is education all about passing examination and getting good marks. Is it not about something more?

Sri Sri: What do you think?

(The person replies) I think it is because of our parents’ attitude that we think so.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, but you should also study. Any way, you have to flow with the system. Though, examination is not the only thing. If you fail also, then never mind. That doesn’t mean you should take some stupid steps. That is no good. At the same time, you should attend to your exams. Education is very important.

Q: When can I be like the Divine?

Sri Sri: You are already now.

Q: What is the golden rule of a happy married life?

Sri Sri: Well,I am not qualified to say anything, but let me think. Why don’t you sitwith those who are happily married? What I have heard is:

Before marriage: a couple is mad for each other.

During marriage: They are made for each other.

And then: They are mad at each other.

After while: They are mad because of each other.

Somebody has formulated this!

Onething I know, marriage is an institution of patience, sacrifice, caringfor each other and sharing. If one is upset, other should keep quietand wait for his/her turn to get upset. If both together get upset atthe same time, then there is a problem! But in front of kids, oneshould better be civilized.

Q: What is my existence?

Sri Sri: The same question you would have to ask yourself again and again. Until you don’t get the answer, don’t leave the question. We will keep pushing you to get the answer. It’s a very precious question!

Q: (A boy discussed some personal problem) I find it difficult to have that sense of belongingness with everybody. What do I do?

Sri Sri: Having a sense of belongingness doesn’t mean to flow emotionally. Use your intelligence. Do only that what you can do. What you cannot do, nobody will expect that from you also.

Q: What is the most important thing in a student’s life?

Sri Sri: A career is important, and along with that the development of the overall personality is very important. Both go hand in hand. Some are only into career, and some are only into personality development and no career. Lacking in any one, you won’t feel that satisfaction. So, take both along

Qualification as well as personality development. And qualification not only for certification but for gaining knowledge, and then that lightness of heart and smile that comes from the depth of your heart should be there, and a multi talented personality. Most of all, you have to come across as a nice person.

Nice doesn’t mean being goody goody, but being strong. Of course, your soft words have effect, but be strong at the same time. That is what happens in the DSN (program). It makes you so strong and unshakable from within.