Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
Why are we on earth? Is it to remove our karma or for something else?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Give love, gain knowledge and remove karma – that is the purpose of life!Q:
Sometimes there are dilemmas in life. What to do then?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
The problems should be taken as an opportunity to be prayerful, and in gratitude.Q:
What is the difference between Guru, God and the soul?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Guru is knowledge, Guru is love. Guru is light,There is no difference between Guru, God and the Soul.
Q:
What should we do if others take undue advantage of us?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Don't let them take undue advantage! When you are fully aware, people cannot take undue advantage of you. If you go to sleep or are unaware, then the distinction between your pocket and theirs will be blurred, and they may put their hands in your pocket!You keep doing what you want. Then no one can humiliate you. If you give room for it, only then it becomes possible. People hold on to small things and then say they are humiliated. If some guests come to your home, and you forget to offer them some tea, they will get humiliated that you didn't respect them enough by not offering them tea.
But you know that you did not mean any disrespect. You see, it is the same situation, but people view it differently.
We should see the opposing view as well. We need to be broadminded, and look at our fellow human beings as equals.
Q:
What is death? What happens after death?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
First, find out what is life and what happens when we are alive!Q:
We do sadhana regularly, yet we face difficulties. Why?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
It is only when you face difficulties that you ask 'Why do I face difficulties?', you never ask 'Why am I happy?' when you are happy!When we face difficulties, sadhana gives us the strength to face it, to overcome it.
Things have changed and will change. Have faith.
Q:
I am a student of media, and I am always asked why the media doesn't report the truth. What is the truth? Does it exist?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Only truth has existence. Everything else is maya (Illusion)!Q:
It is said that everyone meets their life partner at the right time. Why are parents so worried about their children’s marriage? What can be done to reduce this worry?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
The habit of worry is difficult to shake off. First people are worried about getting married, then about having kids, then about the children’s admission, then they have to perform well academically, then they should get a job... so if worry becomes a habit, then a person will keep worrying.Parents should be told to stop worrying. You must also keep trying to find a soulmate. Don’t sit and wait for God to send you your soulmate!
Q:
The Divine has given me everything. What can I offer as a gift to the Divine?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Keep this question with yourself – from time to time, the Divine will take the appropriate gift from you.Whenever you feel upset, hatred, anger, or any negative emotion, give it to the Divine, and be happy.
Spread the knowledge, and happiness to other people. The happiness, faith, and devotion you have, whether it is a spark or a flame, should spread to other people so that they experience the same joy, and happiness in their lives.
Q:
Can our sadhana (spiritual practices) change the karma of others?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes!