Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
How does one know exactly what one wants? Is it so confusing to know what one wants?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
This question is very confusing. If we have some clarity in the question, then the answer will be clear. Answers to unclear questions create more confusion.Q:
In every human being there is some hidden talent. I’m 22 years old, I haven’t realized my talent yet. How do I know what I am good at?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Best is that you acquire all skills. Whatever you excel at becomes your main skill. Other skills are added on. It’s okay to be Jack of all trades to begin with, then you get a taste of things, and whatever clicks, you go with that. Don’t sit and wait for some skill to pop up one day – like a mushroom. In fact, you should excel in every field. That’s what I aimed at. You should be good in cooking, cleaning, art, talking, writing – take interest in all fields, and then something will come out of it.Q:
I have lost someone very close to me. This troubles me. I want to know where he is?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
He is in a good place, a safe place, a place where all of us will be going. He got advance booking, and so earlier. Know that it’s a place which is everywhere. Our mind is alike electromagnetic waves. When you’re watching a channel, and change the channel, where did the previous one go? It didn’t go anywhere. It’s still there, but you are able to concentrate on only one.Our body is like the television box, and the spirit is like the wave. When the body is gone, the waves will remain. Our access to a person who is close to you is when you meditate. The vibrations bring some coolness, and solace to the person on the other side also.
Q:
What is Art of Living doing in the Islamic world?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Islamic world is an integral part of the Art of Living family – we have projects in Iraq, Pakistan, and Turkey too. The responsibility is much more on all of you who are coming from the Islamic world to educate people in inter-disciplinary, inter-faith knowledge.We must move from extremism, and fanaticism to the center – change the image of countries like Lebanon, and Afghanistan from being war zones to places of peace.
Q:
I feel that spirituality, and politics have separated in today’s world. How will the two meet?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Spiritualize politics. We must also encourage spiritual people to take an interest in politics. They shouldn’t think that it is dirty, and for corrupt people.Any post – a minister’s, chief minister’s or an officer’s post – is to serve others, not to enjoy your life. You get the post so that you can serve the citizens. It should be treated like seva. You have to neither hold on to it nor run away from it.
Leaving a rank is not about leaving prestige or position. This should be understood. Politics is supposed to be an important limb in the administration of a country. In ancient times, kings, and ministers used to take a keen interest in spirituality. Those who were not spiritual, were unable to support society’s progress.
Leaders should have five types of qualities: satya-darshi (truthful), sam-darshi (equanimous), priya-darshi (pleasant), paar-darshi (transparent) and door-darshi (visionary). Then the country can progress.”
Q:
In the Isha Vaasya Upanishad, there are references to renunciation. What has to be renounced? What is tena?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Isha vasyam idam sarvam, yat kincha jagatyaam jagat, tena tyaktena bhunjitha, ma grdha kasyasvid dhanam.Tena becomes this world. It is a practice. This whole universe is being permeated by That. Enjoy the world, without getting attached to it. You have to take a deep breath in. But you can’t hold onto it. You have to let go (of the breath) to enjoy the fresh air. In life, it is the same thing. Letting go is important.
Q:
Is there anything wrong in idol worship?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You keep the picture of your beloved ones. Is the picture really your beloved one? (Audience replies: No). But still, you keep the picture. The picture is not the person – yet it reminds you of that person. That is how murthi puja is practiced in different parts of the world. Some don’t believe in it. If you don’t want to see God in a form, it is fine.If you want to, that is also fine.
You are only seeing something that is beyond the form, in the form.
Q:
When we are entangled and cry out for the Divine, will the Divine come to help us? What should we do when we are in fear?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Tell me, what is your experience? Is the Divine doing His duty properly? These questions are irrelevant. When you need help, the cry for help is spontaneous. You can’t plan what you will do when you’re in crisis.Q:
What is Guru tatva?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You have a question, you want an answer. Wherever the answer comes from - that is Guru tatva.Q:
My friends want to come to the ashram, but don’t have the money.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Don’t worry. Those who cannot afford must come. They have to come.