Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
I am afraid of so many things especially death. How to overcome fear?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Meditation, and Meditation. Meditation, and Knowledge: only two things will help you overcome this fear.Q:
On my spiritual path I passed through different traditions. Last year I started to practise Kriya Yoga, and I thought I found my way. Now I am here practising the Sudarshan Kriya, and I found this is difficult to continue with Kriya Yogas as well. Can I do both practices or should I choose only one? How can I meditate without using the technique from another tradition if I have not done Sahaj Samadhi course yet? Finally, I would really love to stop seeking and changing spiritual practices, and know the spiritual path of my life. How can I know it?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
All practices you did in the past led you here.Don't mix practices. When you are in this path, stay. When there is no progress, I, myself, will tell you to move on. It is impossible not to progress here. Continue. Here you have silence and music, seva and fun, wisdom. Every aspect of life is covered, it is so beautiful.Q:
I am a wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and am on the spiritual path. What is my dharma, especially in light of my husband who is also on the spiritual light?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
It is easier for you. So, all the roles are coming together. Just be at ease with it. The question comes: ‘Am I balancing all my roles?’ You are, and you will be. Especially if you are a mother, you feel you have not done enough for the child. All mothers feel like that. No mother feels she has done enough for the child. It is the same if you are a daughter. You feel you have not done enough for the father. With the husband, you feel you have done enough! (laughter) I can’t answer that. Just have an intention that you have that balance. If you open your eyes, you will see there is the balance.Q:
Why are we here back on earth if we have to eat, breathe, sleep? What is the purpose of life?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
What is the purpose of life? Make a list. Your purpose is not to eat, breathe, sleep. (laughter) Your purpose is not to watch TV, die, fight. Your purpose is not to be selfish. If you go by elimination, you will find the purpose.Q:
If somebody does not like their name, is it OK to change it?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Change. So what? (laughter) It´s like changing the clothes. Last question.Q:
Is this life only to test my strength, and courage to love people around me, and not to be loved back?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
This life is not a test. Nobody is testing you. I do not subscribe to that idea of someone testing your life. No, it is not a test. Just relax. It’s learning, and unlearning. Just learn, and unlearn.Q:
What do you think is the best education for the soul?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Meditation and compassion.n
Q:
What do you say to those who are suffering from hardships?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Hardship makes you deep, and strong. Sadness, and joy are complementary. Happiness causes expansion but misery brings a depth. Both are necessary.n
Q:
Are you afraid of darkness and evil?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
No, because I’m connected with the light.n
Q:
Are you a happy man?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
What do you think? n