Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
My wife was not cooperative and we had a fight. I stepped outside briefly, but by the time I got back, she hung herself and committed suicide. Now I feel guilty, that I could have stopped her somehow. How can I overcome this grief?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Whatever happened, don't sit and brood over it. Each moment is the start of a new life.Whatever happened, had to happen, don't sit and think I could have done this or that, it is of no use.
Leave your burden, clear the mind, and move on.
Q:
What is the meaning of karma?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
This is my karma to listen to your question, and asking the question is your karma, and whether you get an answer or not is your karma.Every impression, thought and action is karma.
Q:
People say that life has both joy, and sorrow in equal proportions, but after experiencing the Divine, I have only joy. Is this the calm before the storm?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
No, not at all. All your sorrows have been dealt with in your past lives. In this life, you can be happy.Do seva (service) when you are happy, and make sacrifices when you are sad. Remember the Divine in your happy moments too. Most people only remember the Divine when they are sorrowful
“Seva mein jo sumiran kare, dukh kahe ko hove.” (The one who remembers the Divine in Seva, where is the sorrow for such a one?)
Yoga saves you from experiencing sorrow. This is its purpose. Yoga is not only about practicing asanas, it is also pranayama, meditation, satsang, and seva. So keep practicing pranayama, meditation, and do seva.
Q:
The food in the Ashram is great. We can feel the love of the Divine in each bite. Now how can I go home?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
I thought you already came home! This is your home. Wherever you go, that is your office. You get rest at home, work at office. If you are tired from work, then you come here to rest.In society and work, be a partner,
at home be a helper.
Q:
Why is there suffering in love?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Without knowledge, there is suffering in love too. Despite knowledge, if there is suffering, then accept it. That is the nature of love.Q:
I want to commit my life to serving society. But my parents are insecure about this. How can I make them understand?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Good! Explain to them, convince them. But if you’re in the middle of education, complete it before you come here. Don’t leave it halfway.Q:
What is the secret to your fashion statement?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
In style, and fashion, no statement is required. No statement is made in fashion. Fashion is just appearance. But anything you do, do it with style!Q:
I am unable to give my 100 percent, despite all my efforts.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
t’s okay, give your 99 percent. If you can’t do that either, then give your 90 percent. That is also okay.Q:
An artist is able to create a beautiful picture, but I am not. Why?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You too can make a beautiful picture! The first time you try, you may not, but at your tenth attempt, you will.Everyone is the same here. Kings, peasants, saints, - all are equal. The intelligent, and the foolish are all the same.
Q:
Corrupt politicians are better off in life than simple, good people like us. Why?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
If something good happens to them, it won’t last. For some time, they might believe that their deceit got them ahead, but it won’t last. “Satyameva Jayate” – truth always triumphs.