Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Q:
I grew up in a small town and have seen many ups and down in the life. But now when I am into a job, I see all this corruption. People demanding bribe, this and that. It pains in the heart. I don’t know how to go about it? Also I have heard from Swamiji that when we do meditation, the satva in the atmosphere raises, and that can result in the transformation of these negative tendencies in the society.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You are worried about all the corruption in the society! That is why I say we all have to stand up by principles. Our boys went to Hyderabad and they needed some license to start some project. They stood by their principles and they get their job accomplished without having to bribe anyone. Like them, you also stand by your principles. It could be little difficult in the beginning. That is why we have to inculcate spirituality in every aspect of society. Non-violence and integrity have to be inculcated. We have to fight against corruption.Q:
Dear Guruji, Guru Gobind Singh made warriors, each one of which was capable of handling many negative powers. What is your vision for the warriors that you are polishing?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
First, we are to fight against the evil of ignorance. There are so many problems in the society today – corruption, exploitation of environment, starvation, powers opposing spirituality, and anti humanity powers. These all have to be defeated.Q:
How can I get more happiness and joy from everywhere?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
This race of more and more is killing us. More and more and more – How can I get more? Relax my dear. We don’t even have enough time to enjoy what we have. We should think how can I be more useful to the society, how can I serve more? One who is always thinking of getting something is like a beggar. Everything comes to the one who thinks how she/he can contribute more to the society. There won’t be any lack for such a person.Q:
My sister called me in the morning. She was crying because her son is suffering from an incurable disease, and his condition was not well. I could not be physically present there. I closed my eyes and prayed to you. At 4 o’clock in the evening, she called me saying that her son is doing well. All I want to know is how it is possible that I am sitting here and praying from here makes things better there?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
This is a trade secret. It is easy to be popular but it is difficult to be a Guru. A Guru has responsibility along with.Q:
You say that there is no difference between you and me, then why do I feel sorrow?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
The sorrow is there because you have not fully realized this. Your heart and mind have not accepted this deep inside. As soon as you accept, the sorrow disappears.Q:
Does Bhakti (devotion) make an impression on the Chitta (subconscious mind)?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes, of course. The impression of Bhakti wipes away all other impressions, all negativity of mind. Also the impression of Bhakti gets dissolved on its own. Like when you put a piece of alum to purify water, the water gets purified as the alum dissolves and disappears. The impression of Bhakti is just like this.Q:
How do we know that our past karmas have been burnt?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Just assume it. Just like assuming, 'I am free' makes one free. Believing that past karma has been burnt makes it so.Q:
You said that violence ceases to exist around ones who are fully established in non – violence. Does that mean Lord Krishna was not fully established in violence for a huge war took place in his presence?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
The secret behind this is existence of different circumstances. One is individual karma and one is collective karma. One is karma done for the sake of whole world. When sin and injustice reached its peak, He had to take a step. It is like different dosage of medicine is given under different circumstances. For a minor headache, the dose is different. And it is different for a severe headache.Gahana karmo gati – The movement of karma is very deep and not easily comprehensible.
Q:
What is role of service in order to have inner contentment?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
You know, we should have a goal in life. My goal is to bring happiness to more and more people. If we sit and keep thinking of ourselves all the time, we’ll be depressed. We should see, ‘How can I be of service? How can I be of use to others?’ This thought is very useful. Very, very, very useful. Ya?So, ‘Art of Living’ provides a platform for everyone to come together and do some service. You know, when United Nations announced, ‘Stand up and take action’ - they wanted tree planting; ‘Art of Living’ volunteers have planted 55 million trees around the globe.
We all can jointly do some service activity. Reduce violence, reduce stress, create a sense of belongingness, and spread the positive vibration of love and peace. Shall we all do this together? Is everyone committed to do this? (A resonating yes from the audience.)
Q:
‘Art of Living’ is doing a great job. But with 30 percent of population in depression, and this figure being expected to reach 50 percent in the coming decade, do you still see a hope for mankind? Do we still have hope?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes, and we all have to work for it. You know, when we started in India, it was a small program. We had no resources and manpower. But we had a vision – We have to reach many people in the world. So, in these 30 years we have reached millions of people. So, it is possible.You know, the cell phone has reached the whole world. If cell phone could reach the whole world, do you think wisdom and compassion cannot reach the whole world? We must make an effort. Ok?