Question: I’m being honest when I say that I’m scared to live. There are so many scary things going on in the U.S. and other nations, and I feel hopeless.
Gurudev: Don’t worry. You have a bright future. Everything will change.
Question: Gurudev, how can the fear of death be completely overcome?
Gurudev: Fear of death – to overcome it, meditation will help. Silence retreats will help. We have silence retreats very often. Just come and be part of one. You will explore how your spirit is eternal.
Question: Would you explain to us what it means to live a fulfilled life?
Gururdev: A fulfilled life is one that is confident, with a smile that is undying. That is beautiful.
Question: I’ve experienced the loss of a parent. Can you give me some advice?
Gurudev: Your parents’ spirits are there. Their love is eternal. Their love will be with you. Remember, they are there. They come to you in your dreams. They may not be there physically, but their spirit is with you.
Stand up for the values they stood up for. They live in you, because you are part of them.
Question: How can we make our parents proud?
Gurudev: Parents’ expectations of you are very superficial. Their love for you is much deeper than your performance.
Don’t try too hard, and don’t ignore them completely. If you try too hard, you will lose your strength; if you ignore them, you will be directionless.
Take the middle path. Whatever you do, your parents love you. It is your behaviour and habits that make your parents proud – not how much money you make or what career you choose. They will be proud of you if you keep away from harmful habits and uphold human values.
Many times, a school dropout can become a very good entrepreneur. So don’t push too much about academics. I’m not against academics, but even if they are dropouts, if they have the inclination to succeed, there are millions of opportunities.
Question: About spirituality – should we think of it in terms of belief or experience?
Gurudev: Spirituality and religion are different. Religion is like the banana skin; spirituality is the banana.
Spirituality unites people of all religions. Religion is the way you are born, christened, named, married – all those ceremonies. But spirituality is the essence where you feel connected to the light, or realise you are the light, and feel connected to the universal spirit.
It complements religion. I’m not saying you should be irreligious. If you are religious, that is good. Even if you are an atheist, that is okay, as long as you value spiritual wisdom and knowledge.
A fulfilled life is one that is confident, with a smile that is undying.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
