Wonder E-Book

Sri Sri Ravishankar

• Herausgeber: Aslan eReads
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Seitenzahl: 356

Beschreibung

Wonder man has always wanted to know more about life. This intense quest has caused all the progress humanity has made day and yet there still remain many unanswered questions, in this book Sri Sri takes questions while interacting with gatherings all over the world covering eclectic subjects the mundane and the profound, the physical and the metaphysical, the personal and the universal, some philosophical and some even irrational, answering them this characteristic simplicity, playfulness and depth of wisdom. About The Author His holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar , a spiritual leader and humanitarian, was born in 1956 in southern India. He was often found deep in meditation as a child. At the age of four, he astonised his teachers by reciting the Bhagavad Gita. To globalise the knowledge of leading a happy, strees-free life, H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar established an international educational and humanitarian NGO- the Art of Living, in 1982. Today with a presence in over 151 countries, the Art of Living is one of the largest voluntary organizations in the World

Leseprobe

WONDER

Excerpts from the talks by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Sri Sri Publications Trust, India

 

© Copyrights Sri Sri Publications Trust

This digital edition is published by arrangement with Aslan Business Solutions

Digitally Published By:

 

Aslan Reads -An imprint of Aslan Business Solutions Borivli, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Email: [email protected]: www.aslanbiz.com & www.aslanreads.com

Physical Editions Published by:

 

Sri Sri Publications Trust The Art of Living International Centre 21st KM, Kanakapura Road, Udayapura, Bangalore – 560082 Email: [email protected]: www.sattvastore.comToll Free: 1800-258-8888

© All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without prior permission in writing from the publisher

ISBN: 978-93-85898-16-7

Layout by: Sri Sri Publications Trust

 

Question Answer Sessions with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Contents

Title

Introduction

CHAPTER 1 ANCIENT WISDOM

CHAPTER 2 DISPASSION

CHAPTER 3 DIVINITY

CHAPTER 4 DUALITY & NON DUALITY

CHAPTER 5 EGO

CHAPTER 6 ENLIGHTENMENT

CHAPTER 7 FAITH AND DEVOTION

CHAPTER 8 GURU

CHAPTER 9 HEALTH

CHAPTER 10 KARMA

CHAPTER 11 LOVE

CHAPTER 12 MIND

CHAPTER 13 MISCELLANEOUS

The Art of Living & The International Association for Human Values

The Founder

Follow Sri Sri On:

The Art of Living In Service Around The World

The Art of Living Programs

International Centres

Landmarks

Cover

Introduction

No matter how much one learns, there is always much more to learn in life. Many times, we carry questions within ourselves but they remain in the background behind various things that demand our attention in daily life. Many times, we do not find anybody close who would understand us and be able to provide answers.

Wherever he is in the world, Gurudev likes to hold informal gatherings in which there is a little bit of singing, some meditation and some discussion. His bearing is relaxed and sensitive and in the secure and celebrative environment around him, many people spontaneously feel, “Maybe he can tell me...”

Watching questions begin to pop out from the gathering when Gurudev opens the floor for them can be anything from moving, inspiring, illuminating, hilarious and, on occasion, bizarre too. It is a phenomenon to watch Gurudev respond to questions. They dwell on a wide array of subjects - relationships, health, environment, politics, meditation, social issues and just about anything under the sun and he is at ease answering all of them. The manner of his response is such that even if it is not your own question, you still find something opening up within that takes you to a simple yet deeper understanding of life and yourself.

Quite often, he is asked similar questions or even one that he has answered many times. He might or might not repeat his response. In this book, we have made an effort to capture all possible responses he has given to the same question.

Gurudev often says that knowledge should be like gossip - light and fun. That is the flavour that colours everything he does and we hope it reaches you through this book.

CHAPTER 1 ANCIENT WISDOM

Q. Gurudev, please talk on the story of Ajmila in Srimad Bhagwad.

Gurudev: In Srimad Bhagwad there is a story of king Ajamila. He had many vices. When he was on his death bed he called out for his son whose name was Narayana. And when he uttered God’s name (Narayana), he got liberated. This story is there to build trust in people; that, however their past had been, there is no need to waste time in tension and guilt about it. Even at the last moment if you chant Narayana’s (Lord’s) name, you have a chance to be liberated. This does not at all mean that you do whatever you want all your life and, at the last moment, chant Narayana’s name. It doesn’t give you the license to indulge in vices. It only indicates that you don’t have to be guilty about your past and go on repenting it. The past is gone. At least, now be devoted and connected to the Divine.

Q. What is the meaning of the shloka- Akhanda mandal akaram, vyaptam yena characharam, tad padam darshitam yena tasmai shri guruve namah?

Gurudev: The Guru who gives us the experience of the eternally present consciousness - we bow down to that Guru.

Q. Gurudev, there are so many people in the world who are suffering on account of ancient beliefs and rituals. Can you please talk about it?

Gurudev: People are also suffering due to modern beliefs. They think drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, etc., gives them joy but they suffer due to them. Not every ancient belief is wrong and not every modern belief is right. We need to accept combinations of both the old and the new. People are suffering because of superstitions which have no sanction of scriptures or science. People are suffering because of some rituals which are not at all part of the ancient scriptures. It’s the lack of wisdom that makes people suffer.

Q. What is the meaning of Ashwamedha?

Gurudev: Ashwamedha means to purify. “Shwa” means that which is the past or the future. “Ashwa” means that which is present and “Medha” means cleansing. Ashwamedha is when the cleansing of the mind and buddhi (intellect) takes place in the present moment. Keep the mind/buddhi (intellect) in the present moment.

Q. What does the mantra‘Bhadram karne-bhi-h shrnuyam deva...’ mean?

Gurudev: This is the first mantra to be recited before any pooja. It means - let my ears hear good things, let my eyes see good things, let us speak only good words and let our lives be on the Divine path.

Q. In the BhagwadGeeta, there are two ways described for liberation. Bhakti Marg- the way of devotion and Gyan Marg- the way of knowledge. Which one is better?

Gurudev: They are not two different paths. Suppose, you like rice pudding. How can you like rice pudding without knowing what it is. The knowledge of it will kindle a liking for it. Love and knowledge go hand in hand. Once you know about something, you go for it. Bhakti, Gyan and Karma are three legs of the same table. Krishna told Arjuna all the steps and finally said to drop it all and just relax. For you everything is done. ‘Shama jali hai tere liye tujhko kuch nahi karna hai’ - the lamp is lit for you; you don’t have to do anything.

Q. Why are there so many secrets in the universe?

Gurudev: We are in a universe full of secrets. We are floating in the ocean of infinite secrets. There are infinite secrets in every atom. Science tries to discover and reveal them but this attempt is like trying to cover an ocean in a small boat. What science tries to discover is extremely small, and there is so much more left to be discovered. It is impossible to unveil all secrets. When science finds one secret, ten more arise. No scientist can say that he knows all the secrets of the universe. As science discovers more, it finds that there is so much more that is unknown. That is a secret.

So, love the secret! Honour the secret! This is the Chidambara Rahasya. There are infinite secrets in the consciousness. You can’t understand all of them. The sky is endless. Like the sky, even secrets are endless. Our ancestors honoured secrecy. A mantra is kept secret when we want to do japa (chant).

What you keep as a secret, grows. We don’t express our love. We don’t say “I love you” everyday. When you are so deeply in love, just one glance is enough. Sometimes, by saying it many times, love diminishes. If you do not express yourself at all then, too, it is of no use.

There is an appropriate way to express your life experiences. It should be like sowing a seed. It is a sown a few inches deep - not just on the surface nor too deep. Then the relationship lasts for the whole lifetime. No child tells the mother, “I love you”, all the time. It is shown through his actions.

Q. Please explain the ChidambaraRahasya.

Gurudev: Chidambaram is the place of Shiva symbolising the akash tattva (the principle of space). Space is formless. In the sanctum sanctorum of this temple, there is a veil. Beyond the veil there is nothing; just empty space. We can only know the secret of Shiva tattva by going there. There are three types of space that is described.

• Bhutakash - the physical body,

• Chittakash - thoughts and emotions, and

• Chidakash - the vast, Supreme Consciousness.

The life-force energy is awakened in the Chidakash. The secret of the Chidambara can only be experienced through self-effort on the spiritual path.

Q. Gurudev, in the Geeta, Lord Krishna has said that people who remember him and serve him are more close to him. On the other hand, we say that God loves everyone equally. Please explain.

Gurudev: Krishna gives a long list of those who are very close to him. The twelfth chapter of the Geeta is about this. He said, “The one who has no dislike for anybody, the one who is compassionate and friendly with everyone, the one who does not have extreme attachment, the one who does not have ego, those who are equanimous in all situations – they are all close to me.”

Your liking something does not mean you don’t like anything else. Krishna also said this to create confusion. His work was to only create confusion. So when Arjuna was completely shaken by confusion, he asked Krishna to tell him just a single thing to follow. Then Krishna said, “All this is one. Even if I say different things, it is all one.”

Q. Gurudev, singing Shiva and Krishna songs in satsang make many people wonder. Although we imbibe so many good vibrations, this still makes some people think that we are singing Hindu songs. Why do we sing songs of so many Gods? People from other religions get confused between the real meaning of satsang and the symbolic meaning behind mantras.

Gurudev: The sound of “Om Namah Shivaya” includes all the five elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Hinduism is not a religion as such. People have been chanting this for thousands of years. Mantras are those sounds which you hear from deep within during meditation and the aim is to bring one back to the source. Later, people started associating faces and drawings with these mantras. Mantras have got certain vibrations/energy. They are universal.

Even in churches in Latin America “Marnah naath” is used. Its translation in Latin and Sanskrit is so close. For “Lord” the word in Latin is naath and so, too, in Sanskrit. The word naath is used to mean “Lord”. So the word marnah nath means “My lord”, which is used in Christianity is actually a Sanskrit word.

Chanting in Sanskrit is beneficial because Sanskrit is the oldest language known to mankind. It has a deep impact on the consciousness. We welcome all songs - Japanese, Korean or Spanish. You are welcome to sing any song that you want in our satsangs. We sing a lot of songs in Spanish and Portuguese in satsangs in South America.

Of course, in India everybody easily connects with ancient mantras. In Vedic chanting, many times you don’t know even the meaning but it has some effect.

Rudra Abhishek has been practiced for over thousands of years. We use crystal, milk, yoghurt, flowers etc. They all make an certain impact and send out positive vibrations.

Q. It is said that Lord Krishna was embodied with all the sixteen kalas, Lord Rama with twelve, and Hanuman with fourteen. If it is like this, then how can we call Lord Rama as incarnation of God?

Gurudev: A devotee is higher than the God. This has been said to sing the glory of devotees. In reality, both the Guru and the disciple are God. God himself bends to sing the glory of a devotee and to raise the level of a devotee. It is like a father carrying his son on his shoulder. Then, the son is taller than him. If Hanuman was not stronger than SriRama, then how could he have helped SriRama. The one who is stronger than me can carry my suitcase. SriRama also needed help from Hanuman. In the same way, God also wants your help. So, we should work to uplift the society. The one who does the work of God, works for the good of society, is also taken care of by God. Working for God and for the good of society, is an indication of divinity blossoming in you. So, Hanumanji helped SriRama, but he never got into the state of ego.

Q. You have talked about hidden meanings behind symbols in Hinduism which seems to be very illogical. Could you please talk about many crores of devtas?

Gurudev: Crores or koti; koti also means types. Thirty-three crores means thirty-three types of Divine impulses. There are thirty-three types of divine impulses in our body, too. There are thirty-three types of genes in our body. One type fashions the eye, another the nose, a third the eardrums, etc.

Like this, there are thirty-three rays of Divinity. There is one light, one God, one Parmatma. Yet there are thirty-three aspects. Devas are the thirty-three different aspects of Divinity. Here crores is not referred to as a number. The Divine has no form but the ancient saints have said that you can adore Him in any form or name. All the thousand names belong to only one God. This is a very, very deep science or knowledge. It is amazing. When you go deeper into this, then you feel the “Wow”.

Q. In the family of Shiva, each vaahan (vehicle - usually an animal associated with a form of God) is the enemy of the other in the animal kingdom. There is a bull, a mouse, a peacock etc yet they live together in peace. How is it so?

Gurudev: The peaceful, non-dual self element that is Shiva brings together everyone and harmonises everything.

Q. What is DravyaGunaSambandha?

Gurudev: The ancient seers have spoken about the Dravya Guna Sambandha or relationship between the substance and its quality. There is a very interesting debate on if we can separate the quality from the substance. The whole philosophy is very interesting and the conclusion was that you cannot separate the quality from the substance. Can the sweetness in sugar be separated from sugar? Will it still remain sugar? Can heat and light be separated from fire? Will it still be fire after that? What brings the quality into the substance? What comes first - the quality or the substance? There are many questions like this. The subtler you go is the parame vyoman (principles of the universe). Yasmin devaadhi vishwe nishedu -All the devis and devtas reside there, in that space. Yattanaveda yati vaanaveda - What is the use of knowing the vedic hymns and mantras without knowing the parame vyoman; without understanding the principles of the universe? Swarupa is the quality of that space. Swarupa is that consciousness. It cannot be fully translated into English.

Q. What is the significance of Ananta Padma Chaturdashi and what is the reason behind wearing a thread on the wrist?

Gurudev: Ananta Padma Chaturdashi celebrates the Ananta (The infinite, The eternal). Experiencing the infinite is the highest aim in life. Without the experience of the eternal, human life is like the animal life. A mere glimpse of the vast infinity of the Self brings transformation in our lives. All seekers do this, they become seekers due to a glimpse of the infinite and they experience it in meditation. The painter portrayed Lord Vishnu like this - there is a ksheer sagar (ocean of milk) with a bed of snakes, on which MahaVishnu, the lord, rests. Ksheer sagar is the blissful mind; the mind in which waves of contentment arise. The snake represents an awakened state of mind, kundalini shakti, that is within us. The consciousness rests in the blissful and awakened state of mind.

There are three layers to it. The ocean of milk denotes that the environment is very balanced. Only when the environment is favourable can samadhi (deep meditation) take place. Even for the discussion of scriptures or to sit and think peacefully, one needs to be assured that the atmosphere is free from trouble. If there is a flood or earthquake, then no one would read scriptures or talk of research and knowledge. Thus the ocean of milk represents a favourable environment.

Until the depth of knowledge is experienced, it remains on the surface. No matter how many Vedantas one reads, it is important to have a favourable environment. When the kundalini shakti rises, the chaitanya shakti that lies within us, the infinite and eternal, reigns. From the stomach of that infinite power, a lotus came out effortlessly, from which Brahma appeared. Thus the creative power rose from there.

A blissful consciousness gives rise to creative power. The greatest of scientists came up with new inventions, only when they were in rest. It is extremely vital for researchers and those who experiment to have a favourable environment, one without noise and chaos. You cannot ask someone to invent something quickly. Invention is not bound by time and cannot take place in an unfavourable environment.

The navel is also called the second brain. There are two brains in our body. One is the head and the other is the navel. It is called the solar plexus. The work that brain does is supported by the solar plexus. Half of the work is done by it. That is why when the stomach is upset, there is chaos in the mind and there are a lot of thoughts.

So it is said that those who practice yogasadhana have a blossomed solar plexus. Those who don’t practice yoga sadhana have a smaller one like an amla (Indian Gooseberry). The solar plexus grows to the size of an orange in those who do yoga sadhana and meditation. And in the one in whom the kundalini shakti is fully awakened, it is bigger than an orange. It is like a blossomed lotus.

The thread is a wonderful symbol. Every month we have a festival in India. The message is to celebrate somehow and rise above. Some people fast, some do pooja and, as a symbol of that, they put a thread with fourteen knots around the wrist. This is a day before or after the full moon when we have a festival in our country. The mind is associated with the moon. There is more activity in the mind during the full and the new moons. Psychological and physical illness may increase during these times. Therefore if we are busy in celebrations during those days, then it is good for the health too. And, during full moon, one tends to get less sleep so the activity of the celebrations helps with the sleep.

Every vrat (fast) has associated stories about kings or businessmen who maintained the fasts and overcame their troubles and got immensely benefitted. So, out of greed, people do certain practices. Every story depicts some problems and show how the problems are overcome after performing poojas. These days people think that just by listening to the stories they can overcome their problems. Our ancestors were really skilful. So with every festival they associated some reward.

Thus, desiring the results and benefits or out of fear we remain engrossed in pooja and other rituals. This is not good. The best way is to be grateful for all that we have received in life. To perform poojas out of greed is not very beneficial and the benefit is lesser if it is performed out of fear. But some benefit is there, no matter how it is done.

Q. Gurudev, which is your favourite quote from the Geeta?

Gurudev: I have so many. There is no point in you picking my favourite quote. You read it and find your own favourite quote and keep reviewing it every few years because it may change. You can’t find a more contradictory scripture than BhagwatGeeta. In every chapter Lord Krishna says something different. It is like climbing one step after another. And all that is said is relevant in a bigger picture. Arjuna also said, “Krishna, you say different things at different times. I am so confused. Please tell me one thing that I should do.” Then Lord Krishna says intelligent people know there are many facets and angles. Everything is spherical whereas dull people think that everything is linear.

Q. You have said that the form of every God is a painter’s imagination. So how are mantra and japarelated to them?

Gurudev: In the Kamakshi temple in Kanchipuram, there is a beautiful idol. There you get the prasaad (holy offering) but it is said that you will not reap the benefit of it till you offer it to AroopLakshmi (formless Goddess) which is located behind the temple. From there you receive another offering.

This has a very deep meaning. This is just a practice but it has the teachings of Vedanta. You are directed to go from the form to the formless. You worship a form and then a Shaligram. The mind is held with the form and then you move on to a round stone. When you leave even that, you move on to the mantra. God is not in the sky somewhere but in vibration; our consciousness. So being in meditation is the best form of worship. Then, even the mantras are surrendered. Mantra is also somewhat similar to form. This (process) is a stage.

Q. In Indralok (heaven),apsaras (Celestial nymphs) like Menaka, Urvashi were used. The same thing continues even now on earth. Why is it so?

Gurudev: Menaka and Urvashi were made to dance in the Indralok. There are stories like these just to make you aware that whatever is there in the world, exists in heaven, too. It is said there is sukh (joy) in heaven but not love. Don’t imagine heaven to be in some other place. Dive into your consciousness which is an embodiment of bliss. The joy derived from the outside world is limited. Such stories were written to explain this. In heaven too, there is attachment and complaints. Beings fall for each other and also fight. So there is not much difference between heaven and earth. Better make this earth a heaven and be free from it and dive into the blissful consciousness. This is the saar (essence) of sadhana.

Q. How and when should I use the mantras?

Gurudev: Chant the mantra effortlessly and naturally. You don’t have to do japa (repetition) twenty four hours a day. Chant for a while and move into meditation. You don’t have to bathe twenty four hours to be clean! A few minutes of cleansing is enough to keep you fresh for the day or at least half the day. Like that, the mantrasnana (cleansing oneself in the shower of mantras) is important.

Q. Ashwathama (from the Mahabharata) is supposed to be immortal. Do you know about his whereabouts?

Gurudev: All the beings are immortal. The term “immortal” could be used in two senses. The first is being alive in memory. Rama, Krishna, Buddha are names, characters and impressions in your consciousness. And the second, if you take it literally, is that the spirit can never die. Kamsa, Ravana, Krishna, Rama, etc are all immortal in the form of Supreme Consciousness. When someone great dies, we say may they be immortal. Even when bodies die, their names are remembered for years. People are remembered for their bravery for centuries.

Q. What is the significance of the Jyotirlinga? (There are twelve celebrated pilgrimage spots in India called the Jyotirlingas)

Gurudev: Linga is a symbol. Jyoti is light. A jyotirlinga is a symbol of light. Ancient Rishis and sages have meditated and done their tapas (penance) in such places and those vibrations were created in that space. In VishalakshiMantap there is a jyotirlinga. You can’t see the linga but the light is there. Swayamhi tirtani punamhi Santah. Teertha (holy spot) is where a saint sits. Every pilgrimage spot is a place where a saint has meditated, has done tapas (penance) and then transmitted that energy to the stone, water, etc around. Then, the place becomes vibrant with that consciousness. When the spiritual energy in a place decreases, then conflict increases. There should be Dhyana (meditation), pooja (prayer), seva, and a spiritual life. Then the Chaitanaya Shakti (spiritual energy) increases.

Q. I heard about the ten avtaars (incarnations of God). Please tell us about the kalki avtaar? I am little confused.

Gurudev: There are just not ten avataars but twenty-four avtaars of Lord Vishnu. And they have infinite forms and names, which means God is present everywhere and in so many different forms. Kal means tomorrow. Don’t think that all avtaars have already gone. One might be there for the future, too. Twenty-four avtaars have come earlier and there will be more in the future, too. So kalki refers to the future avtaar. It was said that this avtaar will come forth riding a horse. Horse in Sanskrit is Ashwa and shwa means either in the past or the future. So ashwa means that which is right now. So kalki refers to one who is present in the consciousness; in this very moment. That divinity which brings together everything at this very moment, which takes away the feeling of separation from you and rekindles belongingness in you, is present here right now.

Q. What is the significance of Kumbhmela?

(The KumbhMela is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism. The word Kumbh has been derived from the Sanskrit word Kumbh meaning ‘pot’ or ‘pitcher’ and Mela means ‘festival’ that is why it is known as “the pitcher festival”. It is a fair that energises your mind and soul)

Gurudev: The river Ganga is a symbol of knowledge and the river Yamuna symbolises love. Prayag (where Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet) is the unity of love and wisdom. When love and wisdom meets, there is celebration. Kumbh means coming together of saints, scholars and kathavachaks (story tellers). They participate in discussion and meditation with the sankalpa (positive intention) of universal benefit. People needn’t go to all the different places. They can all come to one place. The concept of mela started in India. Nowadays we call it expo. There are expos for motors, books, clothes, etc to present all the products in one place to the people.

Similarly, all the saints congregate in one place once in twelve years. In the olden days the transport facilities were not so extensive and travelling would take much time. Kumbhmela provided an opportunity for people to converse and exchange knowledge with each other. If you see it from the planetary perspective, Kumbh takes place when Jupiter enters Aquarius. By bathing in the Ganga, the chitta (consciousness) becomes joyful. Your consciousness is purified and your sins are washed away. It’s so beautiful. The sins are so superficial that just by a dip in the Ganga they can be washed away. The ever-pure consciousness can never be dirtied.

Q. Is it important to take bath in Haridwar during Kumbh or will bathing in Rishikesh suffice?

Gurudev: It is perfectly alright to bathe in Rishikesh. You can take a dip wherever the Ganga flows.

When there is such a parva (auspicious occasion), Ganga comes to every home. In South India, during Diwali (festival of lights) the Gangasnan (bath) is done. The usual greeting is, “Have you done Gangasnan?” If you take a cold water bath in the morning, it means you have done Gangasnan. On the banks of the Ganga, many sadhus do penance and they transfer all the merit to the waters of the Ganga. Teerthani pounaynti sataha! - Teerth ko Sant Puneet banate hai.- Jaise teerth sabko puneet karte hai, sadhu ganga ko puneet karte hai. (Just as the Ganga purifies all, the saints purify the Ganga.) The Ganga is chaitanyamayi (enlivened), brahmaroophai. As soon as you bathe you feel fresh and new. All the impurities of the mind are washed away. The mind becomes healthy. I wouldn’t say the same for the Ganga at Kanpur and beyond. Its water should be kept pure. If the Ganga is polluted then its benefit won’t be much.

Q. Can you explain the mantra - Manana trayatey iti mantra, Chittam mantra, Prayatna sashaka.

Gurudev: That which brings mind from small to big mind is mantra.

That which brings the desirous mind into content mind.

That which is the seed of your life.

When mind and mantra is one.

The sadhak and his effort is the same. Becomes effortlessness only when the sadhak is hundred percent into what he strives for. Provides liberation even if it does not provide success.

Q. Can you please elaborate on the power of mantra? It is said that the power of mantra is greater than that of a planet. Does a sadhak (one who is on the spiritual path) need to pay attention to horoscope?

Gurudev: Yes, mantras are very powerful. The power of mantras is greater than the power of the horoscope. Don’t worry too much about horoscope. Om Namah Shivaya and Om Namah Narayana are much more powerful. Shivaya has five letters which refers to the five elements. All the five elements earth, water, fire, air and ether are referred to when you chant “Om Namah Shivaya”. You don’t have to imagine that Shiva has a big trishul and is sitting somewhere. Artists have made that mistake. Shiva is not a person. Shiva is tattva.

Q. Can mantras change what astrologers predict?

Gurudev: Mantras have power. It is good to chant. That is not to say that what astrologers predict is not true. We should practice dana (charity) and yagna (vedic ritual) as good vibrations come to us then.

Q. Should we chant the Mahamrityunjayamantra while doing pooja?

Gurudev: It is good. There is a lot of praise for the mahamrityunjayamantra. It feels good when you chant it. Sugandhimpustiwardhanam -make your body and senses healthy. Such a prayer is very good. Then, there is Gayatrimantra. They have their special mahima (high importance). Chant Om Namah Shivaya - it has everything. Om encompasses everything. There are different vibrations for OmNamahShivaya, Om Namho Bhagwate Vasudevaya. That is why Om Namah Shivaya has been called the maha mantra. Na (earth element), mah (water element), Shi (fire element), and va (air element) - ya (sky element ). It includes all the elements. So the Master of these five elements is Om Namah Shivaya.

Q. South Indians are deep into rituals. Are rituals very important to reach the spiritual path or the ultimate goal?

Gurudev: Man can’t be without ritual. Let’s be clear about it. What happens on the Republic Day of India in New Delhi and the capitals of other states is a ritual. It is a national ritual. Even in communist Russia in the Kremlin, three soldiers shoot three gunshots in the sky everyday and perform a ritual. Human beings can’t be without rituals.

If your ritual is meaningful and environment friendly, then all the more better. A wise ritual is offering flowers, lighting a candle, creating love, planting a tree, distributing sweets, etc. These are rituals with more meaning. Killing an animal is not a good ritual. We don’t have any right to transgress on another life. Violence or anything that pollutes the environment can’t be a ritual. It is not a kind gesture to nature. If caring for the planet is considered a ritual or worship, that is the best ritual. In ancient Vedic times this is what they deigned or considered.

In another school of thought around the world, going to temples and give bali (animal sacrifice) is a ritual. I don’t approve of these inhuman rituals. Ritual should be something that uplifts and elevates the spirit. A ritual was called pooja in ancient times. Pooja - poo means out of fullness and ja means born out of it. So when you do something full of gratitude, it is ritual. Even that has been distorted today. Human beings can’t do away with rituals altogether. In homes where no ritual is performed, the energy is low. There is no celebration and vibrance.

Performing some sort of ritual, some sort of chanting or reading at home creates positive ions in the atmosphere and also has a good impact on the children. That’s why I would say don’t be stuck too much with ritual but also don’t drop it altogether. Adopt a middle path. A Christmas tree is put up during Christmas and candles are lit. On Diwali you light lamps, decorate homes, exchange sweets, burn a couple of incense sticks. Also on Eid you clean homes, perform prayers, there is function. Whenever there is little bit of ritual, it creates a good atmosphere especially for children and develops a healthy, social, religious and spiritual kind of mind. Don’t you think so?

Q. What is the importance of bathing in Ganges especially during Mahakumbh?

Gurudev: It is believed to be good to have a dip in the Ganges. However, taking a dip in knowledge is even greater for it purifies the mind.

Q. Can you speak on the importance of Vaastu?

Gurudev: Everything in creation has certain vibrations. This world is an ocean of vibrations. Every being has definite vibrations. The Gods are all depicted as riding on different vahanas (animals as vehicles). This indicates the specific vibrations of the gods. Elephants attract, from the cosmos, the vibrations specific to Ganesha. Tigers, the Devi vibrations; peacocks attract the vibrations of Lord Subramanya. But don’t trouble yourself with all this. Just chant Om Namah Shivaya. All the corrections in Vaastu will be taken care of.

Q. Does learning traditional music make us spiritual?

Gurudev: Music is called layayoga. Bhakti is different. Music, as music without devotion, is not so useful. Then, only one part of your brain develops. The total personality does not develop. Gyana (knowledge), gaana (music), dhyana (meditation) - all three are required. Gyana nourishes the left hemisphere. Gaana nourishes the right hemisphere. Dhyana nourishes both. All three activities are essential.

Q. What does the symbol of Natraja signify?

Gurudev: Natraja is a very beautiful symbol of the union of nature and the Divine. Natraja holds fire in one hand, representing the fire element. A damru in his other hand depicts the space element. Many forces in the universe are represented by a shape similar to that of a damru - a chromosome, galaxies, etc. Time also is said to have a conical representation. The symbol (shape of the damru) which represents infinity.

Shiva’s hair is open and flying representing the air element. One foot is on ground symbolizing prithvi (earth element) and the other in the air. One hand is in the symbolic abhayahasta offering protection and the other points to his feet symbolizing surrender. With one foot already in the air, he has already taken a step towards the devotee.

He says “You are dear to me” even before beginning. Even in the BhagwadGeeta, Lord Krishna said to Arjuna – “You are very dear to me.” When you know that you are dear to someone, there is trust and love arises in the heart. Shiva is dancing. Life should be like this. If both feet are stuck in the ground then you cannot dance. Even to walk you need to take one foot up. The entire creation is full of bliss. The entire creation is dancing in bliss. The entire creation is longing for bliss. Natraja represents the AnandaTattva (bliss) that the whole world is longing for. Every atom in the world is filled with the potential for action yet it is at peace. Shiva, the principle of infinite peace and bliss is not inert. It is peaceful, yet dancing. Underneath his feet, there is Apasmaar. He is standing with his foot on top of desires. If desire eats us up then we are in trouble. Only when we rise above desires and we are dancing on it, then it is a dance of joy and bliss. This is not just imagination. This is the truth. This energy awakens within us and we rise in dance. The Divine energy pervading the entire creation is eternally dancing. There are two attitudes that we have to pay attention to. One is when we go inward, we say everything is Ok. Not a blade of grass moves without Divine intervention. God has kept us like this. So let it be so. Everything is Ok. This is the attitude when you have to go inward (Nivritti). When you have to come out and work (Pravritti), then you see perfection in even small details. Wherever you see imperfection, you have to pay attention on how you can correct it. Find out ways to improve everything.

So, while acting, we see where we can improve and what we can change. When we retire into meditation and say that everything is perfect, only then we can go in. Usually when people close their eyes and go inward, they say, “This is not ok, that is not ok and find fault with everything.” They can neither meditate nor be quiet. And in activity, people think that everything is fine the way it is and why do we have to do anything about it. Then, we are at a loss. So when we are acting, we see what we can do and when we have to retire we say everything is alright. This following attitude will help you go deep in meditation -

I want nothing.

I do nothing.

I am nothing.

These are the basic principles of meditation. We have to pay attention to them. During Navratri there are nine days of inner connection to the Divinity. During these nine days, we should keep our small, petty things, petty desires, requirements, our small issues that bother us to one side and just say to Divine, “Let thy will be done. I am yours.” With this conviction, when you move forward, doing your practices you will lack nothing. All that you need, will just come to you naturally, spontaneously. So we move into our sadhana, our practices with a trust that we will be taken care of; that we are being taken care of. Navratri is a time when all those needs- physical, mental and spiritual are taken care of by the Divine. At the same time, we need to help each other; help all those people who need help. It is very auspicious and it is uplifting to the spirit. Yagyas (poojas) are done from thousands of years to bring peace and prosperity, to dissolve all the negative karmas and to uplift the human spirit.

It is best not to engage yourself in socialising; talking worldly things with people. Just be with yourself. If at all you speak, only speak some knowledge or the bare essentials. It is better not to gossip. During these days, it is best to be in Divine knowledge.

Q. What is the origin of Om?

Gurudev: Om is the origin of everything else.

Q. Can you please tell us the translation of Mantras that we sing?

Gurudev: Mantras are just the sounds; the vibrations. Om Namaha Shivaya addresses the five elements earth, fire, air, water and space of which we are made of.

Q. Gurudev what does Om Namah Shivaya mean? What is the difference between chanting and silent meditation?

Gurudev: Om is the life force. Sound is energy. When the sound is made with all your heart, it has a very positive effect. NamahShivaya includes the five elements – na, mah, shi, va, ya: Earth, Fire, Air, Water and Space. Chanting and silent meditation also have an impact.

Q. People take afeem (opium) as Lord Shiva’sprasaad. Should I take it? And if it’s not ok, how do I make others understand this?

Gurudev: You are not to take it. You get more fulfilling prasaad here in the satsang! Just look at the faces of people who take afeem. Do you find any radiance? Are they in a very contented and blissful state? There is no glow, vibrance or smile on their faces. One has no option but to be extremely blissful, contented and happy after receiving the prasaad of Lord Shiva. But this is not found with the people who take afeem. I do not consider it a prasaad. Use your understanding to make them drop this. Make them experience SudarshanKriya.

Q. The solar plexus in the human body is considered vital for spiritual growth. Can you tell us why this is so?

Gurudev: Different organs of our body are governed by different devas. The solar plexus is connected with the sun. That is why it is called “solar” plexus. When the first rays of the sun fall on the solar plexus in the morning, it is very good for your body. Doing SuryaNamaskar (sun salutation) yogaasana in the early morning is very good. The solar plexus has a profound impact on the central nervous system, optic nerves, stomach, and what we usually call “gut feeling.” It is the second brain in your body. Usually the solar plexus is slightly bigger than an almond. Studies have shown that with the practice of yoga, meditation, and SudarshanKriya, the solar plexus can become as a large as the palm. Then it performs better. It balances the body functions. When the solar plexus expands, the intuitive mind works better. The mind becomes clear and focused. When the solar plexus contracts, one feels horrible, sad, depressed, and there are negative feelings. It is small in a person who doesn’t do yoga and meditation. A yogi who does meditation and yoga has a larger solar plexus.

Q. Why was Krishna’s navel called Padamnabha (solar plexus)?

Gurudev: Lord Krishna is called Padamnabha because his solar plexus was like a fully blossomed flower. Padma not only means a lotus. It also means a flower. A fully blossomed flower is usually referred to as padma.

Q. What is the significance of pilgrimage in Hinduism? What is your experience of any pilgrimage?

Gurudev: The best pilgrimage is the Inward Journey! A pilgrimage is an opportunity for people to come together and pray together. As you know, praying together generates more energy - a synergy. But don’t think God is present only in pilgrim centres! God is omnipresent and omniscient.

Ancient Rishis meditated in some places and put all the energy in some idol there. The scriptures talk about God as having no name and no form. There is freedom to worship God in any form or any name. Wisdom from anywhere was acknowledged.

Q. What is the scientific significance of Prasaad?

Gurudev: Prasaad is that which, when received, makes the mind prasana (blissful). A saint from Karnataka has written that what we have got is Prasaad - our body, breath, mind, prana (life energy) and bhav (emotions); everything is prasaad