I was told that the Shastras (Scriptures) do not recommend organ donation after death, as they do not really belong to us. Is organ donation right?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When we take the state of affairs today, we perform so many different deeds and activities against the Shastras (Scriptures) towards our selfish ends and personal benefit. When it involves others, we try to find refuge in Shastras to discover a reason for not doing it. When a deed is done for a social cause with the welfare of the people in mind, one can go ahead and do it.
--------------------------------------
Can ladies chant any Mantra during those days of the month when they are prohibited from other spiritual practices?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
They can chant the Mahamantra alone.
------------------------------
Someone whom we consider Guru preaches that there is no Avatar called Rama or Krishna, and that it is mere illusion. He goes on to say that those who worship these forms also are in an illusionary world. I feel hurt hearing the same as I chant the Rama Nama regularly.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Why do you bother? When he says that everything is an illusion, he is an illusion too. So you don't need to worry about such illusions. Continue to chant the Rama Nama. --------------------------------------
I chant the Mahamantra whenever I get time, either at home or at work. A part of my job is to pull up people who shirk their duty. However this is not liked by my colleagues and they cause disturbances. What should I do?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
What you are doing is right. Be as you are. Pray sincerely to God to bring change in others so as to enable you to carry out your job in a perfect manner. Continue to chant the Mahamantra. Everything will be alright. --------------------------------------
I don't pray to God for material benefits. However I pray to God and chant during times of distress. Is this true Bhakti (Devotion)? Pray tell me what true devotion is.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There is a rare type of herb called 'Sparsha Vedi' The greatness of this is that, when a piece of iron is touched by a leaf of this herb, it turns into gold. Likewise, when a person, however impure s/he may be, is touched by the initiation of a Guru, he is purified. So do not worry. Stop analyzing yourself. Believe only in the grace of God, have faith and take life as it comes. Keep chanting regularly. That will verily protect you.
--------------------------------------
What is the purpose of life?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The true purpose of life is to realize the Supreme Self.
--------------------------------------
Every birth has a purpose, how do I discover that purpose apart from the liberation of life. Kindly explain.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Whatever you are doing right now will automatically take you to the very purpose of life. You need not set out to explicitly find that.
--------------------------------------
Why is human life so painful? Is it because of Kali Yuga or because of our Karma?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When a child is ill, the mother gives medicines to it. The child initially refuses to take the medicine owing to its bitterness. For a moment, the mother diverts the attention of the child through some play. Then again, the mother tries to feed the medicine. The mother will continue to do so, without giving up, until the child takes the medicine completely, wouldn’t she?
In the same way, God gives us sufferings to realize that the state that you live in is not your true state. When the sufferings become unbearable, he distracts you by giving you a sigh of relief. However it continues to trouble you and will not leave you until you realize your true nature which is the Self.
The simplest way towards this goal is by chanting the Mahamantra.
--------------------------------------
What is real happiness?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
From a small worm to the largest of creatures, every being is in quest of happiness. Have we attained it? Yes, however they are fleeting in nature. Then what is true happiness? True happiness lies within you. We need not go and search in the world to find true happiness. It lies in realizing the Self, which is your actual state of being. By merely removing ignorance this can be realized. The easiest way towards this goal is by chanting the Mahamantra.
--------------------------------------
What makes one a Hindu? Who is the founder of Hinduism?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
'Hindu' is not the right name for the Sanatana dharma that is 'lived' here. A name has to be given only to differentiate it from another of its kind. This religion of ours was the only one that existed throughout the world. Thus, the need to have a name for it did not arise. When other religions and faiths sprouted up, the need to give a name for this religion arose and westerners have christened this ancient religion as Hindu. It is commonly found that a civilization grows beside a river, as agriculture is the basis for existence. Thus, those who entered the Country from river Sindhu side named the civilization found there as 'Hindu'. The westerners had referred to the religion in this Country as Sindhu. It later came to be known as Hindu.
If you take any religion of the world, we find definitive answers to three basic questions about that religion:
1. Who is the founder of the religion?
2. When and where was the founder born?
3. What is the religious text for the religion and who wrote it?
Many westerners (like Max Mueller) as well as Indians (like Gangadara Tilak) conducted research to answer these questions with respect to this religion. But, they could only come to the conclusion that it is indeed impossible to point to the time when this religion came to be. Unlike other religions/faiths this religion has not been founded by Man. This ‘mata’ (religion) is based on the Vedas that is beyond time. Our Sanatana Dharma is thus beyond time and has not been founded by Man.
To be a true Hindu is to find the purpose of one's birth in this world. The easiest way to do it is by chanting the Mahamantra. --------------------------------------
My only child who was everything for me is no more. Since then, my I feel lonely. My life is filled with emptiness. I want to live a new life; I want to make a happy day. What should I do? How should I surrender to God?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Since the day life was created on this earth, there has not been one living being who has never experienced any setbacks in his life. Setbacks are a part and parcel of all our lives. We just have to accept that as a fact. Your beloved is in the safe hands of God and is happy there. Do not expect your child to come back to you for the sake of your personal love or longing.
Let me narrate to you an incident from Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's life:
Once Mahaprabhu went to a devotee's house for Nama Sankirtan (To Chant the divine name). When Mahaprabhu entered the house, he could not help noticing that all the inmates were filled with tears. When he enquired, he came to know that the little child in the house had just passed away.
A great Mahatma (Saint) that he was, Mahaprabhu brought the child back to life in a few minutes. The baby instantly spoke and said, 'I do not wish to be in this body nor does this world appeal to me any more. I am safe and happy wherever I am. So please do not get me back into this world for any reason.' Hearing this, everyone understood the purport.
The same is true here. Catch hold of the Mahamantra. Chant it continuously, whenever you get time and leave the rest to Him. He will take care of you and bring yet another beautiful dawn in your life.
--------------------------------------
Who in the world discovered the Nama (Name)?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The One who discovered the world discovered Nama too.
--------------------------------------
Are human beings permitted to eat meat? Please explain.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
According to our scriptures, eating meat is permitted for some sections of people on the basis of their work and lifestyle. Even here, the scriptures do not compel or enforce meat intake.
-------------------------------------------------------
What do I do if I get disrepute for doing something that others don’t like, even though I am convinced that it is right?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When you truly feel that something is right, you should go ahead with it and not worry about the repute or disrepute that would follow.
In general, the ways of the world and the conscience do not go along very well. One should decide which one should be given preference. If conscience is to be given preference, then one should not care about the society and worry about anything else. If one considers society to be more important, then he has to go along with it.
--------------------------------------
What is the easiest way to fructify this birth?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The easiest way to fructify this birth is to chant the Mahamantra.
--------------------------------------
According to our scriptures, why is alcohol consumption prohibited? My friend argues with me that taking a little bit of it, once in a while is harmless!
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The food you eat and mind are directly related. The nature of your food directly affects the mind, positively or negatively as the case might be. Alcohol has a 'tamasic'(Dullness) nature and hence induces 'tamasic' thoughts in your mind. That is why it is to be avoided. Isn't it just foolishness and adamancy to indulge in something knowing very well that it is not good for you? The little quantities are no more 'little' once a person is addicted. We see consequences of addiction to habits like alcohol, smoking and drugs everyday right in front of our eyes, don’t we?
--------------------------------------
In the yester years, one to one interaction was possible to impart information regarding spiritual knowledge to help a person. Today with population explosion and other media that are influencing lives and also lack of time by most to attend such lectures as in yester years, spiritual media in our country has rarely reached out to a tomorrow's youth. In light of this scenario, my question is as follows:
What is the way to impart spiritual knowledge to a tomorrow's youth?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Education will help in developing the intellectual faculties in an individual. Intellect is good. But it is not enough. It is not at all possible to realize the Lord using your intellect. When the intellect tries harder and harder to find the Absolute Truth, and eventually gets tired and gives up, it is then that the Lord appears there.
At every point in time, God has his own ways to reveal Himself to the world. He will do so at the opportune moment. He will never let down His true seekers.
--------------------------------------
I know my bad habits, but I am not able to control myself. Sometimes I am very disturbed because of that. Please help.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When you realize that it is bad, then why do you do it? Pray to God for His mercy and beg Him to put you on the right path.
--------------------------------------
One person chants Rama Nama for a while and stops. He soon passes away. Will the chanted Nama be carried over to his next birth?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When one chants Rama Nama, then where is the question of rebirth?
--------------------------------------
Why do we have crime and injustice in the world?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
That is the nature of the Kali Yuga. The state of the current yuga has been predicted long back by our Maharshis in the various spiritual texts of our Dharma. We cannot avoid that. The only way out is to try to remain unaffected by it, by holding to the Feet of the Lord.
The simplest way towards this goal is by chanting the Mahamantra.
--------------------------------------
What is Sandhya Vandanam?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Sandhya Vandanam is the regular ritual that one performs three times a day – once each in the morning before sunrise, at mid noon and in the evening before sunset. It is a 'prayaschitta' (atonement) as prescribed in the Vedas and includes offerings for the Devas ('tarpanam').
--------------------------------------
I have been listening to Bhagavatam over the last few years. However, in the worldly life: I come out with lot of contradictions if I want to practice even a small portion of it – integrity of friendship, ego, other emotions, to name a few. How do I overcome these and be at peace?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
It is very nice to note that you have been listening to Srimad Bhagavatam for the past few years.
Srimad Bhagavatam is verily described as the essence of the Vedas which is nothing but eternal Knowledge. It has answers for all your questions. You don't need to look for any other external sources for answers nor ask anyone. Be strong in your quest, and keep going through the great Purana over and over again until you find the answer. You will definitely get answers to your queries.
--------------------------------------
What is Kundalini? In the modern day, is there anyone who is known to have experienced this power?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Kundalini (also known as the serpent power) is the hidden vital power in every man. It lies dormant in the Muladhara Chakra (a spot below the human spinal cord) and can be awakened by proper spiritual practices and made to rise up to the Sahasrara or the top of the head.
The Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam lies on a serpent representing verily this secret.
When the serpent power is awakened and risen up, one acquires the 8 Siddhis and eventually immortality. The story of the Devas and the Asuras churning the ocean of milk is verily a tale to illustrate this concept.
Finding one who has experienced this power is indeed rare. There may be a few such saints who are usually in the dense jungles and mountain slopes of the Himalayas.
Catch hold of the Mahamantra. Chant it continuously, whenever you get time and leave the rest to Him. He will take care of you and bring yet another beautiful dawn in your life.
--------------------------------------
What is correct method of Navagraha Pradakshinas? Whether one should start from a point facing Saneeswara Bhagavan or should one start from a point facing Sukra Bhagavan? Should all nine Pradakshinas be done clockwise or should the first seven Pradakshinas be done clockwise and next two be done anticlockwise?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
All Pradakshinas should be done only in a clockwise manner. In the course of the circumambulation of the temple, we start with the first Navagraha deity as it has been installed in the temple and continue from there.
--------------------------------
Chant the Maha Mantra:
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When we take the state of affairs today, we perform so many different deeds and activities against the Shastras (Scriptures) towards our selfish ends and personal benefit. When it involves others, we try to find refuge in Shastras to discover a reason for not doing it. When a deed is done for a social cause with the welfare of the people in mind, one can go ahead and do it.
--------------------------------------
Can ladies chant any Mantra during those days of the month when they are prohibited from other spiritual practices?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
They can chant the Mahamantra alone.
------------------------------
Someone whom we consider Guru preaches that there is no Avatar called Rama or Krishna, and that it is mere illusion. He goes on to say that those who worship these forms also are in an illusionary world. I feel hurt hearing the same as I chant the Rama Nama regularly.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Why do you bother? When he says that everything is an illusion, he is an illusion too. So you don't need to worry about such illusions. Continue to chant the Rama Nama. --------------------------------------
I chant the Mahamantra whenever I get time, either at home or at work. A part of my job is to pull up people who shirk their duty. However this is not liked by my colleagues and they cause disturbances. What should I do?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
What you are doing is right. Be as you are. Pray sincerely to God to bring change in others so as to enable you to carry out your job in a perfect manner. Continue to chant the Mahamantra. Everything will be alright. --------------------------------------
I don't pray to God for material benefits. However I pray to God and chant during times of distress. Is this true Bhakti (Devotion)? Pray tell me what true devotion is.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There is a rare type of herb called 'Sparsha Vedi' The greatness of this is that, when a piece of iron is touched by a leaf of this herb, it turns into gold. Likewise, when a person, however impure s/he may be, is touched by the initiation of a Guru, he is purified. So do not worry. Stop analyzing yourself. Believe only in the grace of God, have faith and take life as it comes. Keep chanting regularly. That will verily protect you.
--------------------------------------
What is the purpose of life?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The true purpose of life is to realize the Supreme Self.
--------------------------------------
Every birth has a purpose, how do I discover that purpose apart from the liberation of life. Kindly explain.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Whatever you are doing right now will automatically take you to the very purpose of life. You need not set out to explicitly find that.
--------------------------------------
Why is human life so painful? Is it because of Kali Yuga or because of our Karma?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When a child is ill, the mother gives medicines to it. The child initially refuses to take the medicine owing to its bitterness. For a moment, the mother diverts the attention of the child through some play. Then again, the mother tries to feed the medicine. The mother will continue to do so, without giving up, until the child takes the medicine completely, wouldn’t she?
In the same way, God gives us sufferings to realize that the state that you live in is not your true state. When the sufferings become unbearable, he distracts you by giving you a sigh of relief. However it continues to trouble you and will not leave you until you realize your true nature which is the Self.
The simplest way towards this goal is by chanting the Mahamantra.
--------------------------------------
What is real happiness?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
From a small worm to the largest of creatures, every being is in quest of happiness. Have we attained it? Yes, however they are fleeting in nature. Then what is true happiness? True happiness lies within you. We need not go and search in the world to find true happiness. It lies in realizing the Self, which is your actual state of being. By merely removing ignorance this can be realized. The easiest way towards this goal is by chanting the Mahamantra.
--------------------------------------
What makes one a Hindu? Who is the founder of Hinduism?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
'Hindu' is not the right name for the Sanatana dharma that is 'lived' here. A name has to be given only to differentiate it from another of its kind. This religion of ours was the only one that existed throughout the world. Thus, the need to have a name for it did not arise. When other religions and faiths sprouted up, the need to give a name for this religion arose and westerners have christened this ancient religion as Hindu. It is commonly found that a civilization grows beside a river, as agriculture is the basis for existence. Thus, those who entered the Country from river Sindhu side named the civilization found there as 'Hindu'. The westerners had referred to the religion in this Country as Sindhu. It later came to be known as Hindu.
If you take any religion of the world, we find definitive answers to three basic questions about that religion:
1. Who is the founder of the religion?
2. When and where was the founder born?
3. What is the religious text for the religion and who wrote it?
Many westerners (like Max Mueller) as well as Indians (like Gangadara Tilak) conducted research to answer these questions with respect to this religion. But, they could only come to the conclusion that it is indeed impossible to point to the time when this religion came to be. Unlike other religions/faiths this religion has not been founded by Man. This ‘mata’ (religion) is based on the Vedas that is beyond time. Our Sanatana Dharma is thus beyond time and has not been founded by Man.
To be a true Hindu is to find the purpose of one's birth in this world. The easiest way to do it is by chanting the Mahamantra. --------------------------------------
My only child who was everything for me is no more. Since then, my I feel lonely. My life is filled with emptiness. I want to live a new life; I want to make a happy day. What should I do? How should I surrender to God?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Since the day life was created on this earth, there has not been one living being who has never experienced any setbacks in his life. Setbacks are a part and parcel of all our lives. We just have to accept that as a fact. Your beloved is in the safe hands of God and is happy there. Do not expect your child to come back to you for the sake of your personal love or longing.
Let me narrate to you an incident from Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's life:
Once Mahaprabhu went to a devotee's house for Nama Sankirtan (To Chant the divine name). When Mahaprabhu entered the house, he could not help noticing that all the inmates were filled with tears. When he enquired, he came to know that the little child in the house had just passed away.
A great Mahatma (Saint) that he was, Mahaprabhu brought the child back to life in a few minutes. The baby instantly spoke and said, 'I do not wish to be in this body nor does this world appeal to me any more. I am safe and happy wherever I am. So please do not get me back into this world for any reason.' Hearing this, everyone understood the purport.
The same is true here. Catch hold of the Mahamantra. Chant it continuously, whenever you get time and leave the rest to Him. He will take care of you and bring yet another beautiful dawn in your life.
--------------------------------------
Who in the world discovered the Nama (Name)?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The One who discovered the world discovered Nama too.
--------------------------------------
Are human beings permitted to eat meat? Please explain.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
According to our scriptures, eating meat is permitted for some sections of people on the basis of their work and lifestyle. Even here, the scriptures do not compel or enforce meat intake.
-------------------------------------------------------
What do I do if I get disrepute for doing something that others don’t like, even though I am convinced that it is right?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When you truly feel that something is right, you should go ahead with it and not worry about the repute or disrepute that would follow.
In general, the ways of the world and the conscience do not go along very well. One should decide which one should be given preference. If conscience is to be given preference, then one should not care about the society and worry about anything else. If one considers society to be more important, then he has to go along with it.
--------------------------------------
What is the easiest way to fructify this birth?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The easiest way to fructify this birth is to chant the Mahamantra.
--------------------------------------
According to our scriptures, why is alcohol consumption prohibited? My friend argues with me that taking a little bit of it, once in a while is harmless!
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The food you eat and mind are directly related. The nature of your food directly affects the mind, positively or negatively as the case might be. Alcohol has a 'tamasic'(Dullness) nature and hence induces 'tamasic' thoughts in your mind. That is why it is to be avoided. Isn't it just foolishness and adamancy to indulge in something knowing very well that it is not good for you? The little quantities are no more 'little' once a person is addicted. We see consequences of addiction to habits like alcohol, smoking and drugs everyday right in front of our eyes, don’t we?
--------------------------------------
In the yester years, one to one interaction was possible to impart information regarding spiritual knowledge to help a person. Today with population explosion and other media that are influencing lives and also lack of time by most to attend such lectures as in yester years, spiritual media in our country has rarely reached out to a tomorrow's youth. In light of this scenario, my question is as follows:
What is the way to impart spiritual knowledge to a tomorrow's youth?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Education will help in developing the intellectual faculties in an individual. Intellect is good. But it is not enough. It is not at all possible to realize the Lord using your intellect. When the intellect tries harder and harder to find the Absolute Truth, and eventually gets tired and gives up, it is then that the Lord appears there.
At every point in time, God has his own ways to reveal Himself to the world. He will do so at the opportune moment. He will never let down His true seekers.
--------------------------------------
I know my bad habits, but I am not able to control myself. Sometimes I am very disturbed because of that. Please help.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When you realize that it is bad, then why do you do it? Pray to God for His mercy and beg Him to put you on the right path.
--------------------------------------
One person chants Rama Nama for a while and stops. He soon passes away. Will the chanted Nama be carried over to his next birth?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When one chants Rama Nama, then where is the question of rebirth?
--------------------------------------
Why do we have crime and injustice in the world?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
That is the nature of the Kali Yuga. The state of the current yuga has been predicted long back by our Maharshis in the various spiritual texts of our Dharma. We cannot avoid that. The only way out is to try to remain unaffected by it, by holding to the Feet of the Lord.
The simplest way towards this goal is by chanting the Mahamantra.
--------------------------------------
What is Sandhya Vandanam?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Sandhya Vandanam is the regular ritual that one performs three times a day – once each in the morning before sunrise, at mid noon and in the evening before sunset. It is a 'prayaschitta' (atonement) as prescribed in the Vedas and includes offerings for the Devas ('tarpanam').
--------------------------------------
I have been listening to Bhagavatam over the last few years. However, in the worldly life: I come out with lot of contradictions if I want to practice even a small portion of it – integrity of friendship, ego, other emotions, to name a few. How do I overcome these and be at peace?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
It is very nice to note that you have been listening to Srimad Bhagavatam for the past few years.
Srimad Bhagavatam is verily described as the essence of the Vedas which is nothing but eternal Knowledge. It has answers for all your questions. You don't need to look for any other external sources for answers nor ask anyone. Be strong in your quest, and keep going through the great Purana over and over again until you find the answer. You will definitely get answers to your queries.
--------------------------------------
What is Kundalini? In the modern day, is there anyone who is known to have experienced this power?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Kundalini (also known as the serpent power) is the hidden vital power in every man. It lies dormant in the Muladhara Chakra (a spot below the human spinal cord) and can be awakened by proper spiritual practices and made to rise up to the Sahasrara or the top of the head.
The Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam lies on a serpent representing verily this secret.
When the serpent power is awakened and risen up, one acquires the 8 Siddhis and eventually immortality. The story of the Devas and the Asuras churning the ocean of milk is verily a tale to illustrate this concept.
Finding one who has experienced this power is indeed rare. There may be a few such saints who are usually in the dense jungles and mountain slopes of the Himalayas.
Catch hold of the Mahamantra. Chant it continuously, whenever you get time and leave the rest to Him. He will take care of you and bring yet another beautiful dawn in your life.
--------------------------------------
What is correct method of Navagraha Pradakshinas? Whether one should start from a point facing Saneeswara Bhagavan or should one start from a point facing Sukra Bhagavan? Should all nine Pradakshinas be done clockwise or should the first seven Pradakshinas be done clockwise and next two be done anticlockwise?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
All Pradakshinas should be done only in a clockwise manner. In the course of the circumambulation of the temple, we start with the first Navagraha deity as it has been installed in the temple and continue from there.
--------------------------------
Chant the Maha Mantra:
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
who is god?
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