How one should undertake a 'Upavasa' (observe Fasting)? What are the do's and don'ts while undertaking 'Upavasa'?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The one performing Upavasa should wake up before sunrise. He should take bath early in the morning chanting the Name of Hari. He should not shave or cut hair on that day. He should refrain from sleeping during the day. At night, he should sleep on the floor and not on comfortable cushioned beds and should refrain from any sensual pleasures. A married man should not sleep with his spouse.
He should not consume any food from outside and that which has been partaken by someone else, and that which has not been offered to the Lord.
He should observe silence or perform Nama Kirtan and always remain in the memory of the Lord.
-----------------------------------
Some people say that if we chant the Maha Mantra loud, we can benefit only 25%, if we whisper 50% benefit, but if we chant in our mind without any sound, we get 100% benefit. Yet some others do not agree with this. Please explain the correct way.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
These conditions and percentages do not apply for the Mahamantra.
------------------------------------
I want to know about my death. What is death? I want to experience my death. I want to be aware of my death.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
As long as the life-force ('Prana') is inside your body, you are said to be alive. The moment that the Prana leaves your body to take another body is called death.
The death of the body is not the real death. Even in medical science, it has been proved that real death is not the death of the body, but the death of the mind.
From a spirituality perspective, real death is when you realize God, or realize the Self within you. That is because, it is only after then that you are not born anymore. Hence that is the real death.
---------------------------------
If Mahamantra can give us everything, then is it necessary to recite other slokas (hymns)?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
If you have such a strong conviction and faith in the Mahamantra, then the rest are not necessary.
-------------------------------
I am drawn to the higher spiritual side of myself, but find it difficult to identify my life purpose. I seem to be searching and seeking, yet I know not what I search for! I am confused. Please help me if possible.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
From the smallest of creations to the highest, each creature in this Universe seems to have its own purpose. On the same lines, it might seem that, as men and women, we have a different purpose in life too. But it is important to understand what the true purpose is.
The true purpose of our existence is to realize God in ourselves. No other purpose is equal to or more significant than this.
---------------------------------
In the present days every one speaks about Vastu shastra (Science of Construction)& its effects on our daily routine. Does it really play a role in our life or it is just a belief? Please advice.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Vasthu Shastra is a very complex and profound science. Nowadays it is hard to find a scholar with the full knowledge of this science.
----------------------------------
Who are truly Sri Ramakrishna, Saradha Devi and Swami Vivekananda? Are they incarnations of God?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Sri Ramakrishna is considered as the avatar of Lord Vishnu and Saradha Devi as Mahalakshmi. Vivekananda is said to be a rishi from the Sapta Rishi Mandala.
-----------------------------------
In the book Jnana Yoga, Swami Vivekananda says that every thing that has a shape is a part of Maya. Then what about Gods? Are their shapes (idols) mere Maya or did the supreme lord Vishnu takes His shape by his power of Maya?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The answer for your question is in the book itself.
Go through the book completely - once, twice and many more times, until you find the answer.
---------------------------------
Why is Lord Siva worshipped as Linga alone and not in the form of a Murthi?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
'Linga' means 'Laya'. Shiva is always in 'Laya'. Hence He is worshipped in the form of Linga. Moreover, according to the Shastras (Scriptures), Lord Shiva does not incarnate. That is another reason why He is worshipped as a Linga.
------------------------------
Listening to Raasa Lila from Bhagavatam is a cure for lust. Similarly which part of Bhagavatam should be listened/read for cure from anger, greed and jealousy?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The entire Bhagavatam. Read it fully. It is good for you.
-------------------------------
I am writing 'Ram Nam' and it has solved many problems of mine and fulfilled many desires. But one crucial desire of mine alone is not getting fulfilled. Why is this happening?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
That may be because Lord Rama feels that if this particular desire of yours gets fulfilled, it may create problems in the future. With a human mind, it is impossible to know what would happen in future, but one thing, you can be certain: Lord Rama is always right.
-----------------------------------
It is said that human birth is rare and that it comes by only after millions of years of performing merits. But we see some humans in a pathetic state, not only very poor but, some a few of them treated worse than animals. If they had accrued merits in their previous births to be born as a human, why are they in this state? Some animals, like dogs live a posh life in a rich man's home! Why is it so?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
By performing a particular good deed, there is a particular merit that one accrues. Some good deeds fetch a good wife, some other fetches riches, beauty, fame, long life, health and so on. This is true for sins too. A particular sin committed results in poverty, yet another results in childlessness, mental imbalance, cowardice, disrepute and so on.
So if one does the good deeds that fetch him human birth, he is born as a human. He might not have done enough Merit ('punya') to enjoy a posh and comfortable life.
------------------------------------
I am so full of faults and impurities – lust greed, jealousy and so on. Sometimes, I am embarrassed to see that my Guru showers so much love and grace on me in spite of all my impurities!
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The Guru sees only love. There are many people who are born in orthodox, pious families, take only vegetarian food; abstain from eating even onions, offer the food to the Lord every time they partake of it, perform regular prayers and good deeds, and always live in a divine atmosphere. Even such people are not able to overcome lust, jealousy, greed and so on. If that is the case, then what about the rest? So don't think that your faults and impurities will keep you away from the Guru. He sees only your love and blinds himself to all other aspects.
Pure love has a wonderful magical power - it can soften the rough, convert impure to pure, dirty to clean poor to rich, fool to wise and eventually, man to God.
---------------------------------
In our western countries, some gifted artists chant Mahamantra on non-traditional airs or with a western influence. If the melody inspires devotion or joy, do you think, that may be also valid?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Yes, to some extent.
-------------------------------
As it is true that the supreme Lord is only one and absolute, why are there different types of religious followers?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
If food is meant only to satisfy hunger, then why do we have so many varieties?
If clothes are meant only to cover our body, then why are there so many models and designs of them?
If houses are meant only for shelter, then why are there so many varieties in them?
It is because human beings like varieties to suit their tastes. In the same way, to reach the one supreme Lord, there are different ways and means. One can choose one particular path according to his taste and stick on to it.
---------------------------------
What should I do to get my Guru's Grace?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Chant, Chant, Chant...
----------------------------------
Why is it that those whom we trust the most cheat us the most? When they are in need, they take all possible help from us and later don't recognize our timely favour and behave like strangers?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When you help, don't expect anything in return. After doing the favour, you should not even remember the fact that you helped someone.
That is the right way of helping.
-----------------------------------
In Karnataka, the Ashada Month starts on July 4th this year and according to beliefs in Tamil Nadu, it starts on the 16th. Why are there variations? I am from Tamil Nadu and have to join my job in Karnataka. Which dates should I go by?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
One calendar is based on the Sun and the other is based on the moon. That is the reason for the difference. You can follow the customs based on where you are originally from.
---------------------------------
When is the best time to chant the Mahamantra? Must it be chanted for 108 times only or can we chant as we wish?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
You can chant the Mahamantra any time. The more you chant, the closer you get to your goal.
------------------------------
How to measure one's Spiritual Maturity? In other words, I fully understand that I possess all the essential values of a human being. How to sense the Spiritual Strength or power in me?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There are no two powers in this world. There is only one power – that is the spiritual power. You may call it by different names – the Brahman, the Atman, the Infinite, God, and so on. Realizing that this spiritual power is the only existent power is the true realization. The extent to which one is aware of and experiencing the above fact determines one's spiritual maturity.
-------------------------------
What is the reason behind the Creator creating everything in pairs - truth and falsehood, man-woman, and so on when He Himself is One?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
He has created everything in pairs for us to understand the difference between the Creator and Creation.
-------------------------------
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The one performing Upavasa should wake up before sunrise. He should take bath early in the morning chanting the Name of Hari. He should not shave or cut hair on that day. He should refrain from sleeping during the day. At night, he should sleep on the floor and not on comfortable cushioned beds and should refrain from any sensual pleasures. A married man should not sleep with his spouse.
He should not consume any food from outside and that which has been partaken by someone else, and that which has not been offered to the Lord.
He should observe silence or perform Nama Kirtan and always remain in the memory of the Lord.
-----------------------------------
Some people say that if we chant the Maha Mantra loud, we can benefit only 25%, if we whisper 50% benefit, but if we chant in our mind without any sound, we get 100% benefit. Yet some others do not agree with this. Please explain the correct way.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
These conditions and percentages do not apply for the Mahamantra.
------------------------------------
I want to know about my death. What is death? I want to experience my death. I want to be aware of my death.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
As long as the life-force ('Prana') is inside your body, you are said to be alive. The moment that the Prana leaves your body to take another body is called death.
The death of the body is not the real death. Even in medical science, it has been proved that real death is not the death of the body, but the death of the mind.
From a spirituality perspective, real death is when you realize God, or realize the Self within you. That is because, it is only after then that you are not born anymore. Hence that is the real death.
---------------------------------
If Mahamantra can give us everything, then is it necessary to recite other slokas (hymns)?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
If you have such a strong conviction and faith in the Mahamantra, then the rest are not necessary.
-------------------------------
I am drawn to the higher spiritual side of myself, but find it difficult to identify my life purpose. I seem to be searching and seeking, yet I know not what I search for! I am confused. Please help me if possible.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
From the smallest of creations to the highest, each creature in this Universe seems to have its own purpose. On the same lines, it might seem that, as men and women, we have a different purpose in life too. But it is important to understand what the true purpose is.
The true purpose of our existence is to realize God in ourselves. No other purpose is equal to or more significant than this.
---------------------------------
In the present days every one speaks about Vastu shastra (Science of Construction)& its effects on our daily routine. Does it really play a role in our life or it is just a belief? Please advice.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Vasthu Shastra is a very complex and profound science. Nowadays it is hard to find a scholar with the full knowledge of this science.
----------------------------------
Who are truly Sri Ramakrishna, Saradha Devi and Swami Vivekananda? Are they incarnations of God?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Sri Ramakrishna is considered as the avatar of Lord Vishnu and Saradha Devi as Mahalakshmi. Vivekananda is said to be a rishi from the Sapta Rishi Mandala.
-----------------------------------
In the book Jnana Yoga, Swami Vivekananda says that every thing that has a shape is a part of Maya. Then what about Gods? Are their shapes (idols) mere Maya or did the supreme lord Vishnu takes His shape by his power of Maya?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The answer for your question is in the book itself.
Go through the book completely - once, twice and many more times, until you find the answer.
---------------------------------
Why is Lord Siva worshipped as Linga alone and not in the form of a Murthi?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
'Linga' means 'Laya'. Shiva is always in 'Laya'. Hence He is worshipped in the form of Linga. Moreover, according to the Shastras (Scriptures), Lord Shiva does not incarnate. That is another reason why He is worshipped as a Linga.
------------------------------
Listening to Raasa Lila from Bhagavatam is a cure for lust. Similarly which part of Bhagavatam should be listened/read for cure from anger, greed and jealousy?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The entire Bhagavatam. Read it fully. It is good for you.
-------------------------------
I am writing 'Ram Nam' and it has solved many problems of mine and fulfilled many desires. But one crucial desire of mine alone is not getting fulfilled. Why is this happening?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
That may be because Lord Rama feels that if this particular desire of yours gets fulfilled, it may create problems in the future. With a human mind, it is impossible to know what would happen in future, but one thing, you can be certain: Lord Rama is always right.
-----------------------------------
It is said that human birth is rare and that it comes by only after millions of years of performing merits. But we see some humans in a pathetic state, not only very poor but, some a few of them treated worse than animals. If they had accrued merits in their previous births to be born as a human, why are they in this state? Some animals, like dogs live a posh life in a rich man's home! Why is it so?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
By performing a particular good deed, there is a particular merit that one accrues. Some good deeds fetch a good wife, some other fetches riches, beauty, fame, long life, health and so on. This is true for sins too. A particular sin committed results in poverty, yet another results in childlessness, mental imbalance, cowardice, disrepute and so on.
So if one does the good deeds that fetch him human birth, he is born as a human. He might not have done enough Merit ('punya') to enjoy a posh and comfortable life.
------------------------------------
I am so full of faults and impurities – lust greed, jealousy and so on. Sometimes, I am embarrassed to see that my Guru showers so much love and grace on me in spite of all my impurities!
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The Guru sees only love. There are many people who are born in orthodox, pious families, take only vegetarian food; abstain from eating even onions, offer the food to the Lord every time they partake of it, perform regular prayers and good deeds, and always live in a divine atmosphere. Even such people are not able to overcome lust, jealousy, greed and so on. If that is the case, then what about the rest? So don't think that your faults and impurities will keep you away from the Guru. He sees only your love and blinds himself to all other aspects.
Pure love has a wonderful magical power - it can soften the rough, convert impure to pure, dirty to clean poor to rich, fool to wise and eventually, man to God.
---------------------------------
In our western countries, some gifted artists chant Mahamantra on non-traditional airs or with a western influence. If the melody inspires devotion or joy, do you think, that may be also valid?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Yes, to some extent.
-------------------------------
As it is true that the supreme Lord is only one and absolute, why are there different types of religious followers?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
If food is meant only to satisfy hunger, then why do we have so many varieties?
If clothes are meant only to cover our body, then why are there so many models and designs of them?
If houses are meant only for shelter, then why are there so many varieties in them?
It is because human beings like varieties to suit their tastes. In the same way, to reach the one supreme Lord, there are different ways and means. One can choose one particular path according to his taste and stick on to it.
---------------------------------
What should I do to get my Guru's Grace?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Chant, Chant, Chant...
----------------------------------
Why is it that those whom we trust the most cheat us the most? When they are in need, they take all possible help from us and later don't recognize our timely favour and behave like strangers?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When you help, don't expect anything in return. After doing the favour, you should not even remember the fact that you helped someone.
That is the right way of helping.
-----------------------------------
In Karnataka, the Ashada Month starts on July 4th this year and according to beliefs in Tamil Nadu, it starts on the 16th. Why are there variations? I am from Tamil Nadu and have to join my job in Karnataka. Which dates should I go by?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
One calendar is based on the Sun and the other is based on the moon. That is the reason for the difference. You can follow the customs based on where you are originally from.
---------------------------------
When is the best time to chant the Mahamantra? Must it be chanted for 108 times only or can we chant as we wish?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
You can chant the Mahamantra any time. The more you chant, the closer you get to your goal.
------------------------------
How to measure one's Spiritual Maturity? In other words, I fully understand that I possess all the essential values of a human being. How to sense the Spiritual Strength or power in me?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There are no two powers in this world. There is only one power – that is the spiritual power. You may call it by different names – the Brahman, the Atman, the Infinite, God, and so on. Realizing that this spiritual power is the only existent power is the true realization. The extent to which one is aware of and experiencing the above fact determines one's spiritual maturity.
-------------------------------
What is the reason behind the Creator creating everything in pairs - truth and falsehood, man-woman, and so on when He Himself is One?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
He has created everything in pairs for us to understand the difference between the Creator and Creation.
-------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment