How do we know that we are progressing in our Sadhana? (Spiritual Practice)
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The Guru will make you understand your progress at the right time.
-----------------------------------
A spiritual aspirant does Sadhana sincerely and advances to some extent. Suddenly he falls from his Sadhana and comes back to worldly affairs. Does he get Moksha or Naraka (hell) ?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
He attains neither Moksha nor hell. He goes to a very high world and lives there happily for a long time, and then come back to earth once again and be born in such a family that will give him a good base for his Sadhanas in order to continue them.
------------------------------------
Are the soul and the mind the same?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
No. Mind usually refers to the knowledge and is referred to as the ‘manas’. If you thus identify it, then it is completely different from the soul.
---------------------------------
How can we differentiate our will and Divine will?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
If your ego decides, then it is your will. Otherwise, it is divine will.
-------------------------------
How do I get over my overconfidence?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
If you always remember in the back of your mind that we are only simple tools in the hands of the Almighty, then there will not be any problem.
---------------------------------
Why at all should one not go to a temple and perform pujas for a year of a relative's demise?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Pitru Karya (rituals for the dead) are done monthly upto a year of the passing away of a relative. Strictly speaking, 'nithya Srardham' (ritual to be performed every day) has to be done during the year.
'Pitru Karya' and 'Deiva Karya' (divine activities) do not go together. That is the reason it has been prescribed so.
----------------------------------
Crores of animals are killed during some feasts. Why are the poor innocent animals forcibly killed everyday for no mistake of them. Why the animals are suffering in the hands of humans? When will this stop?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Ahimsa (Non violence) is the foremost Dharma There is no doubt about it.
You are talking about animals suffering in the hands of humans. But we barely realize that all of us are suffering in the hands of Karma (fate). In order to get answers to the question of 'what for' and 'why', you should try and understand God. That is the only way. Until then, whatever I say would only be a consolation.
-----------------------------------
In the first place, why has the entire creation (all creatures, the Universe, etc.) evolved?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There is nothing called 'first place'. The origin and end are only in our mind.
---------------------------------
Surrender to God means not resisting anything. But where should our decisions or actions stop so that that there is neither inaction nor resistance?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Let us imagine that someone is in the kitchen. You ask him what he is upto. 'I'm making tea' comes the reply. You go to the kitchen yourselves and find that the tea is not ready yet! There was only water boiling in the stove. Now was his statement about preparing tea true?
Yes and no. Isn't it?
Likewise, each and every minute, we should try to surrender to Krishna. We should go on doing it. To start with, we will have a very poor faith ('Manda Vishvasa'). Then the faith grows with time, to culminate in what is called as a state of total faith ('Poorna Vishvasa'). It is then that you will feel that it is God is directly acting through you and so far, He was doing so through your ego.
------------------------------
I always feel inferior to others, even in small things. This complex makes me feel that I am good for nothing. Please help me in coming out my complex.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Always think that you are the loveable child of Radha and Krishna. When you think so, then where is the question of feeling inferior?
-------------------------------
Right from my birth until now, I have received favors in many kinds. Be it from God, man or the nature. I sometimes think that I am obliged to the minute details in life. How do I repay all these in my life? Kindly guide me
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Vishnu is Infinite. The entire cosmos is within Him. So be grateful to Him. That way, your gratefulness would be accounted as being shown to all - man, God and all other creatures. The best way to show your gratitude is to Chant the Mahamantra.
-------------------------------
How can one attain Moksha (liberation)? If one attains Moksha, how will the state of mind or soul will be? Who is a Brahmin?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
By constantly chanting the divine Mahamantra and surrendering to the feet of Bhagavan, one can attain moksha by his grace. In this state, individual mind would be one with the Universal mind of the Lord. One who has realized Brahman is the truest Brahmana.
-------------------------------
It is said that the true form of God is unimaginable and for this reason, a few great spiritual masters (like Kabir, Guru Nanak, Shankaradeva etc.) worshipped Nama alone. Is 'Nama' (Name) more significant than 'Rupa' (form)?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Yes, Nama is definitely more significant than 'Rupa'. -------------------------------
I am struggling a lot in my life. Can I get an answer in spirituality?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Spirituality is not a bed of roses either. You have to struggle more in spirituality than in your material life!
-----------------------------------
How can we attain spiritual powers?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There are many ways. But the simplest and the easiest way is by chanting the "Hare Rama.." Mahamantra.
------------------------------------
What does our destiny depend on?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Our destiny depends on our own deeds.
---------------------------------
We know that after death we take new birth according to our karmas. I would like to you know which act of karma determines the gender - male or female?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The attitude is what determines the gender.
-------------------------------
Is chanting while doing work considered as meaningful chanting ? Since most of the days, I am continuously doing house chores one after the other, I don't get time to sit and do 'Japa'. But if we chant while doing house chores, does it have same effect ?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Yes. It is definitely great. The Gopis did exactly that way.
---------------------------------
What is Liberation? I know that it is getting out of the cycle of birth and death, but what exactly do we achieve after getting liberated?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
In the state of liberation, the individual identity vanishes and the Individuality no more remains. The seer, the one to be seen and the act of seeing, all of these get dissolved. In this state, your very question does not arise.
----------------------------------
While one is in deep devotion, something happens and suddenly you lose control over thoughts and start wondering about the things happening - you feel as if the Bhakti (devotion) is totally lost. Please help. I am having such a problem.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Don't worry. Such things are common in the early stages of devotion. When your devotion gets stronger and stronger, the frequency of such happenings automatically reduces and everything will be alright.
-----------------------------------
I have some doubts or confusion about the Soul - Atma. It is said that Atma is nirguna, nirakar and has no feelings whatsoever. Then, Swamji, why is it said that one should pray for peace for the departed soul, when the soul is not at all affected by anything. By this argument, there cannot any "Unsatisfied Soul - Atrupta Atma" and therefore one can say there cannot be any ghosts. In that case why should we pray for peace for any Atma? Pray enlighten me.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There is no doubt that Atma is 'paripoorna'(Complete). When we are 'alive', there are 5 koshas (coverings) to 'Atma swaroopa'. When we die the 'Annamaya kosha' (gross body) falls. But all vasanas and the burden of Karma are carried with subtle body after death. It goes through experience of heaven / hell depending on the Karma till it is time to get into another gross body (rebirth).
What we mean by 'Atrupta Atma' is actually the subtle body which still has the covering of Manomaya (feelings), Vijnanamaya (intellect/ego) and Anandamaya koshas above atma swaroopa.
Our prayers mitigate the suffering of this subtle body of the departed soul. So praying and chanting for the departed soul does help.
---------------------------------
Swamiji always says Satsang is very important. How does a person attain Satsang? I am not in a position to be a part of any Satsang now. We have to keep away from worldly matters - but I fear that my family circumstances will never let me keep away from worldly association. Swamiji, please tell me how to love Krishna inspite of all the hurdles? Will Krishna's grace carry me through it?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Chanting Krishna Nama ensures that the love for the Lord deepens. When love for the Lord deepens, Satsang will come to you on its own accord. Chant and pray with faith to Krishna and this is the easiest way for Divine grace. Be like a child in the care of Krishna. He knows what to give, when to give and how to give.
------------------------------
Is'nt it this whole universe is the wonderful work of the Lord. Now-a-days we find every place on this earth infected with the negative energy. The question is: Is this because of the effect of Kali Yug or it is created by us? Kindly advise.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Kali yug is not something which is extraneous to us Humans. 'Kalau Kalmasha Chittanaam..' Kali lives as 'negativity' in the hearts of all. It is clearly said in our Puranas that people living in this age would have more negativity than divine positivity. Thankfully the scriptures also tell us the easy way out - Mahamantra kirtan.
-------------------------------
I have been chanting the Mahamantra for quite a while. But day by day, I am becoming poorer financially and as such losing mental peace. Is there anything wrong going on?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There is nothing going wrong with respect to your chanting. Persist in chanting and efforts to get better financially. Nama can only help you in this journey. Mahamantra knows only to bless.
-------------------------------
Now a days, many Gurus teach exercises and meditation. Many of these have "Thirumanthiram" and "Siddhar Paadalgal" as their basis. Some doctors also prescribe such treatments to improve health. Are these normal to keep a healthy body? Are these part of spirituality?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When these practices are for the sake of body, how can it be spirituality?
A few Siddhas opine that only when the body is healthy, one can perform spiritual practices. For a normal life, keeping good health is a must. Hence these practices are not wrong.
-------------------------------
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The Guru will make you understand your progress at the right time.
-----------------------------------
A spiritual aspirant does Sadhana sincerely and advances to some extent. Suddenly he falls from his Sadhana and comes back to worldly affairs. Does he get Moksha or Naraka (hell) ?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
He attains neither Moksha nor hell. He goes to a very high world and lives there happily for a long time, and then come back to earth once again and be born in such a family that will give him a good base for his Sadhanas in order to continue them.
------------------------------------
Are the soul and the mind the same?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
No. Mind usually refers to the knowledge and is referred to as the ‘manas’. If you thus identify it, then it is completely different from the soul.
---------------------------------
How can we differentiate our will and Divine will?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
If your ego decides, then it is your will. Otherwise, it is divine will.
-------------------------------
How do I get over my overconfidence?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
If you always remember in the back of your mind that we are only simple tools in the hands of the Almighty, then there will not be any problem.
---------------------------------
Why at all should one not go to a temple and perform pujas for a year of a relative's demise?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Pitru Karya (rituals for the dead) are done monthly upto a year of the passing away of a relative. Strictly speaking, 'nithya Srardham' (ritual to be performed every day) has to be done during the year.
'Pitru Karya' and 'Deiva Karya' (divine activities) do not go together. That is the reason it has been prescribed so.
----------------------------------
Crores of animals are killed during some feasts. Why are the poor innocent animals forcibly killed everyday for no mistake of them. Why the animals are suffering in the hands of humans? When will this stop?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Ahimsa (Non violence) is the foremost Dharma There is no doubt about it.
You are talking about animals suffering in the hands of humans. But we barely realize that all of us are suffering in the hands of Karma (fate). In order to get answers to the question of 'what for' and 'why', you should try and understand God. That is the only way. Until then, whatever I say would only be a consolation.
-----------------------------------
In the first place, why has the entire creation (all creatures, the Universe, etc.) evolved?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There is nothing called 'first place'. The origin and end are only in our mind.
---------------------------------
Surrender to God means not resisting anything. But where should our decisions or actions stop so that that there is neither inaction nor resistance?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Let us imagine that someone is in the kitchen. You ask him what he is upto. 'I'm making tea' comes the reply. You go to the kitchen yourselves and find that the tea is not ready yet! There was only water boiling in the stove. Now was his statement about preparing tea true?
Yes and no. Isn't it?
Likewise, each and every minute, we should try to surrender to Krishna. We should go on doing it. To start with, we will have a very poor faith ('Manda Vishvasa'). Then the faith grows with time, to culminate in what is called as a state of total faith ('Poorna Vishvasa'). It is then that you will feel that it is God is directly acting through you and so far, He was doing so through your ego.
------------------------------
I always feel inferior to others, even in small things. This complex makes me feel that I am good for nothing. Please help me in coming out my complex.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Always think that you are the loveable child of Radha and Krishna. When you think so, then where is the question of feeling inferior?
-------------------------------
Right from my birth until now, I have received favors in many kinds. Be it from God, man or the nature. I sometimes think that I am obliged to the minute details in life. How do I repay all these in my life? Kindly guide me
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Vishnu is Infinite. The entire cosmos is within Him. So be grateful to Him. That way, your gratefulness would be accounted as being shown to all - man, God and all other creatures. The best way to show your gratitude is to Chant the Mahamantra.
-------------------------------
How can one attain Moksha (liberation)? If one attains Moksha, how will the state of mind or soul will be? Who is a Brahmin?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
By constantly chanting the divine Mahamantra and surrendering to the feet of Bhagavan, one can attain moksha by his grace. In this state, individual mind would be one with the Universal mind of the Lord. One who has realized Brahman is the truest Brahmana.
-------------------------------
It is said that the true form of God is unimaginable and for this reason, a few great spiritual masters (like Kabir, Guru Nanak, Shankaradeva etc.) worshipped Nama alone. Is 'Nama' (Name) more significant than 'Rupa' (form)?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Yes, Nama is definitely more significant than 'Rupa'. -------------------------------
I am struggling a lot in my life. Can I get an answer in spirituality?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Spirituality is not a bed of roses either. You have to struggle more in spirituality than in your material life!
-----------------------------------
How can we attain spiritual powers?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There are many ways. But the simplest and the easiest way is by chanting the "Hare Rama.." Mahamantra.
------------------------------------
What does our destiny depend on?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Our destiny depends on our own deeds.
---------------------------------
We know that after death we take new birth according to our karmas. I would like to you know which act of karma determines the gender - male or female?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The attitude is what determines the gender.
-------------------------------
Is chanting while doing work considered as meaningful chanting ? Since most of the days, I am continuously doing house chores one after the other, I don't get time to sit and do 'Japa'. But if we chant while doing house chores, does it have same effect ?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Yes. It is definitely great. The Gopis did exactly that way.
---------------------------------
What is Liberation? I know that it is getting out of the cycle of birth and death, but what exactly do we achieve after getting liberated?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
In the state of liberation, the individual identity vanishes and the Individuality no more remains. The seer, the one to be seen and the act of seeing, all of these get dissolved. In this state, your very question does not arise.
----------------------------------
While one is in deep devotion, something happens and suddenly you lose control over thoughts and start wondering about the things happening - you feel as if the Bhakti (devotion) is totally lost. Please help. I am having such a problem.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Don't worry. Such things are common in the early stages of devotion. When your devotion gets stronger and stronger, the frequency of such happenings automatically reduces and everything will be alright.
-----------------------------------
I have some doubts or confusion about the Soul - Atma. It is said that Atma is nirguna, nirakar and has no feelings whatsoever. Then, Swamji, why is it said that one should pray for peace for the departed soul, when the soul is not at all affected by anything. By this argument, there cannot any "Unsatisfied Soul - Atrupta Atma" and therefore one can say there cannot be any ghosts. In that case why should we pray for peace for any Atma? Pray enlighten me.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There is no doubt that Atma is 'paripoorna'(Complete). When we are 'alive', there are 5 koshas (coverings) to 'Atma swaroopa'. When we die the 'Annamaya kosha' (gross body) falls. But all vasanas and the burden of Karma are carried with subtle body after death. It goes through experience of heaven / hell depending on the Karma till it is time to get into another gross body (rebirth).
What we mean by 'Atrupta Atma' is actually the subtle body which still has the covering of Manomaya (feelings), Vijnanamaya (intellect/ego) and Anandamaya koshas above atma swaroopa.
Our prayers mitigate the suffering of this subtle body of the departed soul. So praying and chanting for the departed soul does help.
---------------------------------
Swamiji always says Satsang is very important. How does a person attain Satsang? I am not in a position to be a part of any Satsang now. We have to keep away from worldly matters - but I fear that my family circumstances will never let me keep away from worldly association. Swamiji, please tell me how to love Krishna inspite of all the hurdles? Will Krishna's grace carry me through it?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Chanting Krishna Nama ensures that the love for the Lord deepens. When love for the Lord deepens, Satsang will come to you on its own accord. Chant and pray with faith to Krishna and this is the easiest way for Divine grace. Be like a child in the care of Krishna. He knows what to give, when to give and how to give.
------------------------------
Is'nt it this whole universe is the wonderful work of the Lord. Now-a-days we find every place on this earth infected with the negative energy. The question is: Is this because of the effect of Kali Yug or it is created by us? Kindly advise.
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Kali yug is not something which is extraneous to us Humans. 'Kalau Kalmasha Chittanaam..' Kali lives as 'negativity' in the hearts of all. It is clearly said in our Puranas that people living in this age would have more negativity than divine positivity. Thankfully the scriptures also tell us the easy way out - Mahamantra kirtan.
-------------------------------
I have been chanting the Mahamantra for quite a while. But day by day, I am becoming poorer financially and as such losing mental peace. Is there anything wrong going on?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There is nothing going wrong with respect to your chanting. Persist in chanting and efforts to get better financially. Nama can only help you in this journey. Mahamantra knows only to bless.
-------------------------------
Now a days, many Gurus teach exercises and meditation. Many of these have "Thirumanthiram" and "Siddhar Paadalgal" as their basis. Some doctors also prescribe such treatments to improve health. Are these normal to keep a healthy body? Are these part of spirituality?
Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When these practices are for the sake of body, how can it be spirituality?
A few Siddhas opine that only when the body is healthy, one can perform spiritual practices. For a normal life, keeping good health is a must. Hence these practices are not wrong.
-------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment