"Athithi Devo Bhava!" - The Paraodoxical Qualification - By Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji - Part-3A

Radhe Krishna All,

Mother is verily god, Father is verily god, Master is verily god, the Guest is verily God is the clarion call of our Upanishads! ("Maatru devo bhava, Pitru devo bhava, Aachaarya devo bhava, Atithi devo bhava" in Sanskrit language terms)

Those who are in the southern states of India , especially Tamil Nadu, would be very familiar with a proverb: "Mata, Pita, Guru, Deivam" – Mother, Father, Master and God!

It is similar to the Vedic injunction but for the last part where God is directly substituted for guest (atithi). Mother – Father – Master – Guest: so goes the hierarchy. See the
beauty of this order!

The journey starts with the mother. It is the mother who shows the child the father.  And the father, in turn, takes the child to the Master (Guru). Then comes the guest.

But guest? Here? Even after the Guru? Seems a tad out of place…doesn't it?
The logical question then would be, "Can an ordinary man who comes home as a
guest be greater than the spiritual Master who offers spiritual knowledge?" A good question indeed.

This certainly needs deeper thought! Intelligence would demand then, "What do we really mean by guest?" It is now obvious that it cannot refer to any person who knocks at the door for food. Most people who often repeat this proverb do not seem to realize the deeper import of this.

It is sad that in modern times a father does not guide the child to a Guru. Why? An average man fears his child visiting temples or satsang (company of holy men). He desires his son to lead a 'normal' (worldly) life. He wishes his son to limit his prayers to worldly ambitions only.

"Oh, yes, let him be devoted to God. But it should be within limits," says the father.
So what about satsang? It is a big 'NO' without doubt!

Now, let us look into the real significance of - 'Mother is verily god, Father is verily god, Master is verily god, the Guest is verily God', in the light of holy company and Guru krupa (Grace).

This is what typically happens: A young man who has no knowledge of even the term 'Guru' visits a Guru on the invitation of his friend. The Sadguru gives him a warm welcome. Very kindly the Guru enquires of this new visitor, "Have you had your lunch, my son? You have come here in the hot sun!"

These kind motherly words of the Guru touch the heart of the young man. He thinks, "Oh, as a loving mother he is concerned about my health."

On his subsequent visits, too, the Guru speaks to him in such tender motherly fashion. He now starts visiting the Guru more often, drawn by the genuine and yet mysterious motherly affection of the Guru.

He looks upon him verily as a mother – Mother is verily god (Maatru devo bhava)!  

Days pass and one day the Guru enquires of this young man, "My son, what do
you do for your living?"…"Oh, you run a business! Well, what sort of a business? Is it doing well? How much do you earn out of your business? Is it adequate to take care of your needs?"

Hearing these words of the Master the young man feels, "Oh, he is like a father!"
It is the father who is concerned about the son's income. These words touch the young man's heart. He begins to frequent the Master's place.

He now looks upon the Guru verily as a father too –  Father is verily god (Pitru devo bhava)!

Days pass. Drawn by the kindly, affectionate treatment of the Master the young man visits him regularly. One day the Guru points out to the young man, "Oh, my son, time is flying. You have lots of relatives and friends. You possess good health. You are intelligent and capable. You earn quite a lot and are leading a comfortable life. But have you thought of the day which everyone has to face? Everybody who has taken birth in this world has to face that day – that final day. And on that day none of these – relatives and friends, good physique, wealth, intelligence – will help you. You will realize this at that final hour. It will then be too late. Should you not give it a thought now?"

The young man now sees that loving parent as the guiding light also – Master is verily god (Aachaarya devo bhava)!

The young man asks at once, "Oh, Gurudev! What should I do? Please show me the way. What is the qualification required to tread on the path that you will show me?"

(The young man thinks, "Oh God! So this is what I have been missing all my life—the way to peace, happiness and abundance...")

The kind Master says, "My son, I will show you the way. To walk on this path one needs only one qualification."

(The Master smiles, happy that this youth is going to be led to a glorious, joyous path of love and fulfillment)

The young man asks anxiously, "What is that qualification, Gurudev?"
(The young man suddenly finds a prayer running in him, "Please, please somehow let me be qualified for this grand path, whatever that qualification may be!")

The Guru says, "Nothing! Nothing at all! Having no qualification whatsoever is the only qualification!"

The Guru smiles at the young man who is dumbfounded!

Wondering if he had heard the Guru right, the young man exclaims, "Gurudev!"
(While he thinks, "Thank God… this qualification I possess in abundance! What a relief!)

The Guru, "Yes, son, incapability is the only qualification required to tread on this path!

The humble realization that you are incapable (of treading any spiritual path) IS THE ONLY QUALIFICATION REQUIRED. If you feel that you are capable of practicing some other path you fail to qualify for this path that I shall show you."

The Master was softly chanting trunadapi suneechena, tarorapi sahishnuna… (humble like the grass, forbearing like the tree)

The young man says humbly, "Gurudev! Please show me the path that you speak of."
(He thinks, "A few months back, I would have fooled myself into thinking that I am qualified for ALL paths! But that delusion is now gone. Is this what is known as 'the grace' of this loving Master? Jai Gurunath Maharaj!")

The Guru,
"HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE,
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE!"

This is the way, my son! Chant this Divine Mahamantra that has been advocated by our Scriptures. It is the easiest way to attaining the Supreme Lord. Just chant this always. You can chant this anywhere and at any time." …and then, Bhagavan Sri Krishna smiled broadly at the young man…

!!! Will continue !!!

"Sadguru!" - By Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji - Part-2

Radhe Krishna All,

"Joy and sorrow in this world are only the fruits of past choices and acts (prarabda)"

Is this now universally accepted tenet enshrined in our Sanatana Dharma. This implies that a present comfortable life is only the result of past punya (merits).

Who or what decides if a particular act is a punya (merit) or a papa (sin)?

The shastras! Only the shastras (scriptures) should be taken as the basis to determine what a merit is and what a sin is.

A question arises now. Why can't I decide this for myself independently? Can I not tell what is right and what is wrong?

Well, the truth is that we cannot be totally free and unbiased in our judgments because our mind is influenced by our own likes and dislikes (raga-dwesha). Our mind cannot, therefore, be held as the basis for judging what punya is? And what Papa is?

Moreover, dharma (righteousness and ethical values), being very subtle and not always obvious, can be known only through shastras.

Don't we say that one is blessed with good parents due to his punya?

Likewise, it is only as a result of one's punya that a person is blessed with good education, job, spouse and children. In the same breath, it is only due to one's paapa that a person is placed in unfavorable situations with regard to his parents, spouse, children or education.

If punya is the basis for a person to attain even worldly comforts, what then to speak of attainment of a Sadguru who is the atma bandhu (soul mate)?

How many meritorious deeds must one have done to attain a Sadguru? One must have, therefore, performed meritorious deeds over crores of births to attain a genuine Mahatma as his Guru.

Today, there are many who call themselves a 'Guru'. These self proclaimed 'Gurus', some of who even label themselves as Avatars (incarnations of God), spread false faiths that have no support in the shastras. They exhibit no discipline, astound the public with occult powers or tricky illusions, wax eloquent on incomprehensible philosophies to create awe in the minds of people and thus take their poor followers for a ride. This is probably the dosha (defect) of Kali Yuga.

One finds that even such imitators having a large following. What is the reason for this? The world consists of more number of sinners than the virtuous. It is only due to the effect of their sins do people go behind such imitators. Just as merit is the cause for attaining a Sadguru, it is verily past sin that is the cause for one to get caught in the nets of such deceitful gurus.

So then who are Mahatmas? How can we identify them? Mahatmas always perform Nama Sankirtan (a sign of true devotion), follow the Sanatana Maarga (path), are very humble, are friendly with all and most important of all, their lives are an open book for everyone to see. They have nothing to hide from people. They are full of compassion, ever pouring forth their Grace. They are verily prema swaroopa (complete form of Divine Love).

All this is possible for them only because they are jivan muktas (those who have attained Self Realization even while living in this world).Hence we attain a Sadguru only due to the effect of punyas earned over crores of births, indeed!

!!! Will Continue !!!
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"Just Listen!" - By Sri Sri Muralidhar​a Swamiji - Part-1

Radhe Krishna All,

Sri Swamiji's messages on spirituality are always practical, clear and simple, easy enough for anyone to read, follow and practice. The blossoms that shall flower every week, shall carry the sweet scent of Sri Swamiji's message, for all of us to enjoy, relish and assimilate.

Many people wish to lead a balanced spiritual life by nurturing divine thoughts. The intent is excellent. But, practically speaking,how easy is it to actually focus the mind on spiritual matters? Honestly… not that easy, right?

Consider this: Our minds have been accustomed to dwelling on worldly matters for millions and millions of janmas (births). How then—all of a sudden in this birth—can we easily focus the mind towards spirituality? It certainly isn't a simple task!

When we make the mistake of taking a step in the wrong direction, away from dharma and spirituality, we are most often aware of it. In fact, we are almost always aware of any mistake that we commit in life. Yet we are unable to avoid it because it has become habitual. It's like watching ourselves fall, yet be unable to pull ourselves back up.

Yes, habits are indeed that powerful! How do we break free from such a dead weight of 'dead' habits? Is there a way? Is there light in the end of the seemingly endless dark tunnel?

Just listen!

When we read about the beauty of the snow-capped Himalayas in a travel magazine we feel like visiting the Himalayas. When we see the picture of a gorgeous dress in a shopping catalog, we crave that dress.

When we read about the thrill of riding the steepest roller coaster in the world, it fires the adventurous spirit in us. But what if we hear the vivid descriptions, not from a book, but from a friend who actually climbed the Himalayan heights, who is actually wearing that beautiful dress, or has actually experienced that spine-chilling roller-coaster ride? Now the desire is deeper, much deeper, right? So the answer is clear.

Just listen!

Constantly listening to spiritual matters and about the lives of Mahatmas (Saints) is the simplest way to break free.

But is it enough to listen just once?

We forget about the Himalayas once we get back to the mundane reality of our lives. But in the case of spirituality, that is the true reality that we cannot afford to forget. It is not enough to read or hear about spirituality just once because the mind will indulge in sattvic (good) thoughts for a while and run back to worldly affairs at the slightest chance. So what should we do?

Just listen repeatedly!

We need to constantly listen to spiritual matters till the mind dwells on nothing but pure harmonious (saatvic) thoughts. Shravanam (listening) is one of the nine forms of Devotion (Bhakti). We even have a shining example in King Parikshit who attained Liberation (Moksha) by doing only listening (shravanam).

We know, in our hearts, that listening to one who speaks superfluous worldly gossip is wrong. But in the same vein, failing to listen to one who speaks healthy spiritual matters is worse.

God has bestowed on us the power of hearing and speech, just so that we will constantly hear and speak about Him and attain Him.

What an easy path this is, to inner transformation and spiritual awakening!

                                                               !!! Will Continue !!!

Some SpiritualQuestions/Answers - Part 17

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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What does our destiny depend on?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Our destiny depends on our own deeds.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Some SpiritualQuestions/Answers - Part 16

What must I do to get rid of problems in life?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Simple. Chant the Mahamantra with faith. I assure you that you will certainly get rid of all the problems.
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What is the difference between a mother and a Guru?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Although mother's love is supreme, it is only human. Guru's love is divine.
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Many different people believe in different religions. When they die, would their soul will gain eternity from Vishnu or from the gods of their respective religions?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
God is infinite. So there are infinite ways to reach him. There is only one God. The vast deep blue Sky is one, just because you see from America, you call America's sky. Chennai's sky and America's sky are but the same one sky.

Is it not? Likewise, that one God, if a person dies chanting God's Name, shall be given eternity by that one God, irrespective of his/her religion or age or region or creed.
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How long will it take for our planet to be devoid of terrorism? When can we win the war against terrorism?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Mahatmas have foretold that a golden phase of human development and growth rooted in Universal Brotherhood is coming soon.
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I chant the Mahamantra always. I like to serve my Guru. I do serve Him mentally as I cannot go out any where. Will my service reach Him?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The service you do of chanting Nama all the time will certainly reach the Guru. In fact, the divine presence of the Guru would be easily experienced when Mahamantra is continuously chanted in a place. So if you keep chanting Mahamantra, actually the Guru reaches you!
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Is Parikaram (atonement) a solution for sins?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
'Parikaram' if done properly is a temporary fix for the specific sin committed. Chanting the Divine Name with true soulful prayers is the permanent solution to 'sinning'.
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I have never been happy all my life. I need peace of my mind. I need to be happy. I need a smile from my heart. Please help me.

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Happiness comes when the mind catches hold of the Divine Name without a break. That happiness is actually right within us. Have a smiling photo of Sri Krishna in your room. Whenever you are sad, chant the Mahamantra before your Krishna and pray for his grace. See everyone as children of Krishna. You will only be happy.
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When you do Karma Yoga, that is do your duty sincerely, without anticipating and thinking about the result, and offer all the fruits of the work to the Lord, we attain 'Moksha'(Liberation) Then why it is necessary to practice Jnana and Bhakti Yoga?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Bhagavan Ramana says, Karma yoga purifies you and prepares you for Moksha either by the path of Enquiry (Jnana Marga) or the path of total surrender to the Lord (Bhakti Marga). Depending on your disposition you shall naturally gravitate to one of these paths for Moksha. Only grace can complete this process. So whichever path we go, we need to earn the grace of the Lord. Chanting Mahamantra easily secures the grace of the Lord.
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Why does God need to be praised with Nama Kirtan being done non-stop? It is similar to politicians' request during election, is it not? Why do people have to contribute in Hundis (An Iron Box placed to offer Money) or to the priest when it is God's responsibility to protect the man serving Him?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
God is 'Stuti Priyan'. If you chant the Names of God, He bestows benediction to you. Some chant the Names in gratitude to the Lord, for they look at themselves and feel grateful for what is endowed to them by Him. These people are higher class of devotees. God’s responsibility to humans are like a father’s responsibilities to ensure child grows properly. No father would like to spoon-feed the child all his life, and in doing so would spoil the chances of his child standing in his own legs.
God has many ways of protecting his devotees, he also gives you and me a chance to participate in his endeavor! Why should god preclude humans in doing his job?
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I am soon going to go to a foreign country. I want my mind to be filled with thoughts of Krishna. I love Him a lot, and I wish that someday He would consider me one of His crores of devotees, and look at me with affection, and take me to His service in Goloka. How do I ensure my concentration on Him in spite of all the other things and work that I am about to undertake?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Catch hold of the Divine Name and do your duties in this world. It is like applying oil in your hands while cutting jack fruit. With the Divine Name on your lips, your mind will never be stained by worldliness. People who chant Mahamantra are already at the door of Lord Sri Krishna’s affection.
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What is the way to attain God or see Him?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
God is right within us. He is always available within us and waiting patiently for us to turn towards Him within. Easiest way is to surrender to him and chant His Names constantly with an earnest prayer to have His 'vision'.
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I easily trust others and they cheat me. What do I do?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Life teaches you the lesson of living moment by moment, with an open mind learn it and improve yourself constantly. Do it with no malice or hatred towards those 'cheats' – as you term them. World will be like that only. Only we have to be careful and wise.
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The recent attacks to human life have made me feel why God closes His eyes when such calamities occur, that take lives of the innocent. Doesn't it make us all question whether God really existing, if it is so, how come God is not stopping all these miscreants by punishing them then and then, why innocents are punished? Swamiji, please tell us what is the real reason for this.

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The sufferings, as per our scriptures, are three-fold – Due to mind / body, due to other embodied beings, due to natural calamities. The creation by design has duality. Good and evil, pain and pleasure. When people depart from Dharma significantly that imbalance manifests in greater degree as this three fold agony. God gives you an option, either to play in this created duality or find repose in his lotus feet. If dualities affect you terribly and you do not wish to fight or endure, then surrender to his feet and pray for peace, he shall deliver you from this pain.
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You have, in your speech said that we cannot see God and can only feel His presence. But it is taught earlier that Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda have seen God directly and got His blessings. I beg for your clarification.

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
We see because God is in us. So how to see him who is 'behind' the vision! Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa 'saw' God not with eyes. They experienced Him and to make us understand it can be expressed only as 'seeing'. Like you say, I saw in my dream. Did you see through your eyes? It was in level of mind – which is a level deeper than physically seeing, right? Likewise, God Realization is in a level deeper than mind.
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Some SpiritualQuestions/Answers - Part 15

What is the difference Mahamantra and Rama Nama?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Rama Nama is in Mahamantra
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Which one is better - Mahamantra Japa or Mahamantra Kirtan?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Mahamantra Kirtan is Mahamantra Japa.
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What does 'forgiveness' really mean? I am not able to forget the past.

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Forgiveness is actually letting go of other people's trash which we had held close to our heart!
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Even while trying to chant the 'Mahamantra', my mind wanders, and thinks about how others have wronged me. With such a corrupted mind, how can I let go of the past?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
When mind wanders while chanting Mahamantra, understand that it is very natural for a mind to wander as it carries the burden of past tendencies. Allow the mind to wander and when it returns continue chanting. What you resist persists. Do not judge other thoughts as terrible or normal. Instead of fighting the mind, allow it in its way and continue chanting. Soon by the strength of Nama and prayers, mind gets the maturity to let go of unnecessary past.
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You have told that "Where there is faith there is no fate" as well as "There is no free will at all". Are they both not contradicting? If there is no free will, is one attaining liberation
also pre-determined?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The only will we have is the freeing will of choosing to chant whenever we find mind wandering. So there is no free will, but only a freeing will of chanting the Mahamantra with faith in its power.
So liberation cannot be attained by any amount of will power, but purely by the grace of a Guru or God. So chant and the debate of free will versus destiny will get resolved by itself.
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I chant the Mahamantra daily, but even then, there is no purity in my mind and thought. I can very well realize that the Almighty knows about my thoughts and impurities in my mind. How do I overcome these impurities?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
First of all, expecting results immediately is wrong. Doing so will make you give up your practice very soon. You have to understand that the change will come only slowly.
A person is extremely devoted. At the same time, he has some nasty habits. Can it be said that his Bhakti itself is fraudulent? No. His Bhakti is true; and so are his bad qualities. When cattle devours a newly planted mango sapling, it struggles to live and grow more leaves. But surpassing these struggles, when the plant grows into a tree, then the cattle is no more a threat to the tree.
Likewise, when your devotion is in its initial stages, the ills of the world affect you to a great extent. When you continues to chant, with patience and perseverance, your bhakti becomes strong enough and the ills of the world don't affect you any more.
This will take time. But you can rest assured that your efforts will never go in vain.
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What should be the goal of human life?
1. Should it be to realize God and attain Moksha (Liberation)?
2. Should it be a social service activity like - building an orphanage, hospital etc.?
3. Should it be a challenging act like - becoming a big business person, Scientist, Chief minister etc.?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Liberation (Moksha) is the primary purpose of life. If the rest of them aid in attaining this purpose, they can be performed.
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Is asking for Liberation selfish as it is going to help him but nobody else?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Once a need is acutely felt, praying for the same humbly at lotus feet of the Lord is the practical way to peace and happiness. Moksha is also included in this. Whether we do 'selfless' or selfish act, all we really chase for is happiness and peace.
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We see many reports of forced conversions. What will be the state of our Sanatana Dharma in India in the near future? What is the duty of every Hindu to protect our Dharma?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
The Vedas say 'Dharmam Chara' – we should 'live' Dharma. Not just talk about
it. If we practice Dharma in its letter and spirit and have unshakeable conviction in
Dharma, conviction begets conviction and we can 'protect' dharma by following it. 
Everyone can talk and propagate their conviction, we are doing ours. We propagate and live the Bhagavata Dharma which is the most practical Dharma for today's age - comprising of singing and listening to Lord's Names and glories.
To put it simply, Hindus should take to Bhagavata Dharma (perform Nama Kirtan) and make others do the same, instead of talking about something that will not suit this time at all.
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If a person cannot be physically near her Guru, how can she serve Him? Will the service she performs reach Him?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Following the words of the Guru is the greatest service we can do to him. If you chant the Mahamantra, the Guru would certainly be pleased with this 'service'.
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My friend says we should not keep 'Vishnu Puranam' book at home and should not read it. Please advice.

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
How can a 'Purana' which describes the 'Leelas' of Vishnu- the benign and loving protector do any harm to anyone?
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When a child dies suddenly, then what happens to the soul? If the parents pray for the soul, does it help the soul of the child? Is it the bad karma of parents that takes away the life of a child?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
Soul has taken a 'shirt' of body. After it sheds one shirt, it takes on another. Prayers are powerful. So, yes! When parents pray for the departed soul, it does help the soul. Each soul works out only its karma.
Bad karma of parents alone does not take the life away from the child. Everyone's journey is clearly charted out by the divine plan using the mechanism of karma.
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How many births do we have and which birth is the human being?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:
There is no count to the number of births. Till we surrender to a guru and get liberated, we would have to be born again and again. Human birth is an important milestone in this cycle as we get a real good chance to break out of the cycle only in this birth. So let us understand the significance of this opportunity, chant Mahamantra and pray to Krishna to accept us in His fold forever.
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Reducing Karma and others

Radhe Krishna All,

It is most certain that fire burns wood to ashes. But if the log of wood is huge, it calls for more fire in the beginning, and that very fire expands and grows itself to burn the log completely.

Likewise, Mahamantra is capable of destroying one's Karma whatever they may be. To start with, one has to chant more and more without faltering. That will verily take care of the rest.

Radhe Krishna All,

"Water boils only at 100 degrees centigrade to produce steam for power generation. At any lesser temperature, one does not get the required steam energy for power. Likewise, when we undertake a mission we have to have the patience and persistence to see it through the very end. Only then, can we enjoy the complete fruits of our effort"

Radhe Krishna All,

When cattle try to devour a newly planted mango sapling, it struggles to live and grow more leaves. But surpassing these struggles, when the plant grows into a tree, then the cattle is no more a threat to the tree.
Likewise, when one's devotion is in its initial stages, the ills of the world affect him to a great extent. When he continues to chant, with patience and perseverance, his devotion (bhakti) becomes strong enough and the ills of the world don't affect him anymore.

Radhe Krishna All,

A dog wags its tail because it depends on man for its food whereas a lion walks around majestically as it hunts down its own food.
When you are dependent on others, you have to live like a dog.
When you depend on the Divine Names of the Lord, your life is king-size, like that of a lion.

Radhe Krishna All,

A day will come when the body will become sick. The mind will want to get rid of the body. However, the mind with a little discrimination will recognize that it is not fully prepared spiritually, for death. This would be a frightening state.
In order to face this, one should start the sadhana (Spiritual journey) immediately.

-----------------------------------------Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji