Question and Answer-28: "What is discrimination?"

What is discrimination?

Discrimination is the reasoning by which one knows that God alone is real and all else is unreal. Real means eternal, and unreal means impermanent. He who has acquired discrimination knows that God is the only Substance and all else is non-existent. (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna).

Q&A-27: "

M: “Is it necessary to practise discipline all through life?”

MASTER: “No. But one must be up and doing in the beginning. After that one need not work hard. The helmsman stands up and clutches the rudder firmly as long as the boat is passing through waves, storms, high wind, or around the curves of a river; but he relaxes after steering through them. As soon as the boat passes the curves and the helmsman feels a favourable wind, he sits comfortably and just touches the rudder. Next he prepares to unfurl the sail and gets ready for a smoke. Likewise, the aspirant enjoys peace and calm after passing the waves and storms of ‘woman and gold’.

From the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna by Mahendra Nath Gupta (“Advice to Householders”)

Q&A-3: "Does Caste Continbue to Haunt Urban India?"

Yes. Caste divides continue to haunt not only rural but urban India as well. Caste clashes have become commonplace in our country. Loss of lives and property in these clashes are considerable. Women and children are the worst sufferers. Admissions to our educational institutions right from schools to universities are made on caste basis and reservation quotas. The same can be said about employment too. So much so that there are caste-based associations and wings in educational institutions and public offices throughout the country. Parties in the name of castes do much damage to national harmony and peace – T.V.Ramamurthy, Guindy.

Courtesy: The Times of Adyar, November 23, 2008 (“Speak Out Loud”)

Grateful thanks to Mr.Ramamurthy and The Times of Adyar.

Q&A-26: How to purify the mind?

Avoid evil thoughts, evil feelings, evil actions, as much as you can. Entertain good thoughts, good feelings and perform good actions. That is the first step. Bear in mind that we are souls, the Atman. This Atman has put on a human personality with a view to playing a part in the cosmic drama of life. Whatever be the part assigned to us, that part has to be played well. That means, we have to perform the duties of life and work in a spirit of detachment, as a form of service to God. But mere moral practice and fulfilment of duties are not enough to purify the mind. We have to meditate on Him, pray to Him, who is the infinite source of Purity, Knowledge, Devotion, Compassion, Love and Bliss. – Swami Yatiswarananda

Q&A-25: "Why does man suffer when God has created man in His own image?"

The question is put in Biblical terms. According to the Bible, the original man Adam, was no doubt created in the Divine image, and he had then no suffering. But he disobeyed the Divine commandment and thereby incurred sin. But this did not end with him, sin was inherited by man, his progeny. All the trials and tribulations of mankind are attributed to this original sin of his ancestor which has been inherited by man. This is understandable and acceptable to people who have been brought up in certain traditions and who accept them unquestioningly. To others it seem very queer.

The Hindu mind has thought of it in more philosophic terms. Unlike the Christian, the Hindu will make a hard and fast distinction between the spirit (Atman) and the body-mind. The Atman, the essence in man, is never created, it is held by some to be an aspect of His being, or by other thinkers as a spiritual centre distinct from Him but still inseparably related with Him. Samsara or involvement of the Atman as Jiva, i.e. in association with body-mind is without a beginning. The association is brought about and determined by Karma or the effects and tendencies brought about by action. But how this association originally came? No thinker or scripture answers because it is unanswerable. They only point out that, as this association is without a beginning in the cyclic process of Samsara, it would be more profitable to bring abut its end than search for its beginning. The Atman is blissful, but Karma, which has brought it into indistinguishable association with body-mind, is the cause of all its sufferings. But even these joys and sufferings have a great meaning. Through the experiences of repeated lives, more and more refined body-minds are evolved, with which the Jiva is ultimately enabled to attain freedom and be established in his blissful nature. So according to this theory we will attain bliss if we find our identity in the Atman, but a mixed condition of sufferings and happiness will be our lot so long as we are identified with the body-mind.

Courtesy: “Spiritual Quest: Questions & Answers” by Swami Tapasyananda, Published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai-600004.

Q&A-25: "Why does man suffer when God has created man in His own image?"

The question is put in Biblical terms. According to the Bible, the original man Adam, was no doubt created in the Divine image, and he had then no suffering. But he disobeyed the Divine commandment and thereby incurred sin. But this did not end with him, sin was inherited by man, his progeny. All the trials and tribulations of mankind are attributed to this original sin of his ancestor which has been inherited by man. This is understandable and acceptable to people who have been brought up in certain traditions and who accept them unquestioningly. To others it seem very queer.

The Hindu mind has thought of it in more philosophic terms. Unlike the Christian, the Hindu will make a hard and fast distinction between the spirit (Atman) and the body-mind. The Atman, the essence in man, is never created, it is held by some to be an aspect of His being, or by other thinkers as a spiritual centre distinct from Him but still inseparably related with Him. Samsara or involvement of the Atman as Jiva, i.e. in association with body-mind is without a beginning. The association is brought about and determined by Karma or the effects and tendencies brought about by action. But how this association originally came? No thinker or scripture answers because it is unanswerable. They only point out that, as this association is without a beginning in the cyclic process of Samsara, it would be more profitable to bring abut its end than search for its beginning. The Atman is blissful, but Karma, which has brought it into indistinguishable association with body-mind, is the cause of all its sufferings. But even these joys and sufferings have a great meaning. Through the experiences of repeated lives, more and more refined body-minds are evolved, with which the Jiva is ultimately enabled to attain freedom and be established in his blissful nature. So according to this theory we will attain bliss if we find our identity in the Atman, but a mixed condition of sufferings and happiness will be our lot so long as we are identified with the body-mind.

Courtesy: “Spiritual Quest: Questions & Answers” by Swami Tapasyananda, Published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai-600004.

Q&A-24: "How to see God?"

God can make Himself visible and appear in any form at any time. Since God is not limited to any one manifestation, it is all right to visualize Him in whatever form is dearest to your heart. He will appear to you in a form representative of one of His divine attributes…or as any avatar, saint, or great soul that you love. The first step in drawing that divine response is to visualize, with eyes closed in meditation, the image of the…saint. If your meditation is deep and your effort is persistent, you will draw God to you – Yogoda Magazine.

Courtesy: SELF-REALIZATION from YOGODA SATSANGA SOCIETY OF INDIA , KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL.

Grateful thanks to Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.

Q&A : Why should you read biographies?

When you read the biographies of great people, you learn how they developed their personalities, and the formative influences that went into the shaping of their greatness. (Srimat Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj)

Q&A-22: "How to get peace of mind?"

Our sages and scriptures suggest simple methods, which if followed in our daily life, will bless us with peace of mind. A few of them are as follows:

1. Always think that we are only instruments in the hands of the Lord and accept whatever comes as the result of our actions as His ‘Prasadam‘, which will do only good for us.

2. Try to reduce ‘I’ in our speech and actions because the general rule is that the lesser the ‘I’, the more the peace of mind we will enjoy.

3. Reduce our talk, wants and desires as much as possible.

4. Practise meditation daily for some time in the morning and night.

5. Try to be optimistic always and develop positive thinking so that we will be able to see the ‘best’ in the ‘worst’.

6. Doing our best and leave the rest to God’s will.

It is very easy to say these things but difficult to do. So let us always pray to God: “O Lord! I am your child. I want to be good and do good. Kindly bless me with a pure heart so that I will always live in you.”

This is the sure way for peace of mind. Let this be our prayer for this whole year.

– Swami Swaroopananda

Courtesy: ‘Imaya Geetam‘, Tamil monthly, January 2008. Published by Sivananda Charitable Trust, Sivananda Satsang Bhavan, 70, Pechiamman Padithurai, Madurai-625001, Tamilnadu, India

Q&A-22: "How to get peace of mind?"

Our sages and scriptures suggest simple methods, which if followed in our daily life, will bless us with peace of mind. A few of them are as follows:

1. Always think that we are only instruments in the hands of the Lord and accept whatever comes as the result of our actions as His ‘Prasadam‘, which will do only good for us.

2. Try to reduce ‘I’ in our speech and actions because the general rule is that the lesser the ‘I’, the more the peace of mind we will enjoy.

3. Reduce our talk, wants and desires as much as possible.

4. Practise meditation daily for some time in the morning and night.

5. Try to be optimistic always and develop positive thinking so that we will be able to see the ‘best’ in the ‘worst’.

6. Doing our best and leave the rest to God’s will.

It is very easy to say these things but difficult to do. So let us always pray to God: “O Lord! I am your child. I want to be good and do good. Kindly bless me with a pure heart so that I will always live in you.”

This is the sure way for peace of mind. Let this be our prayer for this whole year.

– Swami Swaroopananda

Courtesy: ‘Imaya Geetam‘, Tamil monthly, January 2008. Published by Sivananda Charitable Trust, Sivananda Satsang Bhavan, 70, Pechiamman Padithurai, Madurai-625001, Tamilnadu, India

Q&A-21: ‘Is a Spiritual Guru necessary?’

An engineer disciple asked the Master (Swami Sivananda, Founder of Divine Life Society), “Is a spiritual Guru necessary?”

“Is a teacher necessary for your secular branches of learning? – the Master questioned back. How did you learn reading, writing and engineering? Did you not need a teacher, instructor or helper? If you needed them, then how much more you would need a spiritual teacher on the path of Yoga, which is described as the razor’s edge?

‘How can I believe the truth of the sayings of the saints and the Guru?’, put in the engineer.

“Experiment personally,” advised the Master. “Take the trouble of going through the disciplines and then draw your conclusions. An armchair philosophy will not help anyone.”

Courtesy: Imaya Geetam, Tamil monthly, January 2008
(Published by Mr.T.K.Seshan for Sivananda Charitable Trust, Sivananda Satsang Bhavan, 70, Pechiamman Padithurai, Madurai-625001

Q&A-21: ‘Is a Spiritual Guru necessary?’

An engineer disciple asked the Master (Swami Sivananda, Founder of Divine Life Society), “Is a spiritual Guru necessary?”

“Is a teacher necessary for your secular branches of learning? – the Master questioned back. How did you learn reading, writing and engineering? Did you not need a teacher, instructor or helper? If you needed them, then how much more you would need a spiritual teacher on the path of Yoga, which is described as the razor’s edge?

‘How can I believe the truth of the sayings of the saints and the Guru?’, put in the engineer.

“Experiment personally,” advised the Master. “Take the trouble of going through the disciplines and then draw your conclusions. An armchair philosophy will not help anyone.”

Courtesy: Imaya Geetam, Tamil monthly, January 2008
(Published by Mr.T.K.Seshan for Sivananda Charitable Trust, Sivananda Satsang Bhavan, 70, Pechiamman Padithurai, Madurai-625001

Q&A-20: "What is the significance of the Gita?"

It is what you find by repeating the word, Gita, ten times. It is then reversed into ‘tagi’, which means a person who has renounced evrything for God. And the lesson of the Gita is: ‘O man, renounce everything and seek God alone.’ Whether a man is a monk or a householder, he has to shake off all attachment from his MIND. – Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa

Q&A-19 : Where do you seek for God?

Seek God in the human being; there He is more manifested than in other beings; but He is manifested still more in a devotee. The devotee’s heart is the Lord’s drawing room, where you can have interview with Him. (Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa)

The Svetasvatara Upanisad proclaims this vision of the Divine in every human being in a great verse (4.3).

‘You are the woman, You are the man, You are the boy, You are the girl too; You are the old man tottering with a stick (in hand); You are born with faces everywhere.’

(‘Practical Vedanta and The Science of Values’ by Swami Ranganathananda; Published by Advaita Ashrama, (Publication Department), 5, Dehi Entally Road, Kolkata-700014).

Q&A-19 : Where do you seek for God?

Seek God in the human being; there He is more manifested than in other beings; but He is manifested still more in a devotee. The devotee’s heart is the Lord’s drawing room, where you can have interview with Him. (Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa)

The Svetasvatara Upanisad proclaims this vision of the Divine in every human being in a great verse (4.3).

‘You are the woman, You are the man, You are the boy, You are the girl too; You are the old man tottering with a stick (in hand); You are born with faces everywhere.’

(‘Practical Vedanta and The Science of Values’ by Swami Ranganathananda; Published by Advaita Ashrama, (Publication Department), 5, Dehi Entally Road, Kolkata-700014).

Q&A-2: How are we to live in a world full of violence, greed, envy and brutality? Will we not be destroyed?

“By eliminating these negative elements from our personal life, we can create a solid, living fortress, around ourselves. Impurities shy away from Purity. Even if an individual is destroyed by a combination of evil forces, in the very act of dying he releases energies that will eventually overcome the power of evil for the benefit of mankind.

– M.P.Pandit, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry

Courtesy: “M.P.Pandit: A Peep into his past” by P.Raja
Published by DIPTI Publications, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry-605002

Q&A-1: How can we get rid of the present world-wide violence?

“By creating centres of peace, pockets of peace, wherever we can. First we start with ourselves and then associate with others who are on the same wave-length. This is a sure way of combating the forces of violence on the subtle levels.”

– M.P.Pandit, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry

Courtesy: “M.P.Pandit: A Peep into his past” by P.Raja
Published by DIPTI Publications, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry-605002

Q&A-18: "What is Brahmacharya? Is it possible to practice it to perfection?"

The full and proper meaning of Brahmacharya is search of Brahman. Brahman pervades every being and can therefore be searched by diving into and realizing the inner self. This realization is impossible without complete control of the senses. Brahmacharya thus means control in thought, word and action of all the senses at all times and in all places.

A ,man or woman completely practicing Brahmacharya is absolutely free from passion. Such a one therefore lives nigh unto God, is Godlike.

I have no doubt that it is possible to practice such Brahmacharya in thought, word and action to the fullest extent.

Gandhiji in Young India, June 6, 1924
Courtesy: ‘Truth is God’ – Gleanings from the Writings of Gandhiji
Published by Navajivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-380014, Gujarat

Q&A-18: "What is Brahmacharya? Is it possible to practice it to perfection?"

The full and proper meaning of Brahmacharya is search of Brahman. Brahman pervades every being and can therefore be searched by diving into and realizing the inner self. This realization is impossible without complete control of the senses. Brahmacharya thus means control in thought, word and action of all the senses at all times and in all places.

A ,man or woman completely practicing Brahmacharya is absolutely free from passion. Such a one therefore lives nigh unto God, is Godlike.

I have no doubt that it is possible to practice such Brahmacharya in thought, word and action to the fullest extent.

Gandhiji in Young India, June 6, 1924
Courtesy: ‘Truth is God’ – Gleanings from the Writings of Gandhiji
Published by Navajivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad-380014, Gujarat

Q&A-17: It means we must first think of God? But constant remembrance of God is difficult.

Unless you first get united to God through constant remembrance, you would not be able to unite others with Him.

With the help of the name of God, this becomes easy. Constantly go on chanting the name of God or one of the many devotional songs. Then a part of your mind will remain engaged in God. Pictures of gods and goddesses, of saints and prophets remind us of God and help in producing a spiritual mood

– Swami Brahmeshananda, “Spiritualizing Everyday Actions”, Vedanta Kesari, November 2005.

Grateful thanks to Vedanta Kesari.

Q&A-17: It means we must first think of God? But constant remembrance of God is difficult.

Unless you first get united to God through constant remembrance, you would not be able to unite others with Him.

With the help of the name of God, this becomes easy. Constantly go on chanting the name of God or one of the many devotional songs. Then a part of your mind will remain engaged in God. Pictures of gods and goddesses, of saints and prophets remind us of God and help in producing a spiritual mood

– Swami Brahmeshananda, “Spiritualizing Everyday Actions”, Vedanta Kesari, November 2005.

Grateful thanks to Vedanta Kesari.

Q&A-16: Can my relations with my family also be spiritualized?

Yes, Love your friends and relatives through God.

Here is an example. On the surface of the ocean there are waves and bubbles. The bubbles come together and get attached to each and love each other. Sometimes, one or two burst also. Now, we are our friends are like bubbles. We come together and love each other. God is like the ocean and forms the substratum and basis of our existence. So, first we must get in touch with God – the ocean, and through Him, relate ourselves to others since we are all His parts.

– Swami Brahmeshananda, “Spiritualizing Everyday Actions”,

Vedanta Kesari, November 2005.

Grateful thanks to Vedanta Kesari.

Q&A-16: Can my relations with my family also be spiritualized?

Yes, Love your friends and relatives through God.

Here is an example. On the surface of the ocean there are waves and bubbles. The bubbles come together and get attached to each and love each other. Sometimes, one or two burst also. Now, we are our friends are like bubbles. We come together and love each other. God is like the ocean and forms the substratum and basis of our existence. So, first we must get in touch with God – the ocean, and through Him, relate ourselves to others since we are all His parts.

– Swami Brahmeshananda, “Spiritualizing Everyday Actions”,

Vedanta Kesari, November 2005.

Grateful thanks to Vedanta Kesari.

Q&A-15: What about our day-to-day activities?

Consider all actions as worship of God. In some form or the other, all activities must be associated or connected with God. When you cook food, cook for God. Eat it after offering it to God as prasad etc.

– Swami Brahmeshananda, “Spiritualizing Everyday Actions”, Vedanta Kesari, Novbember 2005.

Grateful thanks to Vedanta Kesari.

Q&A-15: What about our day-to-day activities?

Consider all actions as worship of God. In some form or the other, all activities must be associated or connected with God. When you cook food, cook for God. Eat it after offering it to God as prasad etc.

– Swami Brahmeshananda, “Spiritualizing Everyday Actions”, Vedanta Kesari, Novbember 2005.

Grateful thanks to Vedanta Kesari.

Q&A-14: All spiritual people suggest us to connect our daily actions to spiritual life. How to do it?

This can be done by various means: First, by setting a spiritual goal in life. Instead of worldly, mundane goal, decide to attain God-realisation.

Together with this, consider yourself a spiritual aspirant. At present, you consider yourself a student or a doctor, or a teacher. With this, also strongly feel that you are a spiritual aspirant. If you can consider yourself as a servant or a son or daughter of God, it is still better. Spiritual life becomes easy and natural if the goal of life and our concept of ourselves are changed and are given a spiritual dimension

– Swami Brahmeshananda, “Spiritualizing Everyday Actions”, Vedanta Kesari, Novbember 2005

Q&A-13: How do you differentiate between Spirituality and Materialism?

Materialism means accepting the supremacy of matter and setting material goals as earning money, name and fame, worldly prosperity etc. as goals of life and striving for them. Spirituality means accepting the supremacy of spirit, or God as the ultimate reality, and striving to achieve it

– Swami Brahmeshananda, “Spiritualizing Everyday Actions”, Vedanta Kesari, Novbember 2005.

Grateful thanks to Vedanta Kesari.

Q&A-13: How do you differentiate between Spirituality and Materialism?

Materialism means accepting the supremacy of matter and setting material goals as earning money, name and fame, worldly prosperity etc. as goals of life and striving for them. Spirituality means accepting the supremacy of spirit, or God as the ultimate reality, and striving to achieve it

– Swami Brahmeshananda, “Spiritualizing Everyday Actions”, Vedanta Kesari, Novbember 2005.

Grateful thanks to Vedanta Kesari.

Q & A-12: Why did God create the World?

“Why did God create the world?” the Master (Swami Sivananda) asked Gurusaranananda. The latter could not reply and kept silent.

Then the Master continued, “Many people put me this question. It is a transcendental question. ‘Why’ applies only to things of the world and not to things transcendental. Realise this Self. Then you will get an answer to the question.”

Courtesy: “Imaya Geetham“, Tamil monthly, Dec.2007.

Grateful thanks to Imaya Geetham.

Q & A-12: Why did God create the World?

“Why did God create the world?” the Master (Swami Sivananda) asked Gurusaranananda. The latter could not reply and kept silent.

Then the Master continued, “Many people put me this question. It is a transcendental question. ‘Why’ applies only to things of the world and not to things transcendental. Realise this Self. Then you will get an answer to the question.”

Courtesy: “Imaya Geetham“, Tamil monthly, Dec.2007.

Grateful thanks to Imaya Geetham.