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Please explain the meaning and description of ‘OM’.
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Before all the physical creations came into existence, it is the sound that came first. The primordial sound is the sound of ‘Om’. In general, this ‘shabdha’ signifies welcoming God. It has three syllables – ‘A’ ‘U’ and ‘M’. When the first syllable ‘A’ is pronounced, one has to open his mouth fully. This represents creation. The second syllable ‘U’ represents sustenance or protection. The third syllable ‘M’ (pronouncing which the lips get closed) represents ‘laya’ or dissolution.
This is also called the ‘Pranava Mantra’. Yogis have this ‘dhwani’ (sound) resonating in their body. This is known as ‘anaahatam’.
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Why does spiritualism enjoy less popularity amongst the young generation? They seem to get easily attracted to all materialistic short-lived pleasures of this world!
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Firstly, it is because it is simply nature of the mind to go outside and reach out for trifling worldly pleasures. The problem is that the true philosophy is kept concealed and wrong philosophy is what is being propagated by fake masters. Unfortunately, weak-minded people are caught into it.
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I have been chanting Maha mantra daily for the past six months. But my sexual desires and arrogance are getting increased. What should I do?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Continue what you are doing right now. The rest of the things will be taken care of automatically. If possible, increase your chanting.
Once a similar question was asked to Bhagavan Ramana. Bhagavan replied, “If the fort is to be captured, firstly all the soldiers from inside the fort should be allowed to come out and be killed one by one. Likewise, it is only your Vasanas (impressions) that are manifesting themselves. So there is nothing to worry. However, don’t stop chanting for any reason.
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What types of employment can we undertake? What types of employers and employees should we avoid? Can we work as, say, an accountant in a liquor/ tobacco company?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
If you perform ‘Karma Yoga’, (performing your job and offering the job as well as its results to God) then it does not matter. In our scriptures, there
is an example of a great Jnani called Dharmavyada in the kingdom of Mithila, being a butcher by profession.
If you do not possess enough mental strength, then it is advisable to abstain from such professions.
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It is said that we are all instruments in Lord's hands. When everything is decided/done by Him, why do we have so many bad things happening? Is it not done by Him? Then why are we suffering for things done by Him as though they are done by us?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Because of your ‘I’.
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It is stated that a true Mahatma will not punish the person who caused him harm. If that is the case, then who will punish him and make him realize his mistake?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Mahatmas never punish. But the power that is responsible for the functioning of the entire cosmos will punish.
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I am doing my work honestly and sincerely. But I am not getting at most satisfaction in my work and also I am not getting any upward revisions from my seniors. Why? What is the solution for peaceful life? I want to live peacefully. Please answer my question.
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Eternal peace is within you. As long as you are searching for it outside, or in the actions, then you can be sure that the peace you may thus get is only fleeting. Try chanting the Holy Name and you will slowly realize the true peace.
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Apart from Booloka there are 6 lokas, totaling seven lokas. Where are they? Does human mankind dwell there like on earth?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
These lokas are in different astral plane. As mind elevates from its inert nature and becomes more and more sensitive, you can understand the nature of these lokas. Jivas definitely exist there but not in the form you imagine.
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I am well contented person not having desire in material life. i am living a spiritual life doing Prayer,mediation, Pranayam etc. I work for a meager income. But my family and friends see me as a lazy person and brand me a failure. I leave all my future to God. Is it right or not?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Firstly, you have to understand the clear distinction between a Sadhu and a lazy person.
A Sadhu is a person who is totally dependent on God for everything – from small mundane things to anything big – even Mukti. He accepts whatever comes his way – as the blessings of God and will spend most of his time on prayers. The rest of his time will be spent in taking care the basic, minimal needs of his family. Sometimes, even a Sadhu’s mind may be disturbed by happenings around him, unnecessary talks, gossips and others’ opinion about him. But he will come out of it very soon and get back on track and continue with his prayers.
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I chant the Mahamantra only when I am unable to bear the suffering in my life. I never feel Bhakti or love towards Krishna. Will Krishna help me?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Most certainly. You come to Krishna only even for mundane worldly matters. He is your father, mother, friend, philosopher, Guru, guide and well-wisher. He loves you so much – much more than you love yourselves.
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I love Krishna and am very eager to have His darshan. While I am motivated to engage with Him, I get disturbed by Kama (lust) which strikes me hard. Please advise me a method to win over ‘kama’.
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Don’t worry. Just like hunger and thirst, lust is also inborn. No doubt, we have to overcome it. But it is not as easy as we think. It will not be gone one fine morning. It will happen slowly and will take time. Constant prayers and chanting will help this happen.
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What is the true essence of the phrase "manusha seva madhava seva"?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
When you see a human, don’t see the bone and flesh in him. See the ‘Madhava’ inside. If you treat all humans so and serve them, it verily transforms from ‘manushya seva’ to ‘madhava seva’.
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Can Mahamantra be written ( like Rama Naama )?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Definitely. Do it.
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Even though one mind is saying that I should not think of any bad activities like Kama, jealousy, etc., there is always another mind some how goes in the wrong way. Is there any way I can avoid this dual thinking?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
You will have to understand that lust, jealousy etc. are inborn and are very difficult to overcome in a short period of time, although eventually we will have to win over them.
It is not dual thinking. The ‘manas’, based on the ‘vasanas’ (impressions) tend to generate those thoughts and the intellect (‘arivu’) issues warnings. That is it.
For instance, a sugar-patient is tempted by sweets because of his ‘manas’. At the same time, his intellect warns him against taking them, and says that he might get into complications.
Whether the mind or the heart wins – that depends on his will-power. And, undoubtedly, strong will-power can be attained only by constant prayers.
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Will Nama Kirtan help us fight the malefic effects of planets in our horoscope? But is it good to depend on astrology to take decisions in life?
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Sri Sri Swamiji:
Yes. Certainly. One who performs Nama Kirtan depends only on the grace of Krishna. And for the sake of such a devotee, Krishna plays football with all the planets.
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