Doing the Practice
Just like you learn
to speak a language. Just like you learn to punch on the computer. Just
like you learn to drive a car or a plane, you have to learn to drive
back to the Self. This is the saadhana, this is the practice---is
something that comes to you not just by nature, but by your effort.
Come Back to the Source
Bring the mind, which is all over the place, back to its source.
Again and Again
Again and again,
withdraw your mind. If your mind is running all over the place, it is
because of the objects of the senses. You want to look at something, or
you want to hear about something.
The Experiencer
Self is not object of senses. Self is the experiencer of the object of senses.
Cause of Fear
The transcendental principal, the
fourth state of our consciousness, rules over all the other influences
of all the planets or cosmic rays. So, if you could meditate, you
nullify all the undesirable effects of the cosmic rays, the cosmos.
Singing, chanting, meditating can eliminate all those undesirable
effects.
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Thursday, December 12, 2013
Wisdom from guruji
Q: Have you ever felt insecure about your looks? How does one overcome that? How do I feel better about myself?
Sri Sri: Are you aware about the story about Ashtavakra - the powerful saint who was deformed in 8 places. When he entered the court of King Janaka all the King's men laughed at him. Ashtavakra said 'I thought King Janaka has surrounded himself with wise men but they are all fools!" When someone is in love with only your looks, what will happen in a few years when the body changes? They are not in love with you they are in love with your looks. They should see the soul connection, honour you for what you are, your qualities...
Q: Do you ever cry?
Sri Sri: My heart cries when I think of young minds that are lost...My heart cries when I think of Virginia Tech. When you are lonely, I feel that. This is such a precious knowledge...it should reach all the young people, all
the schools and colleges...don't you think so?
Q: I am a Marketing consultant. Often I am struck the desire to do intense service (Seva), and my passion, which is marketing. What do I do?
Sri Sri: You are making me a Marketing consultant (laughter!!). You know there is a proverb in China. If you are confused, just take a pillow o sleep. And while you are sleeping, things will happen on its own!! (Laughter!!) In life you will never have to face a situation where you have to make a choice between the bad and the good. The choice is always between the bad and the worse, good and the better, the better and the best. Do you see what I am saying.
Q: The mirage is unreal. It disappears on getting close to it. On the other hand the Maya is unreal but do not disappear on getting close to it. It becomes more and more real with the touch and feel. Why is that so?
Sri Sri: Lets understand first what is Maya? That which is measurable is Maya. For example, light can be
measured, air and sound. Everything that we can measure is Maya. On the other hand you cannot say Oh!
I have I kg of love for him or you cannot say I have 5 liters of compassion for him!! (Laughter!!)...because
it cannot be measured. So Love, Joy, Peace, Compassion cannot be termed as Maya.
Q: What are the realms of existence?
Sri Sri: Oh, there are so many types of existence. (other than human form). There are 5 types � Yakshas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Devas (Angels) and Siddhas - Perfected human beings, prophets.
Gandharvas are associated with musicians and singers. The lives of musicians may not be happy but they bring happiness to many around them - this is a sign of a Gandharva being associated with them. It is like Neon signboards. They show different words at different times. At a time, certain bulbs lit up and show words like 'Colgate', next instance, some different words glow and would show 'Coca Cola' or 'Pepsi'. However the bulbs whether lit or not, are present at all the times on the sign-board. Other realms of existence are just like that.
Q: (From a kid) I have only 3 questions for you. 1. Have you ever seen Krishna? 2. How do you see Krishna? 3. What does it mean, the name Krishna?
Sri Sri: Yes, I have seen Krishna because I am God and THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE...God is love. Krishna has a root in the sanskrit - Akarshan, which means that which pulls you the most. the strongest attraction that pulls you is LOVE isn't it? It is love that attracts everything. Everything is made up of that love... if the earth didn't love you, you would be floating, your feet wouldn't be on the ground.
Q: What is the story behind Gurupurnima?
Sri Sri: Acharya (teacher) gives knowledge and Guru gives height of awareness and makes you alive. Acharya gives information, Guru gives intelligence, an awakened intelligence. Mind is connected with moon. Full moon is completion, the pinnacle. On Gurupurnima, the devotee wakes up in full gratitude. Devotee becomes like an ocean moving in itself. It's the time to come in fullness. It's a time to celebrate. It's also called Vyasa Purnima. Vyasa had given knowledge on each and every subject.
So on Gurupunima you remember all Gurus of the past. It is the day when devotee arises in full gratitude, they turn back and see how they changed and developed in the last one year. They assess what lessons they have learned and how they are growing in knowledge. It's reviewing yourself in knowledge. Mind needs to be reminded again and again, so we review it.
Q: People blindly worship a Guru? Is it ok? Shouldn't they just worship the Divine?
Sri Sri: Why does somebody adore someone else? In college, rock star, movie stars, sports players are adored. This adulation is part of human nature. Deep inside it is your ability to appreciate and honor good qualities. This adulation of Gurus has come down the ages. In the East, people took pride in their Gurus. There was a lot of respect but it's missing in the students now. They throw tomatoes at their teachers. We have now gone to the other extreme.
When your life is full, you get a feeling of gratitude. You start with the Guru and end up adoring everything in life. Guru is just a beginning. In India there is a festival in October when people worship everything from cars, scooters etc. Everything is venerated. Divine dwells in every particle. In the East the tradition was that before cutting a tree, you have to plant 5 more. An innocent mind sees life everywhere. Life has to be honored, adored. If you cannot do this, then what else is left in life? It is so dry, just eat, drink and sleep. Whenever you praise, the praise goes to the Divine. If you praise your Guru, the praise goes to the Divine. When you praise someone, you own consciousness is expanding. So for your own sake, adore and venerate others.
Q: What do we do with people who are always complaining and being negative?
Sri Sri: First thing to do is drop the "ALWAYS". Don't generalise and eternalise...we do this. When you miss the exit you say oh I ALWAYS do this, I ALWAYS miss the exit. Do you always mix the exit?? Is it possible?? Stop generalising and eternalising the problem. And then, see... if someone is so negative, is your positivity so weak that it cannot withstand a little negativity???
Q: If there is a God, why is there so much suffering?
Sri Sri: If there was no suffering, to whom will you show your compassion? If everyone is contented, who will you console? In some parts of India where there is so much illiteracy, people go to see movies and they throw tomatoes and even shoes at the screen when the villain does something to the hero. You know it's like saying a director is unjust for making such bad things happen to the hero. If someone said that oh it is such an injustice, you would say but it's NOT REAL!!! See, it is not real....it is all a game...
Q: Is there are predestined time of death or can we influence it?
Sri Sri: See, on the motorway, there are many exits points... you can miss some or you can take some exit... in the end, you will have to take an exit for sure...
Q: You tell us not to have ambition, to be centered and then you tell the young ones to dream. It's such a contradiction.... I am now 30 years old, am I too old to dream, have ambition?
Sri Sri: Look, I will say many things which are completely inconsistent and contradictory. It is then for you to sort it out! [Laughter] To the older ones who get so stuck, I say be content...get out of the mind. But to the young ones, to YES!+, I say DREAM, DREAM, AND DREAM!
Q: What's the difference between sleep, death and meditation? In all 3 we lose our awareness....
Sri Sri: Now, how do you know about death???!! You have not experienced it so let's talk only about what you know! [laughter] No no, in death you don't lose all awareness. Only two senses go - touch and taste... the soul remains as a pitra soul for some time, attached to the family. One day in the life of a pitra soul is 1 year of a human being's life... The soul has a few years rest before it comes back...
Q: What happens after death?
Sri Sri: There should be some surprises. You know you are all so cynical, science makes you so cynical... whatever happens you say oh I know that, I know this... I know it. So because you are so cynical, nature has left some SURPRISE...
Q: What quality should an ideal disciple have? Do you differentiate between disciples?
Sri Sri: Dont worry so much, just be like a child, and take life with ease. Yes, I differentiate between disciples and you are very special. Each one of you is unique and each one is special, so everyone is different.
Q: Please show me the path.
Sri Sri: Why? Why shall I show you the path? I am not so irresponsible. I�ll take you to your goal. It's my habit. It's the age of aero planes and you are talking in terms of bullock carts. You have sat in plane and your flight has taken off. Now, this plane will take you to your destination, you don�t need to ask for the path.
Q: A devotee is very happy on getting a Guru, does the Guru feel the same happiness in getting a devotee?
Sri Sri: Seeing your happiness he gets happiness.
Q: How to become a sincere devotee?
Sri Sri: Just you have to assume that you are really sincere devotee. You give grade to yourself. I am number 1 devotee. Nobody is like me. But don't think so and so is number 1 devotee and I am number 2. Each one of us should say I am number 1 devotee. Nobody is like me. Then that is how the devotion grows. If you think you are number 2, number 3, number 10, then that much, you will be away from the knowledge. You know this problem is there with many � that after basic course, you continue for sometime then you drop. Then afterwards it becomes very difficult. If you do an advanced course, it will bring you back in the knowledge.
Q: How to find a Guru or choose a Guru?
Sri Sri: Guru is too big for you to make. If you make Guru you are bigger than the Guru, Guru comes in your life in spite of your refusing or rebelliousness. Don't struggle to make a Guru. Just relax. Life keeps changing. Wake up and see. Feel grateful. Give all your garbage to the Guru. Guru makes gold out of garbage. Guru makes a fool intelligent. It is easy to make that change because everyone is made up of that one thing.
Sri Sri: Are you aware about the story about Ashtavakra - the powerful saint who was deformed in 8 places. When he entered the court of King Janaka all the King's men laughed at him. Ashtavakra said 'I thought King Janaka has surrounded himself with wise men but they are all fools!" When someone is in love with only your looks, what will happen in a few years when the body changes? They are not in love with you they are in love with your looks. They should see the soul connection, honour you for what you are, your qualities...
Q: Do you ever cry?
Sri Sri: My heart cries when I think of young minds that are lost...My heart cries when I think of Virginia Tech. When you are lonely, I feel that. This is such a precious knowledge...it should reach all the young people, all
the schools and colleges...don't you think so?
Q: I am a Marketing consultant. Often I am struck the desire to do intense service (Seva), and my passion, which is marketing. What do I do?
Sri Sri: You are making me a Marketing consultant (laughter!!). You know there is a proverb in China. If you are confused, just take a pillow o sleep. And while you are sleeping, things will happen on its own!! (Laughter!!) In life you will never have to face a situation where you have to make a choice between the bad and the good. The choice is always between the bad and the worse, good and the better, the better and the best. Do you see what I am saying.
Q: The mirage is unreal. It disappears on getting close to it. On the other hand the Maya is unreal but do not disappear on getting close to it. It becomes more and more real with the touch and feel. Why is that so?
Sri Sri: Lets understand first what is Maya? That which is measurable is Maya. For example, light can be
measured, air and sound. Everything that we can measure is Maya. On the other hand you cannot say Oh!
I have I kg of love for him or you cannot say I have 5 liters of compassion for him!! (Laughter!!)...because
it cannot be measured. So Love, Joy, Peace, Compassion cannot be termed as Maya.
Q: What are the realms of existence?
Sri Sri: Oh, there are so many types of existence. (other than human form). There are 5 types � Yakshas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Devas (Angels) and Siddhas - Perfected human beings, prophets.
Gandharvas are associated with musicians and singers. The lives of musicians may not be happy but they bring happiness to many around them - this is a sign of a Gandharva being associated with them. It is like Neon signboards. They show different words at different times. At a time, certain bulbs lit up and show words like 'Colgate', next instance, some different words glow and would show 'Coca Cola' or 'Pepsi'. However the bulbs whether lit or not, are present at all the times on the sign-board. Other realms of existence are just like that.
Q: (From a kid) I have only 3 questions for you. 1. Have you ever seen Krishna? 2. How do you see Krishna? 3. What does it mean, the name Krishna?
Sri Sri: Yes, I have seen Krishna because I am God and THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE...God is love. Krishna has a root in the sanskrit - Akarshan, which means that which pulls you the most. the strongest attraction that pulls you is LOVE isn't it? It is love that attracts everything. Everything is made up of that love... if the earth didn't love you, you would be floating, your feet wouldn't be on the ground.
Q: What is the story behind Gurupurnima?
Sri Sri: Acharya (teacher) gives knowledge and Guru gives height of awareness and makes you alive. Acharya gives information, Guru gives intelligence, an awakened intelligence. Mind is connected with moon. Full moon is completion, the pinnacle. On Gurupurnima, the devotee wakes up in full gratitude. Devotee becomes like an ocean moving in itself. It's the time to come in fullness. It's a time to celebrate. It's also called Vyasa Purnima. Vyasa had given knowledge on each and every subject.
So on Gurupunima you remember all Gurus of the past. It is the day when devotee arises in full gratitude, they turn back and see how they changed and developed in the last one year. They assess what lessons they have learned and how they are growing in knowledge. It's reviewing yourself in knowledge. Mind needs to be reminded again and again, so we review it.
Q: People blindly worship a Guru? Is it ok? Shouldn't they just worship the Divine?
Sri Sri: Why does somebody adore someone else? In college, rock star, movie stars, sports players are adored. This adulation is part of human nature. Deep inside it is your ability to appreciate and honor good qualities. This adulation of Gurus has come down the ages. In the East, people took pride in their Gurus. There was a lot of respect but it's missing in the students now. They throw tomatoes at their teachers. We have now gone to the other extreme.
When your life is full, you get a feeling of gratitude. You start with the Guru and end up adoring everything in life. Guru is just a beginning. In India there is a festival in October when people worship everything from cars, scooters etc. Everything is venerated. Divine dwells in every particle. In the East the tradition was that before cutting a tree, you have to plant 5 more. An innocent mind sees life everywhere. Life has to be honored, adored. If you cannot do this, then what else is left in life? It is so dry, just eat, drink and sleep. Whenever you praise, the praise goes to the Divine. If you praise your Guru, the praise goes to the Divine. When you praise someone, you own consciousness is expanding. So for your own sake, adore and venerate others.
Q: What do we do with people who are always complaining and being negative?
Sri Sri: First thing to do is drop the "ALWAYS". Don't generalise and eternalise...we do this. When you miss the exit you say oh I ALWAYS do this, I ALWAYS miss the exit. Do you always mix the exit?? Is it possible?? Stop generalising and eternalising the problem. And then, see... if someone is so negative, is your positivity so weak that it cannot withstand a little negativity???
Q: If there is a God, why is there so much suffering?
Sri Sri: If there was no suffering, to whom will you show your compassion? If everyone is contented, who will you console? In some parts of India where there is so much illiteracy, people go to see movies and they throw tomatoes and even shoes at the screen when the villain does something to the hero. You know it's like saying a director is unjust for making such bad things happen to the hero. If someone said that oh it is such an injustice, you would say but it's NOT REAL!!! See, it is not real....it is all a game...
Q: Is there are predestined time of death or can we influence it?
Sri Sri: See, on the motorway, there are many exits points... you can miss some or you can take some exit... in the end, you will have to take an exit for sure...
Q: You tell us not to have ambition, to be centered and then you tell the young ones to dream. It's such a contradiction.... I am now 30 years old, am I too old to dream, have ambition?
Sri Sri: Look, I will say many things which are completely inconsistent and contradictory. It is then for you to sort it out! [Laughter] To the older ones who get so stuck, I say be content...get out of the mind. But to the young ones, to YES!+, I say DREAM, DREAM, AND DREAM!
Q: What's the difference between sleep, death and meditation? In all 3 we lose our awareness....
Sri Sri: Now, how do you know about death???!! You have not experienced it so let's talk only about what you know! [laughter] No no, in death you don't lose all awareness. Only two senses go - touch and taste... the soul remains as a pitra soul for some time, attached to the family. One day in the life of a pitra soul is 1 year of a human being's life... The soul has a few years rest before it comes back...
Q: What happens after death?
Sri Sri: There should be some surprises. You know you are all so cynical, science makes you so cynical... whatever happens you say oh I know that, I know this... I know it. So because you are so cynical, nature has left some SURPRISE...
Q: What quality should an ideal disciple have? Do you differentiate between disciples?
Sri Sri: Dont worry so much, just be like a child, and take life with ease. Yes, I differentiate between disciples and you are very special. Each one of you is unique and each one is special, so everyone is different.
Q: Please show me the path.
Sri Sri: Why? Why shall I show you the path? I am not so irresponsible. I�ll take you to your goal. It's my habit. It's the age of aero planes and you are talking in terms of bullock carts. You have sat in plane and your flight has taken off. Now, this plane will take you to your destination, you don�t need to ask for the path.
Q: A devotee is very happy on getting a Guru, does the Guru feel the same happiness in getting a devotee?
Sri Sri: Seeing your happiness he gets happiness.
Q: How to become a sincere devotee?
Sri Sri: Just you have to assume that you are really sincere devotee. You give grade to yourself. I am number 1 devotee. Nobody is like me. But don't think so and so is number 1 devotee and I am number 2. Each one of us should say I am number 1 devotee. Nobody is like me. Then that is how the devotion grows. If you think you are number 2, number 3, number 10, then that much, you will be away from the knowledge. You know this problem is there with many � that after basic course, you continue for sometime then you drop. Then afterwards it becomes very difficult. If you do an advanced course, it will bring you back in the knowledge.
Q: How to find a Guru or choose a Guru?
Sri Sri: Guru is too big for you to make. If you make Guru you are bigger than the Guru, Guru comes in your life in spite of your refusing or rebelliousness. Don't struggle to make a Guru. Just relax. Life keeps changing. Wake up and see. Feel grateful. Give all your garbage to the Guru. Guru makes gold out of garbage. Guru makes a fool intelligent. It is easy to make that change because everyone is made up of that one thing.
Daily Sutras
God Loves Fun
Nature loves to give you surprises. God loves fun. He always gives you surprises---sometimes pleasant, sometimes unpleasant. And you grow by unpleasant as well as by pleasant. In fact you grow much more by unpleasant surprises than the pleasant ones.
Observe, Don't Identify
Observe the tendencies that come up in you, and do not think you *are* those tendencies.
The Way Out of Ignorance
The way to come out of ignorance is a definite understanding, a definite knowledge in the mind, that my body is undergoing change all the time, the world is undergoing change all the time, the entire universe is in a state of fluidity and it is all full of change and it is going on on its own, according to its nature.
"Diamond Minds"
Diamond is found in coal mines. You find diamonds in coal mines---completely opposite [from coal], but of one substance. Their nature, their color, their look, every thing, is opposite. Coal sticks; diamond can never stick. Coal breaks; diamond can never break. Diamond shines; coal doesn't. But they are made up of one substance. When the mind is compressed, brought into one totality, then the same mind that has been our problem, our enemy, which has been the cause of all our suffering and anxiety, turns into the guiding light.
Nature loves to give you surprises. God loves fun. He always gives you surprises---sometimes pleasant, sometimes unpleasant. And you grow by unpleasant as well as by pleasant. In fact you grow much more by unpleasant surprises than the pleasant ones.
Observe, Don't Identify
Observe the tendencies that come up in you, and do not think you *are* those tendencies.
The Way Out of Ignorance
The way to come out of ignorance is a definite understanding, a definite knowledge in the mind, that my body is undergoing change all the time, the world is undergoing change all the time, the entire universe is in a state of fluidity and it is all full of change and it is going on on its own, according to its nature.
"Diamond Minds"
Diamond is found in coal mines. You find diamonds in coal mines---completely opposite [from coal], but of one substance. Their nature, their color, their look, every thing, is opposite. Coal sticks; diamond can never stick. Coal breaks; diamond can never break. Diamond shines; coal doesn't. But they are made up of one substance. When the mind is compressed, brought into one totality, then the same mind that has been our problem, our enemy, which has been the cause of all our suffering and anxiety, turns into the guiding light.
Sri Sri Quotes
I PROMISE
If I had to promise you something, what would it be?
I can’t promise that you would always be comfortable…
Because comfort brings boredom & discomfort.
I can’t promise that all your desires will be fulfilled…
Because desires whether fulfilled or unfulfilled bring frustration.
I can’t promise that there will always be good times…
Because it is the tough times that make us appreciate joy.
I can’t promise that we will be rich or famous or powerful…
Because they can all be pathways to misery.
I can’t promise that we will always be together…
Because it is separation that makes togetherness so wonderful.
Yet if you are willing to walk with me,
If you are willing to value love over everything else,
I promise that this will be the most rich and fulfilling life possible.
I promise your life will be an eternal celebration,
I promise I will cherish you more than a king cherishes his crown,
And I shall love you more than a mother loves her newborn.
If you are willing to walk into my arms,
If you are willing to live in my heart,
You will find the one you have waited forever…
You will meet yourself in my arms…
I promise.
If I had to promise you something, what would it be?
I can’t promise that you would always be comfortable…
Because comfort brings boredom & discomfort.
I can’t promise that all your desires will be fulfilled…
Because desires whether fulfilled or unfulfilled bring frustration.
I can’t promise that there will always be good times…
Because it is the tough times that make us appreciate joy.
I can’t promise that we will be rich or famous or powerful…
Because they can all be pathways to misery.
I can’t promise that we will always be together…
Because it is separation that makes togetherness so wonderful.
Yet if you are willing to walk with me,
If you are willing to value love over everything else,
I promise that this will be the most rich and fulfilling life possible.
I promise your life will be an eternal celebration,
I promise I will cherish you more than a king cherishes his crown,
And I shall love you more than a mother loves her newborn.
If you are willing to walk into my arms,
If you are willing to live in my heart,
You will find the one you have waited forever…
You will meet yourself in my arms…
I promise.
Knowledge Sheet: Become Incorrigible
An ignorant person either disbelieves or believes the individual. The
wise neither disbelieves nor believes the individual. His faith rests on
Kala (time). When the time is good, a foe will behave like a friend.
When the time is not good, even a friend will behave like a foe. The
wiser one believes in Mahakala (the Grand time or Shiva). An ignorant
person disbelieves in time and the Divine beyond time.
In the world and in time there is always room for improvement. You can improve your time and your nature. Only the Being is perfect all the time. Take refuge in the Being and become incorrigible.
"I am" incorrigible.
- Sri Sri
|| Jai Guru Dev ||
In the world and in time there is always room for improvement. You can improve your time and your nature. Only the Being is perfect all the time. Take refuge in the Being and become incorrigible.
"I am" incorrigible.
- Sri Sri
|| Jai Guru Dev ||
wisdom from guruji - New Dimensions
Do you know, for me, IT means Inner Transformation. And if you say IIT, it
would mean Intense Inner Transformation.
We forget about our body, our mind, our breath, which is a whole technology
in itself.
The body is a machine, and the Consciousness which operates this body,
which has helped to develop this body, we have ignored that. We need to pay
attention to that as well. Then a new dimension to life opens up.
It is because of Consciousness that technology exists today in the world.
In somebody's mind, the ideas come and then the ideas manifest as
technology. And where do these ideas come from? And what helps to translate
the ideas into reality? That is Consciousness.
Today, we have cell phones, but 20 to 30 years ago, we had no idea about
cell phones.
How to make a cell phone, such an idea came into somebody's Consciousness.
And then that idea was again developed by the Consciousness. Isn't that so?!
This Consciousness which is responsible for all creativity, all scientific
discovery in the world, all forms of music, art, fashion, film, and
everything else, needs your attention.
The same Consciousness in which scientific discoveries happen, in which art
and architecture develop, is also a store house of happiness.
The same Consciousness can manifest health, can manifest happiness, can
manifest love and compassion.
So this one Consciousness which is working in our brain and in the
different parts of our body, has so many abilities. The same Consciousness
can be very logical, it can understand, it can comprehend, it can create,
and it can also manifest compassion, love, peace and joy - just like the
cell phone.
See, how many programs are there in a cell phone. There is a camera (Sri
Sri takes pictures of the audience).
Then there is twitter. Do you know my twitter account? @SriSriSpeaks.
So this has a twitter account, it has SMS facility, a telephone book and a
music player (Sri Sri turns on some music on the music player).
Now, I should know how to turn it off as well (referring to the music
player). Now I found which button I should press.
Sometimes, our mind is like that, it starts and then it goes on and on and
on, and we don't know how to shut it off, isn't that so?!
There are so many applications in a cell phone, there is a clock!
A cell phone has multi-functions, and so does our brain and our life.
We can open our Consciousness to different levels of reality. This is not
just the only reality that exists.
So if you have kept this Consciousness active only for art or music and
that is it, then life is not complete. Or if it is only for science and
logic, it is not complete.
If you are open to just having fun and being merry, then life is not
complete.
So just like how you have to switch on and switch off different functions
of a cell phone, we can have the ability to switch on and off all the
abilities that nature has provided in us.
There is a certain simplicity inside you. We have all been born with that
innocence and simplicity. When we grew up somewhere we lost that.
As we grew up, we stopped smiling, we stopped being natural, we stopped
being simple. Isn't that so!
So what is essential is both, sensibility and sensitivity.
Totally logical, rational thinking is essential for human being. Don't
accept anything because somebody says it. We must use our intellect. This
is the first function of human beings. Anything that is illogical, that
does not appeal to reason, we should not accept.
So first is logic, this function is important because it creates
sensibility.
Now, just sensibility is not enough, you need sensitivity. Sensitivity is a
matter of the heart. You can be very logical but you need to understand the
view points of others as well. Many times, what people say, they behave in
that exact manner. They are very correct, but they can hurt others easily.
Anyone who is very angry, they justify their anger with logic, but they
don't know that their anger is hurting the other person. Not only the other
person but them also. So the second important thing is being sensitive.
You know, somebody may be a fool but you calling them a fool, shouting at
them, scolding them is not going to help. You need to be sensitive.
Do you know, the other day, in a program there was a lady who was scolding
another person there who did not do their job very well. Then I called that
lady and said, 'Listen, by your scolding, do you think that person has
changed?'
And that lady said, 'No'.
I said, 'Then what is the use of yelling so much at that lady. You only
destroyed your own image. The moment you scold somebody, even if you are
giving them a productive or creative suggestion, they push it away. The
purpose of your shouting is to bring sense into that person, and when by
shouting it is not achieved, what is the use.'
She said, 'You are correct! I have been doing this all my life and created
so many enemies around me.'
I said, 'That is why, you can't expect a donkey to run like a horse.'
You sit on a donkey and expect it is to run like a horse, that is not
possible. So accept a donkey as a donkey and a horse as a horse. Where is
the anger then?! This is sensitivity - being sensitive to the feelings of
others and their needs. This is the quality of the heart.
There are people who are too sensitive. They lose their logic. They become
an emotional soggy noodle. This is no good either. You need the perfect
balance of sensitivity and sensibility. What do you say? Am I correct?!
(Audience: Yes)
So being sensible and sensitive! This is one function of the technology of
Consciousness. Next comes Serenity in life. Everyone, at one point or
another, in their lives, even for a few seconds or few minutes have felt
very serene. And when you feel that serenity, you also have felt Silence,
and you felt very spiritual; a deep sense of silence and serenity.
In many of our mobile phone this operation is switched off, or we have not
used it at all. In our Consciousness, we have not even touched this
function - and that is where The Art of Living comes. It helps you to smile
more, serve more.
Do you know, a baby smiles 400 times a day. An adolescent smiles only 17
times a day, and a adult does not smile at all.
Smiling more! That is what The Art of Living brings to you!
Smiling and serving.
Being sensible and sensitive.
Experiencing silence and serenity.
That is it!
Q: Dear Gurudev, how to maintain a balance between discipline and freedom?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You should know that they appear to be opposite but
they are complimentary. Discipline brings freedom to us.
As a child you were disciplined to brush your teeth every morning and every
night. That discipline brought you freedom from tooth ache and tooth decay,
isn't that so?!
If you have the discipline of getting onto the treadmill, then that brings
you freedom from cholesterol and other problems.
Q: What comes after everything is silenced? And how is it different from
being dead?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Vast difference! Silence is the mother of all
creativity! Silence is the mother of beauty and love. Intuition, invention,
poetry, everything comes out of silence.
Even Sudarshan Kriya came out of silence.
I know most of you have experienced Sudarshan Kriya, and you know the value
of it.
I was on a tour this time, I went from South India to South Africa, and
then to South America, then North America and now to Europe. All in less
than one month. And you know, I visited the prisons in Brazil and in
Argentina. There were 5200 prisoners in Argentina who have done the Art of
Living course and the Sudarshan Kriya and there were tears in each and
every one's eyes. There was not even a single person there whose eyes were
dry. They were all finding such a big transformation in their lives.
They said, 'Before we were outside and we were not free. Now we are inside
the jail and we are free and we are happy. Thank you so much. This course
has totally changed our lives.'
Do you know, the judges of the supreme court also came to visit the prison
along with me and they said, 'Gurudev, this is unbelievable, what has
happened here. We wish this will repeat in all the prisons.'
Looking at this transformation, of course, the university gave me a
doctorate as well.
'In one day I became an alumni of the University', I was making this joke.
Why I am saying this is, we can create a society free from violence. My
vision is to see a violence-free society, disease-free body, confusion-free
mind, inhibition-free intellect, trauma-free memory and sorrow-free soul.
See what madness is happening today in the world. Just because somebody
made a film, nations are all burning. Is this not madness!
Why? It is because they have not been given this education of non-violence,
which is so necessary.
Q: Is it still necessary today to follow a Guru?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Why this question? Asking this question you put
yourself into a trap. When I give you an answer and you take it, that means
you are already following!
If I say, 'No, no need to follow', and you say, 'Okay, I won't follow',
then you have followed.
If I say, 'Yes', and you follow, that means you have followed.
So better I say, 'No!'
It is a very interesting question, right.
See, you need a coach to play football right. Every soccer player needs a
coach. You need a coach for any games, for any music. When you go to school
and you are weak in some topic then you need a coach.
Similarly, a little bit of guidance in the beginning for meditation and for
learning any spirituality is essential, isn't it! And that is why it is
necessary. And if you feel it is not necessary then that is up to you.
Q: How do I relieve myself from the guilt for the mistake that I have done?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Meditation!
Q: What is the major problem that needs to be solved here in Europe?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: What I hear about Europe is that 30% to 40% of the
population is getting depressed. So many people are taking Prozac and so
many children are getting autism. This is a matter of concern. We need to
attend to this.
That is why meditation, Sudarshan Kriya, The Health and Happiness workshop.
When we adopt these things in life, we can be a happier society.
I am sure with these, we can create a wave of happiness.
Q: I do exercises, hence I am into controlled breathing. How is The Art of
Living Course special? I feel exercise could give me what these courses do.
Can you please explain how these courses could help me.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It can help you in so many ways and that is why it is
so popular. If millions of people around the world are doing it, there must
be something to it.
I tell you, it is very profound, intense and at the same time, simple as
well.
It is not just an exercise. It is an exercise with spiritual upliftment of
energy. It is for sure that when you walk out from the course, you will go
with a bigger smile and contentment in your heart; adding a new dimension
to life.
You know there are so many prejudices in our minds. We should let go of the
prejudices. The mind has different kind of prejudices.
See, we accept food from every part of the world. We accept music from
every part of the world. But when it comes to knowledge, wisdom and
relating to people, we have some prejudices.
We should overcome these prejudices and feel that everybody belongs to me,
the whole world is one family.
would mean Intense Inner Transformation.
We forget about our body, our mind, our breath, which is a whole technology
in itself.
The body is a machine, and the Consciousness which operates this body,
which has helped to develop this body, we have ignored that. We need to pay
attention to that as well. Then a new dimension to life opens up.
It is because of Consciousness that technology exists today in the world.
In somebody's mind, the ideas come and then the ideas manifest as
technology. And where do these ideas come from? And what helps to translate
the ideas into reality? That is Consciousness.
Today, we have cell phones, but 20 to 30 years ago, we had no idea about
cell phones.
How to make a cell phone, such an idea came into somebody's Consciousness.
And then that idea was again developed by the Consciousness. Isn't that so?!
This Consciousness which is responsible for all creativity, all scientific
discovery in the world, all forms of music, art, fashion, film, and
everything else, needs your attention.
The same Consciousness in which scientific discoveries happen, in which art
and architecture develop, is also a store house of happiness.
The same Consciousness can manifest health, can manifest happiness, can
manifest love and compassion.
So this one Consciousness which is working in our brain and in the
different parts of our body, has so many abilities. The same Consciousness
can be very logical, it can understand, it can comprehend, it can create,
and it can also manifest compassion, love, peace and joy - just like the
cell phone.
See, how many programs are there in a cell phone. There is a camera (Sri
Sri takes pictures of the audience).
Then there is twitter. Do you know my twitter account? @SriSriSpeaks.
So this has a twitter account, it has SMS facility, a telephone book and a
music player (Sri Sri turns on some music on the music player).
Now, I should know how to turn it off as well (referring to the music
player). Now I found which button I should press.
Sometimes, our mind is like that, it starts and then it goes on and on and
on, and we don't know how to shut it off, isn't that so?!
There are so many applications in a cell phone, there is a clock!
A cell phone has multi-functions, and so does our brain and our life.
We can open our Consciousness to different levels of reality. This is not
just the only reality that exists.
So if you have kept this Consciousness active only for art or music and
that is it, then life is not complete. Or if it is only for science and
logic, it is not complete.
If you are open to just having fun and being merry, then life is not
complete.
So just like how you have to switch on and switch off different functions
of a cell phone, we can have the ability to switch on and off all the
abilities that nature has provided in us.
There is a certain simplicity inside you. We have all been born with that
innocence and simplicity. When we grew up somewhere we lost that.
As we grew up, we stopped smiling, we stopped being natural, we stopped
being simple. Isn't that so!
So what is essential is both, sensibility and sensitivity.
Totally logical, rational thinking is essential for human being. Don't
accept anything because somebody says it. We must use our intellect. This
is the first function of human beings. Anything that is illogical, that
does not appeal to reason, we should not accept.
So first is logic, this function is important because it creates
sensibility.
Now, just sensibility is not enough, you need sensitivity. Sensitivity is a
matter of the heart. You can be very logical but you need to understand the
view points of others as well. Many times, what people say, they behave in
that exact manner. They are very correct, but they can hurt others easily.
Anyone who is very angry, they justify their anger with logic, but they
don't know that their anger is hurting the other person. Not only the other
person but them also. So the second important thing is being sensitive.
You know, somebody may be a fool but you calling them a fool, shouting at
them, scolding them is not going to help. You need to be sensitive.
Do you know, the other day, in a program there was a lady who was scolding
another person there who did not do their job very well. Then I called that
lady and said, 'Listen, by your scolding, do you think that person has
changed?'
And that lady said, 'No'.
I said, 'Then what is the use of yelling so much at that lady. You only
destroyed your own image. The moment you scold somebody, even if you are
giving them a productive or creative suggestion, they push it away. The
purpose of your shouting is to bring sense into that person, and when by
shouting it is not achieved, what is the use.'
She said, 'You are correct! I have been doing this all my life and created
so many enemies around me.'
I said, 'That is why, you can't expect a donkey to run like a horse.'
You sit on a donkey and expect it is to run like a horse, that is not
possible. So accept a donkey as a donkey and a horse as a horse. Where is
the anger then?! This is sensitivity - being sensitive to the feelings of
others and their needs. This is the quality of the heart.
There are people who are too sensitive. They lose their logic. They become
an emotional soggy noodle. This is no good either. You need the perfect
balance of sensitivity and sensibility. What do you say? Am I correct?!
(Audience: Yes)
So being sensible and sensitive! This is one function of the technology of
Consciousness. Next comes Serenity in life. Everyone, at one point or
another, in their lives, even for a few seconds or few minutes have felt
very serene. And when you feel that serenity, you also have felt Silence,
and you felt very spiritual; a deep sense of silence and serenity.
In many of our mobile phone this operation is switched off, or we have not
used it at all. In our Consciousness, we have not even touched this
function - and that is where The Art of Living comes. It helps you to smile
more, serve more.
Do you know, a baby smiles 400 times a day. An adolescent smiles only 17
times a day, and a adult does not smile at all.
Smiling more! That is what The Art of Living brings to you!
Smiling and serving.
Being sensible and sensitive.
Experiencing silence and serenity.
That is it!
Q: Dear Gurudev, how to maintain a balance between discipline and freedom?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You should know that they appear to be opposite but
they are complimentary. Discipline brings freedom to us.
As a child you were disciplined to brush your teeth every morning and every
night. That discipline brought you freedom from tooth ache and tooth decay,
isn't that so?!
If you have the discipline of getting onto the treadmill, then that brings
you freedom from cholesterol and other problems.
Q: What comes after everything is silenced? And how is it different from
being dead?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Vast difference! Silence is the mother of all
creativity! Silence is the mother of beauty and love. Intuition, invention,
poetry, everything comes out of silence.
Even Sudarshan Kriya came out of silence.
I know most of you have experienced Sudarshan Kriya, and you know the value
of it.
I was on a tour this time, I went from South India to South Africa, and
then to South America, then North America and now to Europe. All in less
than one month. And you know, I visited the prisons in Brazil and in
Argentina. There were 5200 prisoners in Argentina who have done the Art of
Living course and the Sudarshan Kriya and there were tears in each and
every one's eyes. There was not even a single person there whose eyes were
dry. They were all finding such a big transformation in their lives.
They said, 'Before we were outside and we were not free. Now we are inside
the jail and we are free and we are happy. Thank you so much. This course
has totally changed our lives.'
Do you know, the judges of the supreme court also came to visit the prison
along with me and they said, 'Gurudev, this is unbelievable, what has
happened here. We wish this will repeat in all the prisons.'
Looking at this transformation, of course, the university gave me a
doctorate as well.
'In one day I became an alumni of the University', I was making this joke.
Why I am saying this is, we can create a society free from violence. My
vision is to see a violence-free society, disease-free body, confusion-free
mind, inhibition-free intellect, trauma-free memory and sorrow-free soul.
See what madness is happening today in the world. Just because somebody
made a film, nations are all burning. Is this not madness!
Why? It is because they have not been given this education of non-violence,
which is so necessary.
Q: Is it still necessary today to follow a Guru?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Why this question? Asking this question you put
yourself into a trap. When I give you an answer and you take it, that means
you are already following!
If I say, 'No, no need to follow', and you say, 'Okay, I won't follow',
then you have followed.
If I say, 'Yes', and you follow, that means you have followed.
So better I say, 'No!'
It is a very interesting question, right.
See, you need a coach to play football right. Every soccer player needs a
coach. You need a coach for any games, for any music. When you go to school
and you are weak in some topic then you need a coach.
Similarly, a little bit of guidance in the beginning for meditation and for
learning any spirituality is essential, isn't it! And that is why it is
necessary. And if you feel it is not necessary then that is up to you.
Q: How do I relieve myself from the guilt for the mistake that I have done?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Meditation!
Q: What is the major problem that needs to be solved here in Europe?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: What I hear about Europe is that 30% to 40% of the
population is getting depressed. So many people are taking Prozac and so
many children are getting autism. This is a matter of concern. We need to
attend to this.
That is why meditation, Sudarshan Kriya, The Health and Happiness workshop.
When we adopt these things in life, we can be a happier society.
I am sure with these, we can create a wave of happiness.
Q: I do exercises, hence I am into controlled breathing. How is The Art of
Living Course special? I feel exercise could give me what these courses do.
Can you please explain how these courses could help me.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It can help you in so many ways and that is why it is
so popular. If millions of people around the world are doing it, there must
be something to it.
I tell you, it is very profound, intense and at the same time, simple as
well.
It is not just an exercise. It is an exercise with spiritual upliftment of
energy. It is for sure that when you walk out from the course, you will go
with a bigger smile and contentment in your heart; adding a new dimension
to life.
You know there are so many prejudices in our minds. We should let go of the
prejudices. The mind has different kind of prejudices.
See, we accept food from every part of the world. We accept music from
every part of the world. But when it comes to knowledge, wisdom and
relating to people, we have some prejudices.
We should overcome these prejudices and feel that everybody belongs to me,
the whole world is one family.
Knowledge Sheet: All Five Senses In Every Cell
Every cell of your body has the ability of all the five senses. You can
see without the eyes. Vision is part of consciousness; that is why in
dreams you can see without the eyes.
You can feel without the skin; that is why people without limbs can still feel itching in that part. You can smell without the nose; taste without the tongue.
The 5 senses and thinking ability are all present in consciousness. So each cell of the body has the potential ability to perform all the functions of the senses.
When someone says something; you are all ears . . . you are listening from every cell of your body. There is the expression "looking from a 1000 eyes"; one is all eyes. All cells are made of the same tissue. . . each DNA has the ability of all functions of the body.
Consciousness is inherent in all the cells.
Every sensory stimulus brings knowledge which is the nature of consciousness. Sight brings some knowledge - blue, red, green. Knowingness is the nature of consciousness.
Vikas says: Some people who have lost one of their senses find that the others become heightened.
Guruji replies: You don't have to lose one to sharpen the others. . .you can sharpen all of them in deep silence.
Mikey asks: What happens when you have no sense?
Guruji answers: You become like Mikey!! (room explodes with laughter).
Exercise:
Feel that every cell has the potential to see and hear. . . all eyes and ears. Sit comfortably. . . . easily, close the eyes . . . know that you are all eyes, all ears.
- Sri Sri
|| Jai Guru Dev ||
You can feel without the skin; that is why people without limbs can still feel itching in that part. You can smell without the nose; taste without the tongue.
The 5 senses and thinking ability are all present in consciousness. So each cell of the body has the potential ability to perform all the functions of the senses.
When someone says something; you are all ears . . . you are listening from every cell of your body. There is the expression "looking from a 1000 eyes"; one is all eyes. All cells are made of the same tissue. . . each DNA has the ability of all functions of the body.
Consciousness is inherent in all the cells.
Every sensory stimulus brings knowledge which is the nature of consciousness. Sight brings some knowledge - blue, red, green. Knowingness is the nature of consciousness.
Vikas says: Some people who have lost one of their senses find that the others become heightened.
Guruji replies: You don't have to lose one to sharpen the others. . .you can sharpen all of them in deep silence.
Mikey asks: What happens when you have no sense?
Guruji answers: You become like Mikey!! (room explodes with laughter).
Exercise:
Feel that every cell has the potential to see and hear. . . all eyes and ears. Sit comfortably. . . . easily, close the eyes . . . know that you are all eyes, all ears.
- Sri Sri
|| Jai Guru Dev ||
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