Q & A session with HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – December 13, 2015 – Mysore
Today I give a chance for children’s doubts to be cleared. Sandeham – Sachchidanandam book has been published. All of you must read it. Hundreds of questions are answered there. Bhakti Mala also has answers to many questions. Bhaktimala magazine is available online also.
Any questions children have, you may ask boldly. No hesitation. No problem if there are no questions. No personal questions, such as will I pass the exam? Adults will get their chance later.
Will you ask? Or shall I ask? Or should both of us keep quiet?
What is that bell? Temple bell. Not dining hall bell.
No confidence to ask? No questions. What to do then?
You want to listen only? Not for adults. Only for children.
Adults, just listen.
Q: Why does Tataji wear a head band?
A: The wind will blow and mess up my hair. To keep my hair tidy. That is one reason. The real reason is different. There is Lambika Chakra in the region of the Sahasrara. To preserve the energy from going out, I tie a head band. Sanyasis cover their heads for the same reason. Sometimes in temples people cover their heads as a show of respect also. Sometimes Swamiji does not wear the head band. He thinks it is okay.
Q: My daughter does not speak English, so I ask on her behalf. She wants to be initiated into Deeksha. Is it possible?
A. She should know first what Deeksha is. If she knows, and wants, then it is okay. Only when there is hunger, food is relished. Only when there is interest, Deeksha is given. Small children generally are not given.
Q: Can worldly questions be asked to Guru in person? Or should they be asked only at Guru’s photo?
A: if you have faith, photo itself will give answer. If faith is lacking, then you ask in person. Guru at least gave photo. God is invisible and has not given a photo. Guru is like God. If no chance is given to ask Him, it means there is no permission to ask. Food takes time to prepare. Cooking must be gradually learned. It does not happen instantaneously. If you have a pressing question, and if you get a chance to ask, then ask. Worldly questions are okay to be asked by children.
No compulsion that you should ask, if you have no questions.
Next round for adults.
Q: How to improve memory and concentration for writing exams? Subject is learned but forgotten during exams.
A. Too much intelligence also is not good. Too many affairs occupy the mind. Too much dullness is also not good. Tension causes problem. Some have confidence. It is certainly not a matter of inherited genes. It is wrong to think that parents are highly educated, and that is why some students are bright. Every mind is capable. Ancestors not being educated has no bearing on a child’s level of intelligence. Each individual has intelligence. Confidence and faith are important. Genuine interest is needed. Do not study only under pressure and due to threats from parents. Cinemas, books, video games, all these are weaknesses. Too much eating, and sleeping is a weakness. Laziness is a weakness. If you observe yourself, you will see that you have weaknesses which spoil your concentration and memory. Eat less food. Exercise. Sports and drill they make you do at school to stimulate briskness. Not just for fun. Then laziness goes. Children must get up early, get cleaned up and get ready properly before going to school. Being smelly is not good. Exercise makes the mind alert. Clean up at home itself, before going to school. Some are born smart, no doubt. Start early to learn. Not able to learn? Develop the mind. Even puppies have intelligence. Man is lazy. Parents must take interest. Do not leave children alone and allow them freedom for watching television. Do not quarrel in front of them. It distracts and disturbs their minds. Enquire from your child about daily studies, not show interest only at exam time. From day one, show interest. Do not pressure. Parents are at fault if children do not perform well at studies.
Q. I get angry. In five minutes the anger goes away. How do I remain without getting angry in the first place?
A. When you know that you are going to get angry, chant Tataji or Datta 100 times. Then anger will not come your way.
Q. Healing music helps. What ragas should be listened to, and when?
A. Except during music therapy sessions, where Swamiji decides on the specific ragas, any raga is fine. CD healing music, you may sleep with it. Playaway, if you have, you must follow the rules specified. Whatever you like, you listen to. Keep listening lifelong. One day the healing will occur.
Q. Carrom board, Snakes and ladders, Chinese checkers, Shell games, why are they discouraged by Swamiji?
A: Gambling is bad. Duryodhana and such wicked people engaged in them and got ruined. Our Scriptural stories tell us that it spoils the mind. You certainly can do better things with your time. Those who cannot do anything else, have no spiritual interest, they spend their time engaging in such pastimes. These games do not help in improving either you or the nation. Sing bhajans. Do gardening. Do not waste time. Many waste time watching TV. If there is no electricity, if eyesight is poor for reading, if there is no energy to anything else that is worthwhile, then at such times people play these games. No use playing such games. Play football instead, to gain stamina. It is not a sin. Only a waste of time.
Q. Does Siva have a form or no form? How to worship?
A. If your mind has firm faith, then you do puja. If there is no faith, you cannot do worship. Because others say, do not change. Each journey is separate. Even spouses go on their own individual journey. Do your own Sadhana. Just adjust and proceed. Do early morning puja if your mind says you must do it.
Q. Shapes and forms, the different decorations done for Devi during the Navaratri Puja, are they real?
A. As per your belief. The forms of Devi, the nine different aspects shown during Devi Navaratri festival help in meditation.
Q. I was troubled since childhood that Brahma had no worship. Now Datta has three forms Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. Datta worship includes Brahma worship. I am very happy. Om iti Brahma bhajan is very nice.
A: Where Datta is, there Brahma is.
Q. Guru and Sadguru. What is the difference?
A. Ordinary guru is one who teaches worldly skills. Sadguru is for spiritual learning. Step is a step in a ladder. Lower or higher, it is still a step. Guru. Parama Guru. Parameshti Guru. Paratpara Guru. Grades. B. A., Ph. D. All learn and use ABCs when they write or read. At each level they use. But all are at different levels. Mother and father are the same and yet are different. Same way. Male. Female. Father and grandfather. All are respected. But father is not grandfather. Brother is treated differently.
Q. In spiritual life, one is supposed to practice non-attachment towards people and things. But isn’t that decision of practicing detachment egoistic, because it hurts other people?
A. First experience worldly life. Then go to spiritual life. Otherwise, you will get influenced by others. If the mind is strong, then there will be no disturbance. Your sense organs want enjoyment. You have to tell them, No, I want only Brahman. You have the right to decide for yourself what you wish to pursue.
Q. How does Healing Music improve concentration?
A: When you sing bhajans also, if the mind is distracted you lose the rhythm, you miss the beat. You mispronounce the words. Only look at people’s heads, and not their eyes when you sing, to avoid distraction. If other people talk on the phone while you are singing, you get angry. They chatter, you get upset. They laugh, and you feel insulted, and you lose your Shruti, pitch. Only mind your own business always. That is focus. Healing music makes the mind strong. You will remember what you have read.
Q. Surya mandala and Sri Chakra. What is their relationship?
A. Both are different. Similar colors, and lines. But powers are different. Cannot explain.
Q. In the Nada Mantapa, you are showing portraits of 72 musicians of different musical systems. Each composer’s background is different. Only Swamiji can render each one’s Bhavana/feeling. Like you, others cannot render. Adi Sankara’s compositions you render beautifully, also Thyagaraja, and Purandara dasa and Kanakadasa. During the 1960’s-70s you used to sing their compositions and Marathi songs also. Others cannot like represent them like you. You do each language with perfect accent. I request Swamiji to sing and render the compositions of all the past artists to represent them perfectly, since only you can do it.
A: A booklet about Nada Mantapa, a souvenir has been published, describing its glory. It is not possible for Swamiji to present the music of all the musicians. Another birth is needed. How to sing Mozart? We show respect. I tell all the composers who surround me here, to listen to my bhajans. I tell them. Do more Seva by taking repeated births. I remember them. Blind, deaf, mute, sleepless with mental agony, and yet they all gave superb music despite their troubles. I tell them to please come back and bless future generations also. Let us all return. 2033 we will all return and perform. Some if you will remain. Some of you will be gone by then.
Q. Some family members do not believe in God. How to help such souls?
A. Your own breath controls your Prana, Life energy. You only experience your breath and life force, and not of others. No one else is responsible for your spiritual life. Do not care about family members. If your spiritual life is happy, you go ahead. We will protect.
Q. Sri Bala Swamiji has said in this morning’s lecture that everything came from Brahma. Guru is Brahma.
A. You ask Him the question about what He said. Do not ask me. I say that everything and everyone came from me. Sooner or later all will merge in me.
Q. Outside, there are so many problems with evil.
A. No one can solve. Not your problem. Take care of yourself. You may pray that everyone should get a good mind. Do not order me to set things right. Each to his Karma. It is inescapable.
Q. Caste, people talk about.
A. It is each one’s own business. In cinema, all go together. No one distinguishes by caste. The Government says you must mention caste in the application forms. You cannot do anything about it. You want to fight against Brahmins. Fight the govt. instead. All Brahmins are dead. Already starved. Ask the govt. Purandaradasa said we are all of Hari’s caste. If you have the courage, fight with the Government to remove that column from the forms where it instructs you to mention your caste. It will not happen. Set things right at the top level. Do not speak about it here.
Q. Brahmins, and persons of each caste are supposed to have their specific qualities. But people are not following. They are doing the opposite of what they should.
A. Will you give brahmins jobs? They behave like that because they have to live, to fill their stomachs. They act as priests. Then they wear pants and go to the fish market. Discipline. Dharma. Sadhana, are all important at the individual level. As Hindus, I tell everyone to at least wear the dot on the forehead. How many do? Our people in London, the Hindus do that now, because, otherwise, due to mistaken identity, they are getting killed. We are all Indians. Do not try to influence or criticize other people for what they do at home. It is their right. You cannot force. Some wear thick vibhuti, even IAS officers. Sardarjis insist on wearing their turban. It is their conviction. Don’t blame Brahmins. Anyway they are spoiled. If they cannot cook it at home, then they will eat fish in the restaurants.
Q. People criticize about our being devotees of Swamiji. What should we say to them?
A. Do not speak in public. Protect Guru as you would protect an infant, or your own mother, or a girl’s dignity. No need to explain. Give up their friendship. If someone criticizes your parents, will you keep quiet? If they blame you, won’t you fight back? Guru is more precious than parents. If you have to, you lose that relationship with those relatives.
Q. I do service only now. I sometimes have some free time. At that time, should I read scriptures?
A. Only do more service. Did books give you protection, when you first started? Guru gave you your life back. Service is what gave you protection. Serve Guru till you die. Next, you will want to go out and do other things. You will get corrupted with distractions. Do not change your path.
Some people want to go on pilgrimages when Swamiji is right here. Some don’t go if I tell them also.
Q. All deities have vehicles. For Moon, is there a vehicle?
A. Climb a ladder and look. Find out. Do you do Sandhya Vandana? Do you know the Navagraha Stotras? All planets have vehicles.
Q. Swamiji has lakhs of devotees. Only some get Swamiji in their dreams. Any message in this?
A. Dream is illusory. What you think a lot about, makes an impression on the mind. It is a Science. Mind recalls in dream things that it thinks about during waking hours. It is psychological. Swamiji certainly appears in dreams. Some minds are contaminated. There, into unclean minds, Swamiji will not go. Some don’t get dreams at all. They have no strong impressions. It is a gift from God. Dream gives strain to the mind. Dreamless sleepers are gifted. They enjoy blissful sleep.
Instead of other things, if Swamiji comes in the dream, it is good. As per mental state, it varies, with each individual’s imagination. If Swamiji comes, it is lucky. No dream also is very lucky. All dreams except dreams with Swamiji means, that person has no strong impression in mind of Swamiji.
Q. People get dreams. Why?
A. Restless minds get more dreams. Continuation of wakeful thoughts. You extend dreams also into wakeful hours. Heaps of dreams. If good messages are received, then there is no harm. Bad dreams with bad messages are not good. Keep the mind calm. Listen to soothing music. Most dreams are forgotten. If one gets more Oxygen, one gets good sleep. Gods speaking in dreams is an illusion.
Q. Sripada vallabha is the first incarnation of Datta. Narasimha Saraswati is the second. Swamiji is the third in Kali Yuga. Should we not publicize this?
A. No need for pamphlets or publications. Nothing wrong in doing it. Swamiji’s Nama the Guntur group is doing. You may do also. No need to convince others. Your own experience you share if you wish. Books alone are not effective.
Q. Why do good people suffer more? My professor was a calm, good man. He got cancer. Kept smiling till the end. Selfish, miserly people are getting wealthier. Why? I feel bad.
A. Everyone goes through many lifetimes, as per karma. A diary is maintained. Rama suffered. Sri Ramana Maharishi suffered. Rama was not even there to see his father die. He could not perform his last rites. Jesus Christ was nailed. Mohammad was called crazy. Kanakadasa and Ramadasa were tortured. It is all Karma. Prahlada suffered for so long. Draupadi was humiliated. Why did Krishna come so late? Your professor was not as great as these people. You observe bad people and are tempted to join them. Go ahead. Leave devotion and you will suffer. Why did you not give your own life to your professor who died from cancer? You only speak now in sympathy. But your mind is confused and contaminated. What happens to good people who turned bad? They will suffer. Suffering is inescapable. Praise good people. Stay away from bad people. Smile like your professor, during suffering. Learn good things from good people. Do not waste time. Krishna suffered from arrow shot. Endured pain. Rama also. Choose only what is right. Do not wish ill for bad people. Among four brothers, one becomes a millionaire. He will not help his other begging brothers. Be good.
Q. Should a wife follow her husband’s bad ways?
A. Not in Kali Yuga. You are not Anasuya. Your husband is not Atri. You are independent. If husband is good, worship him by all means. If he is bad, divorce him. You can live elsewhere. You cannot keep pleading with him to change. Let him jump in the well.
Q. Was Jesus Christ crucified because of his Karma?
A. He was a good man. We salute Him. Yes. He was not crucified because he carried the sins of others.
Q: Was Jesus not an Avatara, and incarnation of God?
A. We are all Avataras in a big or small way in this Creation. Incarnation or not, is as per your belief.
Q. Animal soul is same as human soul. Animal protein is harmful for health. Cows are suffering in milk industry. Calves are killed for veal. Cows become hamburgers. What is ahimsa diet?
A. If cows are tortured, then eat vegetarian food without dairy products. Vegetarians lived long lives. An elephant is strong, long living, and intelligent. No need for meat and eggs. Why eat their Karma?
Q. Should one drink cow’s milk knowing that cows are tortured?
A. Don’t. My grandfather took care of cows. Excess milk only was consumed by humans. If cows are well fed they yield more milk than required for their calves. Calves should not be over fed. Excess milk is okay for humans to consume. Factory milk gives no sin if consumed, as what is sold in India. It is not real milk. It is reconstituted with various substances.
Q. During large functions at the ashram, do you avoid serving dairy products that cause violence to cows?
A. Indian milk sold in the stores, made in factories is not pure milk. There is no sin in consuming it. Each must come to their own personal conclusions.
Kakada harati
Sri Guru Datta
Compiled by Smt Hira Duvvuri