Bhagavad Gita Chapter - 7 with Sri Sri | Register for LIVE Webcast http://srisriupdates.artoflivinguniverse.org/2015/08/bhagavad-gita-chapter-7-with-sri-sri.html via @AOLUniverse
Monday, 31 August 2015
Monday, August 31, 2015
Q: What can we possibly give you as a gift on your birthday? You have everything already.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I need many pillars of knowledge. I want you to really live the knowledge and also work to see that more and more people come onto the path of knowledge. There are a number of things you can do, such as being a part of the recent Sri Sri University. We are developing one of the best universities in the country with a lot of emphasis on human values. So, the University should grow and be able to cater to the needs of hundreds of people.
You can be a part of spreading Yoga and Ayurveda throughout the country. There are many many such seva initiatives and a number of activities you can be a part of. Or you can also be a part of improving anything here in the Ashram. You can mention your ideas and suggestions.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Monday, August 31, 2015
Beyond Happiness and Misery Through Meditation
When we are happy, we experience a sense of expansion; the mind expands, And when we are miserable, we experience a certain depth. That ,is why, whether you experience happiness or sorrow in life, treat both as equal, because happiness bring expansion and sorrow brings depth, and both make you stronger. And the way to go beyond both of these is meditation.
By meditating and being in knowledge, both centeredness and expansion start to co-exist within us. And that is because this is the nature of the self.
It is said (in the Upanishad), "Anor aniyan mahato mahiyan". Which means, smaller than the smallest and bigger than the biggest, that is what I am. This feeling starts coming up within you.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Monday, August 31, 2015
Running behind happiness makes you tired. When you run behind happiness you get tired, but when you repose in the self, when you rest, you get energy, and that brings you strength, joy and happiness. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Monday, August 31, 2015
Q: What do I do that everyone likes me?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Don’t try to make everyone like you. It is enough for that One to like you. How far will you go to make everyone happy? No. You make your own Self happy, satisfied. Make God happy. You just have to make that One happy.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, 30 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Q: If one becomes dispassionate, then the family members think we are ignorant and neglectful. Please specify the fine line that differentiates the two, and how can we answer to the family in such situations?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You cannot go on answering everyone’s questions or responding to their opinions; or trying to correct them all the time. If you are true to yourself and you know that deep down you care a lot for them, then that is good enough. You should walk your path and be sensitive to others’ needs. You cannot please everybody all the time.
Once it so happened that a man was sitting and reading a newspaper. Someone approached him and said, “Why are you sitting?” The man replied, “Oh, do you not like me sitting and reading? Okay then, I will stand and read”.
After some time another person came to the man and said, “Sir, why are you standing?” The man replied, “Oh, do you not like me standing? Alright then, I will start walking”.
A third person told him, “Sir, why are you walking and reading?” The man replied, “Oh, do you not like me walking? The footpath is built to walk, isn’t it! Fine, let me start running then”, and he started running. When he was running, a fourth person asked him, “Why are you running?” The man stopped and started crying. He said “Oh my God, you people do not even allow me to run!”
Another person came up to him and said, “Why are you crying?” The man said, “People do not allow me to sit, stand, walk, run or cry. What do I do?”
Life becomes miserable if you try to follow everyone’s instructions. Got it?
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Q: If one becomes dispassionate, then the family members think we are ignorant and neglectful. Please specify the fine line that differentiates the two, and how can we answer to the family in such situations?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You cannot go on answering everyone’s questions or responding to their opinions; or trying to correct them all the time. If you are true to yourself and you know that deep down you care a lot for them, then that is good enough. You should walk your path and be sensitive to others’ needs. You cannot please everybody all the time.
Once it so happened that a man was sitting and reading a newspaper. Someone approached him and said, “Why are you sitting?” The man replied, “Oh, do you not like me sitting and reading? Okay then, I will stand and read”.
After some time another person came to the man and said, “Sir, why are you standing?” The man replied, “Oh, do you not like me standing? Alright then, I will start walking”.
A third person told him, “Sir, why are you walking and reading?” The man replied, “Oh, do you not like me walking? The footpath is built to walk, isn’t it! Fine, let me start running then”, and he started running. When he was running, a fourth person asked him, “Why are you running?” The man stopped and started crying. He said “Oh my God, you people do not even allow me to run!”
Another person came up to him and said, “Why are you crying?” The man said, “People do not allow me to sit, stand, walk, run or cry. What do I do?”
Life becomes miserable if you try to follow everyone’s instructions. Got it?
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sunday, August 30, 2015
How to Handle Ego?
If you find that there is ego, then let it be. Even ego belongs to the divine. Don’t try to surrender, don’t struggle. If you say that I have surrendered my ego, then it is bigger ego. It’s like saying, "I am the most humble person in this entire world!" That doesn’t show humility. Just be Natural.
The more you grow in knowledge, you see that ego goes away. You know, around the seed there is a membrane. When you soak it in water, the seed bulges, sprouts and automatically the membrane breaks away. But if you try to peel the skin, the seed itself will break. Same way, when you soak yourself in knowledge, in devotion, in love, and in wisdom, you automatically find the ego going away.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, August 30, 2015
How to Handle Ego?
If you find that there is ego, then let it be. Even ego belongs to the divine. Don’t try to surrender, don’t struggle. If you say that I have surrendered my ego, then it is bigger ego. It’s like saying, "I am the most humble person in this entire world!" That doesn’t show humility. Just be Natural.
The more you grow in knowledge, you see that ego goes away. You know, around the seed there is a membrane. When you soak it in water, the seed bulges, sprouts and automatically the membrane breaks away. But if you try to peel the skin, the seed itself will break. Same way, when you soak yourself in knowledge, in devotion, in love, and in wisdom, you automatically find the ego going away.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru Punch of the day
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Often we hear people complaining, “Oh, no one understands me”. I tell you, the real problem is that you have not learnt to express yourself properly. You have not been able to make others understand. This is the essence. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Often we hear people complaining, “Oh, no one understands me”. I tell you, the real problem is that you have not learnt to express yourself properly. You have not been able to make others understand. This is the essence. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru One Liner of the day
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Q: How would you define full maturity in a human being?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: A smile that does not wither away, a confidence that doesn’t get shaken, a compassion that never dies down and a youthfulness of spirit which is alive all the time would define it for me.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Q: How would you define full maturity in a human being?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: A smile that does not wither away, a confidence that doesn’t get shaken, a compassion that never dies down and a youthfulness of spirit which is alive all the time would define it for me.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Saturday, 29 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Q: Please tell us the significance of Raksha Bandhan.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Today is Raksha Bandhan (a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters), and Shravan Upakarma (ritual conducted once a year when people change their upanayana thread).
The purpose of Raksha Bandhan is to remove fear from our lives.
It is fear that distorts our goodness and our creativity. It shrinks our personality and badly affects our behavior with other people.
Do you know what Upakarma is? It is the day of changing the Yajnopaveeta (sacred thread). What does the thread symbolize? It symbolizes the responsibilities that one carries on their shoulders. There are three strands in the Yajnopaveeta. What it implies is, we are indebted towards our parents, we are indebted towards our society and we are indebted towards our heritage. Carrying these three debts on the shoulder is Yajnopaveeta.
We have responsibility towards society. Society is giving us everything, so we have to give back to the society. Parents have taken care of us, so we have to repay their debt. And we have received knowledge, so we have the debt of that knowledge, debt of the heritage, debt of the Dharma. We are carrying these three debts on our shoulder. That thread weakens with time, so each year we remember it and giving Tarpana (offering) to the Rishis (ancient sages) we change the thread. We are indebted to the sages who have maintained this knowledge in the world for millions of years. Without the Rishi heritage, the knowledge would not been available for us today. For that, this is the day to pray to those sages and thank them.
Raksha Bandhan is a festival of giving assurance to each other, 'Look, I am with you'. Raksha Bandhan is a festival of connectivity, of giving assurance and confidence to each other that I am there with you and I am committed to help you, and stand by you. To say these things, we celebrate Raksha Bandhan, which means the bond of protection. With this assurance what happens? That fear vanishes. The purpose of Raksha Bandhan is to remove fear from our lives.
When there is bonding there is no fear. The lack of bonding is what causes insecurity to creep in. We worry what the other person will do. Will they take away our things from us. This fear of someone snatching things from you, whether it is family or society is very strong. And this fear is what distorts our goodness and our creativity. It shrinks our personality and badly affects our behaviour with other people. So the whole process, the festival is to celebrate knowledge and wisdom. Also, here in India, each full moon is dedicated to a particular event. A particular attribute is given to each full moon.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Q: Please tell us the significance of Raksha Bandhan.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Today is Raksha Bandhan (a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters), and Shravan Upakarma (ritual conducted once a year when people change their upanayana thread).
The purpose of Raksha Bandhan is to remove fear from our lives.
It is fear that distorts our goodness and our creativity. It shrinks our personality and badly affects our behavior with other people.
Do you know what Upakarma is? It is the day of changing the Yajnopaveeta (sacred thread). What does the thread symbolize? It symbolizes the responsibilities that one carries on their shoulders. There are three strands in the Yajnopaveeta. What it implies is, we are indebted towards our parents, we are indebted towards our society and we are indebted towards our heritage. Carrying these three debts on the shoulder is Yajnopaveeta.
We have responsibility towards society. Society is giving us everything, so we have to give back to the society. Parents have taken care of us, so we have to repay their debt. And we have received knowledge, so we have the debt of that knowledge, debt of the heritage, debt of the Dharma. We are carrying these three debts on our shoulder. That thread weakens with time, so each year we remember it and giving Tarpana (offering) to the Rishis (ancient sages) we change the thread. We are indebted to the sages who have maintained this knowledge in the world for millions of years. Without the Rishi heritage, the knowledge would not been available for us today. For that, this is the day to pray to those sages and thank them.
Raksha Bandhan is a festival of giving assurance to each other, 'Look, I am with you'. Raksha Bandhan is a festival of connectivity, of giving assurance and confidence to each other that I am there with you and I am committed to help you, and stand by you. To say these things, we celebrate Raksha Bandhan, which means the bond of protection. With this assurance what happens? That fear vanishes. The purpose of Raksha Bandhan is to remove fear from our lives.
When there is bonding there is no fear. The lack of bonding is what causes insecurity to creep in. We worry what the other person will do. Will they take away our things from us. This fear of someone snatching things from you, whether it is family or society is very strong. And this fear is what distorts our goodness and our creativity. It shrinks our personality and badly affects our behaviour with other people. So the whole process, the festival is to celebrate knowledge and wisdom. Also, here in India, each full moon is dedicated to a particular event. A particular attribute is given to each full moon.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Raksha Bandhan
This full moon is dedicated to the seers - the Rishis. It is also called the Raksha Bandhan. Bandhan means bondage, Raksha means protection. A bondage that protects you - your bondage to the Knowledge, to the Master, to the Truth, to the Self, all Save You. A rope can be tied to either protect or strangle you. The small mind and mundane things can strangle you. The big mind or knowledge saves you. Raksha Bandhan is that bondage that saves you. You are bound by your bondage to the Satsang. Your bondage to the Master, to the Truth, to the ancient Knowledge of the Rishis, and that is your saviour. Bandhan is bonding and bonding is essential in life. Let the bonding be divine in a life free from bondage.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Raksha Bandhan
This full moon is dedicated to the seers - the Rishis. It is also called the Raksha Bandhan. Bandhan means bondage, Raksha means protection. A bondage that protects you - your bondage to the Knowledge, to the Master, to the Truth, to the Self, all Save You. A rope can be tied to either protect or strangle you. The small mind and mundane things can strangle you. The big mind or knowledge saves you. Raksha Bandhan is that bondage that saves you. You are bound by your bondage to the Satsang. Your bondage to the Master, to the Truth, to the ancient Knowledge of the Rishis, and that is your saviour. Bandhan is bonding and bonding is essential in life. Let the bonding be divine in a life free from bondage.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru Punch of the day
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Often we hear people complaining, “Oh, no one understands me”. I tell you, the real problem is that you have not learnt to express yourself properly. You have not been able to make others understand. This is the essence. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Often we hear people complaining, “Oh, no one understands me”. I tell you, the real problem is that you have not learnt to express yourself properly. You have not been able to make others understand. This is the essence. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru One Liner of the day
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Q: I am 21 years old, how can I stop my drug addiction? I want to stop drugs. I don’t like to take drugs but I can’t control. Every time I think I won’t take drugs I end up taking them.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: There is no point in giving advice to someone who cannot implement it. Best thing is to go the de-addiction centers. Stay some time there. And there are de-addiction centers which teach Sudarshan Kriya and meditation and help people come out of it very fast. This has helped hundreds and thousands. So do that. Sudarshan Kriya will definitely help you.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Q: I am 21 years old, how can I stop my drug addiction? I want to stop drugs. I don’t like to take drugs but I can’t control. Every time I think I won’t take drugs I end up taking them.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: There is no point in giving advice to someone who cannot implement it. Best thing is to go the de-addiction centers. Stay some time there. And there are de-addiction centers which teach Sudarshan Kriya and meditation and help people come out of it very fast. This has helped hundreds and thousands. So do that. Sudarshan Kriya will definitely help you.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Friday, 28 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Friday, August 28, 2015
Q: Till what extent should one compromise; especially when it has to be with my wife? What if my wife does not listen or understanding?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: See, I have no experience in these matters (laughter). How do I tell you this? I would say, you should listen to her and agree, for she is the boss at home! She is literally like the Prime Minister at home. What can you do? You need to find out some way to talk to her and make her understand. If you do not know, then consult and learn some new ways from others.
There is a small story about this. There was once a gentleman whose wife would do the exact opposite of everything that he said. Suppose if the man said, “I do not wish to have any gravy dish for dinner”, the wife would cook only gravy dishes for dinner.
If he would say, “I do not wish to wear a blue shirt to office today”, she would only iron a blue shirt for him to wear, and she would put all the other shirts for washing. So this is how it used to happen. If the gentleman did not wish to eat out one day, that very day she would insist on eating out and have her way. In this way, everything used to happen against his wishes. The gentleman became very dejected because of all this.
Do you know that in India there is a club called the Battered Husbands Club? Have you all heard about it? Sometime back when I had written a short article on Women’s Rights, I got a letter from the members of this club. In the letter, they wrote saying, “Oh Gurudev! Why are you being so partial to women? Please have some consideration towards us men as well! We have formed a Battered Husbands Club also for this reason”. Perhaps this gentleman was also a member of this club. He must have been quite troubled, and when someone is so troubled from within, they naturally become restless and sometimes go for walks by themselves. One day as this gentleman was walking on the road, he met a sage by chance. The sage asked him, “My dear, what is the matter?” He replied, “O Sage! How would you know what condition I am in? You are always happy and in bliss”. The gentleman then narrated his story to the sage. After hearing the story, the sage whispered a mantra in the gentleman’s ear. The sage said, “Now you just try this and see what happens”.
So the man went back and did as he was told. Six months later, he met the sage once again. This time, the gentleman was happy and cheerful. He told the sage, “O Sage! Your mantra really worked”. At this time, there was another man standing nearby who happened to overhear this conversation. So he also approached them and asked, “Please tell me what was the mantra you used”.
The wise sage then said, “Dear one, in a situation like this, always say the exact opposite of what your heart wants. Do not speak out what you want, and do not want what you speak out”. Since the time the gentleman was advised this, he followed this every day. The day he did not want to have a gravy dish, he would insist the exact opposite and ask for a gravy dish to be prepared. When he wanted to wear a blue shirt to work, he would actually tell his wife that he did not want to wear a blue shirt. So in this way, he was able to handle the situation by tapping into the root cause of the problem. This is real skilfulness. Yoga brings out this skilfulness in you. It makes you so skilful in communication.
If we are able to learn even this much, so many problems will get solved. Often we hear people complaining, “Oh, no one understands me”. I tell you, the real problem is that you have not learnt to express yourself properly. You have not been able to make others understand. This is the essence.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Friday, August 28, 2015
Q: Till what extent should one compromise; especially when it has to be with my wife? What if my wife does not listen or understanding?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: See, I have no experience in these matters (laughter). How do I tell you this? I would say, you should listen to her and agree, for she is the boss at home! She is literally like the Prime Minister at home. What can you do? You need to find out some way to talk to her and make her understand. If you do not know, then consult and learn some new ways from others.
There is a small story about this. There was once a gentleman whose wife would do the exact opposite of everything that he said. Suppose if the man said, “I do not wish to have any gravy dish for dinner”, the wife would cook only gravy dishes for dinner.
If he would say, “I do not wish to wear a blue shirt to office today”, she would only iron a blue shirt for him to wear, and she would put all the other shirts for washing. So this is how it used to happen. If the gentleman did not wish to eat out one day, that very day she would insist on eating out and have her way. In this way, everything used to happen against his wishes. The gentleman became very dejected because of all this.
Do you know that in India there is a club called the Battered Husbands Club? Have you all heard about it? Sometime back when I had written a short article on Women’s Rights, I got a letter from the members of this club. In the letter, they wrote saying, “Oh Gurudev! Why are you being so partial to women? Please have some consideration towards us men as well! We have formed a Battered Husbands Club also for this reason”. Perhaps this gentleman was also a member of this club. He must have been quite troubled, and when someone is so troubled from within, they naturally become restless and sometimes go for walks by themselves. One day as this gentleman was walking on the road, he met a sage by chance. The sage asked him, “My dear, what is the matter?” He replied, “O Sage! How would you know what condition I am in? You are always happy and in bliss”. The gentleman then narrated his story to the sage. After hearing the story, the sage whispered a mantra in the gentleman’s ear. The sage said, “Now you just try this and see what happens”.
So the man went back and did as he was told. Six months later, he met the sage once again. This time, the gentleman was happy and cheerful. He told the sage, “O Sage! Your mantra really worked”. At this time, there was another man standing nearby who happened to overhear this conversation. So he also approached them and asked, “Please tell me what was the mantra you used”.
The wise sage then said, “Dear one, in a situation like this, always say the exact opposite of what your heart wants. Do not speak out what you want, and do not want what you speak out”. Since the time the gentleman was advised this, he followed this every day. The day he did not want to have a gravy dish, he would insist the exact opposite and ask for a gravy dish to be prepared. When he wanted to wear a blue shirt to work, he would actually tell his wife that he did not want to wear a blue shirt. So in this way, he was able to handle the situation by tapping into the root cause of the problem. This is real skilfulness. Yoga brings out this skilfulness in you. It makes you so skilful in communication.
If we are able to learn even this much, so many problems will get solved. Often we hear people complaining, “Oh, no one understands me”. I tell you, the real problem is that you have not learnt to express yourself properly. You have not been able to make others understand. This is the essence.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Friday, August 28, 2015
Running Behind Happiness?
Deep rest is the essence of sadhana. You have become so tired by doing something or the other all the time. Now just sit down for some time and to be with yourself. Do some meditation. When you meditate, you will start seeing a new world in front of you. You get deep rest is meditation. You get rest when you are content, and this rest is what gives rise to Happiness.
Running behind happiness makes you tired. When you run behind happiness you get tired, but when you repose in the self, when you rest, you get energy, and that brings you strength, joy and happiness. So every once in a while, stop the rat race, and take some time out to be with yourself, and get some rest. This is what knowledge is and this is what spirituality is.
Many time, in the name of sadhana also, we start engaging ourselves in some activity, and once again we get tired. I tell you, the physical body does not make you as tired as the mind does. Work doesn’t make you as tired as much as your desires. Nothing else makes you more tired than your own desires, or greed. So what is important is for you to become content. Again and again, be content. This is an art and this is what meditation is. True sadhana is to being calm, contented, and rested.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Friday, August 28, 2015
Running Behind Happiness?
Deep rest is the essence of sadhana. You have become so tired by doing something or the other all the time. Now just sit down for some time and to be with yourself. Do some meditation. When you meditate, you will start seeing a new world in front of you. You get deep rest is meditation. You get rest when you are content, and this rest is what gives rise to Happiness.
Running behind happiness makes you tired. When you run behind happiness you get tired, but when you repose in the self, when you rest, you get energy, and that brings you strength, joy and happiness. So every once in a while, stop the rat race, and take some time out to be with yourself, and get some rest. This is what knowledge is and this is what spirituality is.
Many time, in the name of sadhana also, we start engaging ourselves in some activity, and once again we get tired. I tell you, the physical body does not make you as tired as the mind does. Work doesn’t make you as tired as much as your desires. Nothing else makes you more tired than your own desires, or greed. So what is important is for you to become content. Again and again, be content. This is an art and this is what meditation is. True sadhana is to being calm, contented, and rested.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru One Liner of the day
Friday, August 28, 2015
Q: Every major decision has many uncertainties. How do we develop the ability to make the right decision that works for the present and also for the future?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Intuition, Intuition and Intuition. And how do we awaken our intuition? It happens through meditation. I think I said this in my last tweet before this session.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Friday, August 28, 2015
Q: Every major decision has many uncertainties. How do we develop the ability to make the right decision that works for the present and also for the future?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Intuition, Intuition and Intuition. And how do we awaken our intuition? It happens through meditation. I think I said this in my last tweet before this session.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Wisdom Quote of the day
Friday, August 28, 2015
Emotions should be streamlined through wisdom. When there is wisdom then you know which emotion to express and which not to express. And where you should express, and where you should not. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Friday, August 28, 2015
Emotions should be streamlined through wisdom. When there is wisdom then you know which emotion to express and which not to express. And where you should express, and where you should not. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, 27 August 2015
Lord Krishna in Chapter 7, Bhagavad Gita
Dear One,
“I will tell you the complete knowledge, knowing which there is nothing else to be known.” – Lord Krishna in Chapter 7, Bhagavad Gita.
Sri Sri will be speaking on the “Gyana Vignana Yoga” – “The Yoga of the Ultimate Truth”, Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 7 at Delhi as a part of the Krishna Janmashtami (Krishna’s Birthday) celebrations.
An opportunity for you to celebrate by listening to the ultimate wisdom given by Lord Krishna on his birthday from wherever you are – on your laptop, mobile or tablet.
Dates: 4, 5 & 6 Sep 2015
LIVE Webcast Time: 6 pm - 8 pm IST (4,5 September) | 11 am - 1 pm (6 September)
Venue: At your place
Language: Hindi, with optional LIVE translations available in English, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese.
To Book Your Webcast, click here.
For any assistance, you may reach out to us by mailing to onlineevents@artofliving.org (or)
Anytime between 10 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on +91-8032011081.
Thank you.
Jai Guru Dev,
The Art of Living Webcast Team.
P.S.: The recorded videos will be available to you for multiple online viewing until a week after the webcast. Register today to watch all the days webcasts LIVE and recorded.
Dear One,
“I will tell you the complete knowledge, knowing which there is nothing else to be known.” – Lord Krishna in Chapter 7, Bhagavad Gita.
Sri Sri will be speaking on the “Gyana Vignana Yoga” – “The Yoga of the Ultimate Truth”, Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 7 at Delhi as a part of the Krishna Janmashtami (Krishna’s Birthday) celebrations.
An opportunity for you to celebrate by listening to the ultimate wisdom given by Lord Krishna on his birthday from wherever you are – on your laptop, mobile or tablet.
Dates: 4, 5 & 6 Sep 2015
LIVE Webcast Time: 6 pm - 8 pm IST (4,5 September) | 11 am - 1 pm (6 September)
Venue: At your place
Language: Hindi, with optional LIVE translations available in English, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese.
To Book Your Webcast, click here.
For any assistance, you may reach out to us by mailing to onlineevents@artofliving.org (or)
Anytime between 10 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on +91-8032011081.
Thank you.
Jai Guru Dev,
The Art of Living Webcast Team.
P.S.: The recorded videos will be available to you for multiple online viewing until a week after the webcast. Register today to watch all the days webcasts LIVE and recorded.
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Thursday, August 27, 2015
No Time For Spiritual Practices?
I want to ask you a question. When you have to go for work, do you ever leave without brushing your teeth? Even if you have a lot of work to do, do you leave without brushing your teeth? I also had a lot of work to attend to today. I was meeting thousands of people today since morning. But do you give up drinking water because of so much work? Suppose today you know you have a lot of work in the office. Do you simply get out of bed, change into your shirt and trousers and run off to work? Do you go to the restroom or not before leaving? If you do not brush your teeth one day, no one will be able to sit near you. So it is necessary to brush your teeth every day. This is dental hygiene. In the same way, doing pranayama and meditation every day is mental hygiene.
To free the mind of all stress and to go to work with a cheerful and happy mind, you need to invest a few minutes every day for this as well. Take some time out for this. Once it comes into your routine, then it becomes a part of your day and it does not disturb your schedule anymore. No matter how urgent things may be, just have this firm determination that I will sit for 10 minutes and leave only after completing my pranayama and meditation. Once you discipline yourself this way, then that’s all that is needed. Even if you do it just once in the day, that is good enough. And if by chance you miss it one day, it is alright; do not worry too much and do it the very next day. But I am not willing to agree that one does not get time to do this.
See, everyone has only 24 hours at their disposal. One who works in a job too has only 24 hours, and even the Prime Minister has only 24 hours for himself. Both of them feel that there isn’t enough time. How much we are able to do and achieve in the time we have is a measure of our skillfulness.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, August 27, 2015
No Time For Spiritual Practices?
I want to ask you a question. When you have to go for work, do you ever leave without brushing your teeth? Even if you have a lot of work to do, do you leave without brushing your teeth? I also had a lot of work to attend to today. I was meeting thousands of people today since morning. But do you give up drinking water because of so much work? Suppose today you know you have a lot of work in the office. Do you simply get out of bed, change into your shirt and trousers and run off to work? Do you go to the restroom or not before leaving? If you do not brush your teeth one day, no one will be able to sit near you. So it is necessary to brush your teeth every day. This is dental hygiene. In the same way, doing pranayama and meditation every day is mental hygiene.
To free the mind of all stress and to go to work with a cheerful and happy mind, you need to invest a few minutes every day for this as well. Take some time out for this. Once it comes into your routine, then it becomes a part of your day and it does not disturb your schedule anymore. No matter how urgent things may be, just have this firm determination that I will sit for 10 minutes and leave only after completing my pranayama and meditation. Once you discipline yourself this way, then that’s all that is needed. Even if you do it just once in the day, that is good enough. And if by chance you miss it one day, it is alright; do not worry too much and do it the very next day. But I am not willing to agree that one does not get time to do this.
See, everyone has only 24 hours at their disposal. One who works in a job too has only 24 hours, and even the Prime Minister has only 24 hours for himself. Both of them feel that there isn’t enough time. How much we are able to do and achieve in the time we have is a measure of our skillfulness.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru Punch of the day
Thursday, August 27, 2015
If your teacher is being strict, she wants to bring out the best in you. She wants to make you tough and solid. If your teacher scolds you, it is because she wants you to progress faster and grow stronger. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, August 27, 2015
If your teacher is being strict, she wants to bring out the best in you. She wants to make you tough and solid. If your teacher scolds you, it is because she wants you to progress faster and grow stronger. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Wednesday, 26 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Q: I am not able to do my sadhana properly because of my job, but I really want to do it more regularly. What can I do?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Alright, I want to ask you a question. When you have to go for work, do you ever leave without brushing your teeth? Even if you have a lot of work to do, do you leave without brushing your teeth? I also had a lot of work to attend to today. I was meeting thousands of people today since morning. But do you give up drinking water because of so much work? Suppose today you know you have a lot of work in the office. Do you simply get out of bed, change into your shirt and trousers and run off to work? Do you go to the restroom or not before leaving? If you do not brush your teeth one day, no one will be able to sit near you. So it is necessary to brush your teeth every day. This is dental hygiene. In the same way, doing pranayama and meditation every day is mental hygiene.
To free the mind of all stress and to go to work with a cheerful and happy mind, you need to invest a few minutes every day for this as well. Take some time out for this. Once it comes into your routine, then it becomes a part of your day and it does not disturb your schedule anymore. No matter how urgent things may be, just have this firm determination that I will sit for 10 minutes and leave only after completing my pranayama and meditation. Once you discipline yourself this way, then that’s all that is needed. Even if you do it just once in the day, that is good enough. And if by chance you miss it one day, it is alright; do not worry too much and do it the very next day. But I am not willing to agree that one does not get time to do this.
See, everyone has only 24 hours at their disposal. One who works in a job too has only 24 hours, and even the Prime Minister has only 24 hours for himself. Both of them feel that there isn’t enough time. How much we are able to do and achieve in the time we have is a measure of our skilfulness.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Q: I am not able to do my sadhana properly because of my job, but I really want to do it more regularly. What can I do?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Alright, I want to ask you a question. When you have to go for work, do you ever leave without brushing your teeth? Even if you have a lot of work to do, do you leave without brushing your teeth? I also had a lot of work to attend to today. I was meeting thousands of people today since morning. But do you give up drinking water because of so much work? Suppose today you know you have a lot of work in the office. Do you simply get out of bed, change into your shirt and trousers and run off to work? Do you go to the restroom or not before leaving? If you do not brush your teeth one day, no one will be able to sit near you. So it is necessary to brush your teeth every day. This is dental hygiene. In the same way, doing pranayama and meditation every day is mental hygiene.
To free the mind of all stress and to go to work with a cheerful and happy mind, you need to invest a few minutes every day for this as well. Take some time out for this. Once it comes into your routine, then it becomes a part of your day and it does not disturb your schedule anymore. No matter how urgent things may be, just have this firm determination that I will sit for 10 minutes and leave only after completing my pranayama and meditation. Once you discipline yourself this way, then that’s all that is needed. Even if you do it just once in the day, that is good enough. And if by chance you miss it one day, it is alright; do not worry too much and do it the very next day. But I am not willing to agree that one does not get time to do this.
See, everyone has only 24 hours at their disposal. One who works in a job too has only 24 hours, and even the Prime Minister has only 24 hours for himself. Both of them feel that there isn’t enough time. How much we are able to do and achieve in the time we have is a measure of our skilfulness.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru One Liner of the day
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Q: Could you give me reason why faith gets shaken during difficult times in life?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Faith remains in you. Faith is in the center core, and doubt is only on the circumference. They sometimes come like clouds and obscure you, but they really cannot destroy the faith.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Q: Could you give me reason why faith gets shaken during difficult times in life?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Faith remains in you. Faith is in the center core, and doubt is only on the circumference. They sometimes come like clouds and obscure you, but they really cannot destroy the faith.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Advice to Businessmen
Be ethical when you do business. You don’t need to be in a rush to make money overnight. Think about creating a stable, sustainable business. Don't be too greedy, but at the same time, have a vision and an ambition. Let that vision and ambition not turn into greed, where it takes you beyond ethics and makes you collapse. Don’t get carried away by greed.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Advice to Businessmen
Be ethical when you do business. You don’t need to be in a rush to make money overnight. Think about creating a stable, sustainable business. Don't be too greedy, but at the same time, have a vision and an ambition. Let that vision and ambition not turn into greed, where it takes you beyond ethics and makes you collapse. Don’t get carried away by greed.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru Punch of the day
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
You should not put on a defense in front of the guru, you should be open. A guru is never judgmental, he is very accommodating, compassionate and only wants the best for you. Not even the second best, only the best! - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
You should not put on a defense in front of the guru, you should be open. A guru is never judgmental, he is very accommodating, compassionate and only wants the best for you. Not even the second best, only the best! - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Tuesday, 25 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Q: If I am the source of thoughts, then is there any difference between the source and the soul? If it is the same, do bad thoughts affect the soul?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: See, when do you realize that a thought is good or bad? You can realize this only when the thought has already come. You cannot stop a thought or know a thought before it comes. And when it comes, it also goes away immediately. If you are a witness to the thought, it simply drifts away and vanishes. But if you hold on to it and chew on it, then it stays with you.
Thoughts come and go, but that which is the basis of thoughts – is the atma (soul). And that is what you are. You are like the sky, and thoughts are like clouds. This could be the nearest example one can give. Clouds come and go in the sky, but can they disturb or limit the vastness of the sky in any way? No, not at all.
So when you fly above the clouds, when you go beyond the clouds, you see that the sky is untouched. It is the same, it is unchanged. It is only the thoughts which keep moving. This is what happens in meditation. When you come into Sakshi bhaav, i.e., when you simply become a witness to the thoughts.
We do not have to attach ourselves to the thoughts. That is foolishness. Whether they are good thoughts, or bad thoughts – they come and go. You are far above and beyond all this. This is called the Vihangam Maarg – it means rising above thoughts and seeing that you have nothing to do with these moving thoughts.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Q: If I am the source of thoughts, then is there any difference between the source and the soul? If it is the same, do bad thoughts affect the soul?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: See, when do you realize that a thought is good or bad? You can realize this only when the thought has already come. You cannot stop a thought or know a thought before it comes. And when it comes, it also goes away immediately. If you are a witness to the thought, it simply drifts away and vanishes. But if you hold on to it and chew on it, then it stays with you.
Thoughts come and go, but that which is the basis of thoughts – is the atma (soul). And that is what you are. You are like the sky, and thoughts are like clouds. This could be the nearest example one can give. Clouds come and go in the sky, but can they disturb or limit the vastness of the sky in any way? No, not at all.
So when you fly above the clouds, when you go beyond the clouds, you see that the sky is untouched. It is the same, it is unchanged. It is only the thoughts which keep moving. This is what happens in meditation. When you come into Sakshi bhaav, i.e., when you simply become a witness to the thoughts.
We do not have to attach ourselves to the thoughts. That is foolishness. Whether they are good thoughts, or bad thoughts – they come and go. You are far above and beyond all this. This is called the Vihangam Maarg – it means rising above thoughts and seeing that you have nothing to do with these moving thoughts.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru One Liner of the day
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Q: Many times my intention is not wrong but my action is wrong. Will I accumulate any bad karma for that?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: If intention is right then don’t worry about it. Though action does have its repercussions, but it is not much when the intention is right.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Q: Many times my intention is not wrong but my action is wrong. Will I accumulate any bad karma for that?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: If intention is right then don’t worry about it. Though action does have its repercussions, but it is not much when the intention is right.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Mind boggling photographs from #GuruPurnima Celebration in Boone has been uploaded for you: http://aolu.co/GP15BoonePics
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Quality Control in Yoga
We need to have a quality control in yoga; anyone cannot say anything and call it yoga. All yoga teachers should do certain hours of the practice of yoga each day.
Today someone attends a yoga class for a week and then they become yoga teachers. They can’t move their body but they instruct others to move their bodies. They can’t sit still for 10 minutes, and they talk about meditation to others.
If you cannot sit still for a few minutes, how can you teach meditation? Walk the talk and talk the walk should be the slogan for a yoga teacher, and they should have a thorough training on yoga.
It is good that the Government of India has come up with quality control measures in yoga. They are designing methods and setting up standards to certify yoga teachers, and this is necessary.
If someone wants to teach yoga they should know about the nature of the mind, about the patterns of breath, about the seven layers of existence, then they can become good yoga teachers.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Quality Control in Yoga
We need to have a quality control in yoga; anyone cannot say anything and call it yoga. All yoga teachers should do certain hours of the practice of yoga each day.
Today someone attends a yoga class for a week and then they become yoga teachers. They can’t move their body but they instruct others to move their bodies. They can’t sit still for 10 minutes, and they talk about meditation to others.
If you cannot sit still for a few minutes, how can you teach meditation? Walk the talk and talk the walk should be the slogan for a yoga teacher, and they should have a thorough training on yoga.
It is good that the Government of India has come up with quality control measures in yoga. They are designing methods and setting up standards to certify yoga teachers, and this is necessary.
If someone wants to teach yoga they should know about the nature of the mind, about the patterns of breath, about the seven layers of existence, then they can become good yoga teachers.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Monday, 24 August 2015
Guru One Liner of the day
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Q: Friendship seems to have an expiry date. My school friends are not in touch with me anymore. Is there any relationship that doesn’t have an expiry date?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Your connection to yourself has no expiry date. If you are friendly then anyone who comes in front of you, you become friendly with them. You exuberate friendliness and that has no expiry date. Nor does it have any manufacturing date.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Q: Friendship seems to have an expiry date. My school friends are not in touch with me anymore. Is there any relationship that doesn’t have an expiry date?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Your connection to yourself has no expiry date. If you are friendly then anyone who comes in front of you, you become friendly with them. You exuberate friendliness and that has no expiry date. Nor does it have any manufacturing date.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Wisdom Quote of the day
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Always give compliments and you will see that comes back to you many folds, and if you throw blame, it will come back to you. This is the law of attraction. Whatever you throw bounces back onto you. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Always give compliments and you will see that comes back to you many folds, and if you throw blame, it will come back to you. This is the law of attraction. Whatever you throw bounces back onto you. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Monday, August 24, 2015
Emotions - To Be Expressed or Suppressed?
Emotions are such that sometimes you should abstain from them, and sometimes you should express them. You can’t take extreme views here. You cannot always suppress your emotion and you cannot always keep expressing your emotion. Both will bring you difficulties and trouble.
If you always suppress your emotion you will be in trouble. If you always keep expressing your emotions, then also you will be in trouble and you will put others also in trouble. That’s why emotions should be streamlined through wisdom. When there is wisdom then you know which emotion to express and which not to express. And where you should express, and where you should not.
Suppose you are at a funeral service of somebody, then you can’t say, ‘Oh, I am so happy’, and keep jumping! People will feel like slapping you. You may be happy but you cannot express that.
Similarly, if you are sad and there is a wedding party or reception happening, you can’t go and say, ‘I am so sad’. People will not like to see you sad as they are celebrating. You will spoil the whole atmosphere.
So you have to use your discrimination - where, when, how you must express your emotions and where it is not wise to do so.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Monday, August 24, 2015
Emotions - To Be Expressed or Suppressed?
Emotions are such that sometimes you should abstain from them, and sometimes you should express them. You can’t take extreme views here. You cannot always suppress your emotion and you cannot always keep expressing your emotion. Both will bring you difficulties and trouble.
If you always suppress your emotion you will be in trouble. If you always keep expressing your emotions, then also you will be in trouble and you will put others also in trouble. That’s why emotions should be streamlined through wisdom. When there is wisdom then you know which emotion to express and which not to express. And where you should express, and where you should not.
Suppose you are at a funeral service of somebody, then you can’t say, ‘Oh, I am so happy’, and keep jumping! People will feel like slapping you. You may be happy but you cannot express that.
Similarly, if you are sad and there is a wedding party or reception happening, you can’t go and say, ‘I am so sad’. People will not like to see you sad as they are celebrating. You will spoil the whole atmosphere.
So you have to use your discrimination - where, when, how you must express your emotions and where it is not wise to do so.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru Punch of the day
Monday, August 24, 2015
Nature of happiness is to share, but you cannot do it if you’re hiding your mistakes. By hiding your mistakes you are dampening your own progress. When you share your mistakes, people will appreciate it. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Monday, August 24, 2015
Nature of happiness is to share, but you cannot do it if you’re hiding your mistakes. By hiding your mistakes you are dampening your own progress. When you share your mistakes, people will appreciate it. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, 23 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Monday, August 24, 2015
Q: Can marriage happen between two people belonging to the same Gotra (a term in Hindu culture referring to the unbroken ancestral line of descents from a common male ancestor)?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When I was touring Haryana this time, many scientists and people met me. They discussed very interesting and unique facts about this. They spoke about how they differentiate different breeds of cows and determine the genes a particular breed carries, on the basis on Genealogy.
They told me that they do not marry within the same Gotra or gene pool and which is why they have such healthy children and generations of progeny. They told me that out of the 10 sports medals in sport events this year, nine medals have been bagged by Haryana. And they told me that the reason why this happened is because they give so much importance to the concept of Gotra and follow it very seriously.
They told me that for up to three generations, they do not marry within the same Gotraon the mother’s side as well, which is why their children have very healthy genes across generations. So we have been following these principles about the Gotra since many ages.
This concept has great importance in the field of animal husbandry as well. It is also said that siblings should not marry each other, and marriages should not be held between very close relatives. So this appears to be correct from a scientific perspective.
The concept of Gotra is very ancient and has expanded so much over several hundred years. At the same time, I do not think it is right to be too rigid and fanatical about it as well. For example, the way you follow Gotras in Punjab or Haryana may not be the same way you do in Tamil Nadu, because there can be a great difference. There is definitely a lot of relevance for the Gotra and as much as possible, it is good to not marry within the same Gotra.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Monday, August 24, 2015
Q: Can marriage happen between two people belonging to the same Gotra (a term in Hindu culture referring to the unbroken ancestral line of descents from a common male ancestor)?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When I was touring Haryana this time, many scientists and people met me. They discussed very interesting and unique facts about this. They spoke about how they differentiate different breeds of cows and determine the genes a particular breed carries, on the basis on Genealogy.
They told me that they do not marry within the same Gotra or gene pool and which is why they have such healthy children and generations of progeny. They told me that out of the 10 sports medals in sport events this year, nine medals have been bagged by Haryana. And they told me that the reason why this happened is because they give so much importance to the concept of Gotra and follow it very seriously.
They told me that for up to three generations, they do not marry within the same Gotraon the mother’s side as well, which is why their children have very healthy genes across generations. So we have been following these principles about the Gotra since many ages.
This concept has great importance in the field of animal husbandry as well. It is also said that siblings should not marry each other, and marriages should not be held between very close relatives. So this appears to be correct from a scientific perspective.
The concept of Gotra is very ancient and has expanded so much over several hundred years. At the same time, I do not think it is right to be too rigid and fanatical about it as well. For example, the way you follow Gotras in Punjab or Haryana may not be the same way you do in Tamil Nadu, because there can be a great difference. There is definitely a lot of relevance for the Gotra and as much as possible, it is good to not marry within the same Gotra.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Awareness and lack of it causes all mistakes in our life | A short story by @SriSri: http://aolu.co/StoryBySriSri01
Happiness is right here & now & the way to find it is through meditation!
Guided Meditations: http://aolu.co/MeditationBySriSri …
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Are You Dependent or Independent?
Life is such; you should not feel that I am dependent, and I want to be independent. See, no baby has been independent. As a baby, parents took care of you, and in your old age, your children or someone else will take care of you. So, life in the beginning, and in the end, is dependency. In between, we think we are independent but there also we are dependent on many things.
If your attention is on divinity, then you will not feel the burden of dependency, or the frustration to have independence, both will disappear.
People who feel that they want to have independence, they are also frustrated. This is because wanting independence is a frustration. Come on, wake up. When you were a baby, were you not dependent? No baby thinks 'I want to go back from where I came because I am dependent on my parents', no! Whether in the form of parents, or as children, or as friends, the help you get from anywhere is coming from only one source, i.e., the divinity. It is only the divine who took care of you as your parents, and it is only the divine who will take care of you as your nurse, or neighbour, or friends, or anybody else. Someone will always come and take care of you, you don’t have to worry at all.
This whole sense of insecurity that we build in us should simply be thrown out and burned down. Don’t think your children will take care of you. Maybe during your last breath, your servant or neighbor may come and help you, who knows? Whoever is helping you, it is not that individual that is helping you, it is God helping you in that form. Leave it to the divine energy to help you when you are in need, in whatever form. So you don’t need to feel obliged or burdened by anybody’s help. Got it?
This is a big problem. We feel burdened by somebody’s help. You don’t need to feel burdened by it; that is ignorance. It is only the divine who is helping you through other people. If you have this understanding, the Advaita knowledge, then nothing can restrict your blossoming.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Are You Dependent or Independent?
Life is such; you should not feel that I am dependent, and I want to be independent. See, no baby has been independent. As a baby, parents took care of you, and in your old age, your children or someone else will take care of you. So, life in the beginning, and in the end, is dependency. In between, we think we are independent but there also we are dependent on many things.
If your attention is on divinity, then you will not feel the burden of dependency, or the frustration to have independence, both will disappear.
People who feel that they want to have independence, they are also frustrated. This is because wanting independence is a frustration. Come on, wake up. When you were a baby, were you not dependent? No baby thinks 'I want to go back from where I came because I am dependent on my parents', no! Whether in the form of parents, or as children, or as friends, the help you get from anywhere is coming from only one source, i.e., the divinity. It is only the divine who took care of you as your parents, and it is only the divine who will take care of you as your nurse, or neighbour, or friends, or anybody else. Someone will always come and take care of you, you don’t have to worry at all.
This whole sense of insecurity that we build in us should simply be thrown out and burned down. Don’t think your children will take care of you. Maybe during your last breath, your servant or neighbor may come and help you, who knows? Whoever is helping you, it is not that individual that is helping you, it is God helping you in that form. Leave it to the divine energy to help you when you are in need, in whatever form. So you don’t need to feel obliged or burdened by anybody’s help. Got it?
This is a big problem. We feel burdened by somebody’s help. You don’t need to feel burdened by it; that is ignorance. It is only the divine who is helping you through other people. If you have this understanding, the Advaita knowledge, then nothing can restrict your blossoming.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru Punch of the day
Sunday, August 23, 2015
There are issues in the world today, and depression is one of them. Depression is going to be the biggest killer in the world. Every two seconds, seven people die out of stress, and what we are doing is helping people relieve their stress, and this is very significant. If more and more teachers work towards this, we will definitely make a better world. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, August 23, 2015
There are issues in the world today, and depression is one of them. Depression is going to be the biggest killer in the world. Every two seconds, seven people die out of stress, and what we are doing is helping people relieve their stress, and this is very significant. If more and more teachers work towards this, we will definitely make a better world. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Saturday, 22 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Q: Please throw some light on inter-caste marriages. One of my friends is in love with a Muslim girl. Do we really need to follow the caste system in marriages?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: See, there are good and bad people everywhere. Many times there are fears that someone should not deceive the other person after the marriage is done. That is why you should also listen to your parents and consult them in such delicate matters.
When you fall in love, you sometimes become blind, and you don't think clearly. You are not able to see what is right and what is wrong. So in such sensitive matters, you should also take the advice of your mother and father.
Regardless of the caste or religious background one may come from, if a person is good at heart and has good qualities, then that has much more importance over other aspects. If someone belongs to the same caste and religions background but indulges in wrong activities, or is addicted to alcohol, etc., then what is the use of such a marriage? So the first thing you should see is that the person is good by nature and comes from a noble and respectable background.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Q: Please throw some light on inter-caste marriages. One of my friends is in love with a Muslim girl. Do we really need to follow the caste system in marriages?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: See, there are good and bad people everywhere. Many times there are fears that someone should not deceive the other person after the marriage is done. That is why you should also listen to your parents and consult them in such delicate matters.
When you fall in love, you sometimes become blind, and you don't think clearly. You are not able to see what is right and what is wrong. So in such sensitive matters, you should also take the advice of your mother and father.
Regardless of the caste or religious background one may come from, if a person is good at heart and has good qualities, then that has much more importance over other aspects. If someone belongs to the same caste and religions background but indulges in wrong activities, or is addicted to alcohol, etc., then what is the use of such a marriage? So the first thing you should see is that the person is good by nature and comes from a noble and respectable background.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru One Liner of the day
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Q:What does spirituality really mean?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: All that the spirit represents, i.e., love, peace, happiness, compassion, commitment and understanding. These are all the qualities of the spirit.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Q:What does spirituality really mean?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: All that the spirit represents, i.e., love, peace, happiness, compassion, commitment and understanding. These are all the qualities of the spirit.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Guidance to Youth Who Want to Join Politics
First, you do your sadhana and broaden you vision.
Second, you need to have enormous patience. You go with a big vision and there are all chances that your vision is squashed and smashed and it may reach a point that you will want to throw it away. But, don’t lose heart.
You may have to face disappointments one hundred times, but the 101th time you will succeed, but for this you need to have patience and perseverance. You should hold onto your vision and your ethics.
Third, never forget your spiritual side. Whatever work you have and however busy you are, take that much needed 4-5 days for a silence program once in a year. Take 20 minutes every day to sit and listen to knowledge and meditate. This will keep your energy up.
As a politician be careful about two things:
1.Money
2.Sex
These are the two things with which people can create scandals about you. You have to be careful not to be maligned. It is very easy to be maligned and then you will waste all your time in proving these false allegations. Better be careful from the very beginning as these are the two areas that can create scandals against you.
In the field of politics, when you are moving ahead, there are a hundred people trying to pull you down. So as a young, enthusiastic aspirant, you have to be very clean on these areas.
Another point is, don’t make politics a profession, it should be your mission. If it is your mission, you get enormous strength, energy and enthusiasm. But if you make it a profession you will have to experience a lot of wear and tear. So, keep these points in mind.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Guidance to Youth Who Want to Join Politics
First, you do your sadhana and broaden you vision.
Second, you need to have enormous patience. You go with a big vision and there are all chances that your vision is squashed and smashed and it may reach a point that you will want to throw it away. But, don’t lose heart.
You may have to face disappointments one hundred times, but the 101th time you will succeed, but for this you need to have patience and perseverance. You should hold onto your vision and your ethics.
Third, never forget your spiritual side. Whatever work you have and however busy you are, take that much needed 4-5 days for a silence program once in a year. Take 20 minutes every day to sit and listen to knowledge and meditate. This will keep your energy up.
As a politician be careful about two things:
1.Money
2.Sex
These are the two things with which people can create scandals about you. You have to be careful not to be maligned. It is very easy to be maligned and then you will waste all your time in proving these false allegations. Better be careful from the very beginning as these are the two areas that can create scandals against you.
In the field of politics, when you are moving ahead, there are a hundred people trying to pull you down. So as a young, enthusiastic aspirant, you have to be very clean on these areas.
Another point is, don’t make politics a profession, it should be your mission. If it is your mission, you get enormous strength, energy and enthusiasm. But if you make it a profession you will have to experience a lot of wear and tear. So, keep these points in mind.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
The World Culture Festival 2016 is a celebration of The Art of Living’s 35 years of service, humanity, spirituality and human values. The festival will celebrate the diversity in cultures from across the world while highlighting our unity as a human family.
To stay updated about the event, behind the scene activities please follow us on:
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To stay updated about the event, behind the scene activities please follow us on:
Facebook: www.fb.com/TheWorldCultureFestival
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WCF2016
Instagram: www.instagram.com/WCF2016
Meditate better with this beginner’s guide to an effective & effortless meditation: http://aolu.co/MeditationForNew …
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar -A Voice for Peace and Human Values! Our Inspiration & Our Hope for a One World Family! @SriSri https://youtu.be/OHd8zUmOvKM
Friday, 21 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Q: I wish to spend the rest of my life doing seva in the Ashram. Currently I teach Hindi in a school. The Ashram’s beautiful environment has stolen my heart completely. How can I serve here? Please guide.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: We have a Human Resources department here at the Ashram. If you are looking to find work, you can approach them for assistance. I consider the entire world to be my Ashram. For me, the Ashram is not limited by four walls and boundaries. What does an Ashram mean? An Ashram is a place where one can get three things easily:
1.Where you get to be in knowledge, where you get to listen and discuss knowledge that uplifts you.
2.Where you get good food.
3.Where you get good rest.
Now can you not provide all these three in your own home? When someone visits you at your home, can you not sit and discuss knowledge with them? That is the first sign that your home has become an Ashram.
Secondly, when someone comes to your house, do you not offer them something good to eat? In India, this is a very common practice. So this is a second sign of your home being an Ashram.
Thirdly, your home should have such a positive environment that whoever comes should feel at peace, and experience a sense of deep rest and relief.
I want every home in the world to become an Ashram. I want that in every home in the world, people discuss knowledge and ponder deeper about life rather than engage in useless gossip and criticizing others. People should think about “Who am I? What is this life?”
There are three important things: Purity of heart, clarity of the mind and sincerity in action. Can we not have these three in our life? When you practice all three, your home becomes an Ashram in the true sense.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Q: I wish to spend the rest of my life doing seva in the Ashram. Currently I teach Hindi in a school. The Ashram’s beautiful environment has stolen my heart completely. How can I serve here? Please guide.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: We have a Human Resources department here at the Ashram. If you are looking to find work, you can approach them for assistance. I consider the entire world to be my Ashram. For me, the Ashram is not limited by four walls and boundaries. What does an Ashram mean? An Ashram is a place where one can get three things easily:
1.Where you get to be in knowledge, where you get to listen and discuss knowledge that uplifts you.
2.Where you get good food.
3.Where you get good rest.
Now can you not provide all these three in your own home? When someone visits you at your home, can you not sit and discuss knowledge with them? That is the first sign that your home has become an Ashram.
Secondly, when someone comes to your house, do you not offer them something good to eat? In India, this is a very common practice. So this is a second sign of your home being an Ashram.
Thirdly, your home should have such a positive environment that whoever comes should feel at peace, and experience a sense of deep rest and relief.
I want every home in the world to become an Ashram. I want that in every home in the world, people discuss knowledge and ponder deeper about life rather than engage in useless gossip and criticizing others. People should think about “Who am I? What is this life?”
There are three important things: Purity of heart, clarity of the mind and sincerity in action. Can we not have these three in our life? When you practice all three, your home becomes an Ashram in the true sense.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Friday, August 21, 2015
Moving Towards Spirituality from Religion
...
Friday, August 21, 2015
Moving Towards Spirituality from Religion
...
Religion has a role to play. Everyone is born into a religion. All the rituals in your life go through that religion. It has a limited role to play. Religion is not everything. You should be more spiritual.
When your movement is from religion into spirituality, that is more important. People who move from religion to spirituality, they bring dignity to their religion. When people move from religion to criminality, they bring disgrace to their religion. Today, this is what is happening around the world.
Today, people are not moving towards spirituality from religion, they are moving towards criminality. They use religion as an excuse to further their own agenda, and that has cost humanity a great deal.
When you move from religion to spirituality, you will find that everyone is yours. Otherwise religion divides people. In fact, within religions also, there are divisions. When you move to spirituality, not only do you unite within the religion, but also across religions.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
When your movement is from religion into spirituality, that is more important. People who move from religion to spirituality, they bring dignity to their religion. When people move from religion to criminality, they bring disgrace to their religion. Today, this is what is happening around the world.
Today, people are not moving towards spirituality from religion, they are moving towards criminality. They use religion as an excuse to further their own agenda, and that has cost humanity a great deal.
When you move from religion to spirituality, you will find that everyone is yours. Otherwise religion divides people. In fact, within religions also, there are divisions. When you move to spirituality, not only do you unite within the religion, but also across religions.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
QnA with Sri Sri
Friday, August 21, 2015
Q: When I travel from the Ashram to the City, I see a lot of cows eating from garbage bins. What can we do about this? I think this problem is seen all over the country.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, you are right. This problem is present all over the country. You all should visit our Garbage
Transformation Mission department here. We have been actively working to educate the people all around us, not to throw plastic and reduce the use of plastic. We have installed a machine here that converts plastic into diesel. Our volunteers now collect plastic thrown away in the nearby areas and feed it into this machine.
In the same way, all the waste material that comes from the kitchen is used for conversion into bio-gas. Every day there is around 400-500 kilos of waste generated in the Ashram kitchen, such as the vegetable peels, etc. By converting it all into bio-gas, we are able to refill all the gas cylinders in the kitchens very easily. So in this way, we can all adopt such little and simple techniques in villages to manage and convert waste materials, and save the environment. This will make every village self-sufficient. This is very important.
It is not good to leave the cows loose in the open to graze where they wander. It is also not good to dump plastics and waste materials in the environment. We have to create a lot of awareness in the people. This in itself is a good seva. So you should channel the strength you gain from your sadhana towards such good causes in the greater interest of the society. Go from door to door and educate the people to not litter everywhere and keep their surroundings clean.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Friday, August 21, 2015
Q: When I travel from the Ashram to the City, I see a lot of cows eating from garbage bins. What can we do about this? I think this problem is seen all over the country.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, you are right. This problem is present all over the country. You all should visit our Garbage
Transformation Mission department here. We have been actively working to educate the people all around us, not to throw plastic and reduce the use of plastic. We have installed a machine here that converts plastic into diesel. Our volunteers now collect plastic thrown away in the nearby areas and feed it into this machine.
In the same way, all the waste material that comes from the kitchen is used for conversion into bio-gas. Every day there is around 400-500 kilos of waste generated in the Ashram kitchen, such as the vegetable peels, etc. By converting it all into bio-gas, we are able to refill all the gas cylinders in the kitchens very easily. So in this way, we can all adopt such little and simple techniques in villages to manage and convert waste materials, and save the environment. This will make every village self-sufficient. This is very important.
It is not good to leave the cows loose in the open to graze where they wander. It is also not good to dump plastics and waste materials in the environment. We have to create a lot of awareness in the people. This in itself is a good seva. So you should channel the strength you gain from your sadhana towards such good causes in the greater interest of the society. Go from door to door and educate the people to not litter everywhere and keep their surroundings clean.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru One Liner of the day
Friday, August 21, 2015
Q: All the pain and suffering that we experience goes to the big mind. How does it deal with so many deaths and accidents?
...
Friday, August 21, 2015
Q: All the pain and suffering that we experience goes to the big mind. How does it deal with so many deaths and accidents?
...
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Suffering is like a knot. What happens when you remove the knot? Does it go somewhere? It is like a shadow. Does shadow go somewhere when there is light? No. Did you get it? Just think about it.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, 20 August 2015
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Sadhana - All The Time?
You cannot, because your body cannot do it all the time. You can’t eat the whole year’s food in two days, or one month. Every day, you have to eat only a certain amount. Similarly, in sadhana also, you can’t hurry up and do a lot of sadhana, then you will be what we call a blue star (here, at The Art of Living). A blue star is someone who is not grounded; someone who is out there!
Once, in the starting years of The Art of Living, a gentleman did the Sahaj Samadhi Meditation Program. He was a brilliant person; he found the program so great, he said, "I want to be enlightened today! I will not give up until I get enlightened!"
He would sit meditating for eight hours a day. He would go sit in the Ramakrishna Ashram in Delhi to meditate. He would sit there all day, and people had to push him out when it was time to close. Suddenly, he started thinking that he was Lord Hanuman. He went to the temple there and would say, "I am Hanuman, why are they worshipping this stone?"
You can imagine what would have happened? Twelve policemen had to take him away, and he landed up in hospital.
In those days, there were no cell phones. I was in Jhansi, and I was to go to Indore for a program. When I reached Jhansi railway station, I told people that we have to go to Delhi now. As I reached Delhi, the people there were so relieved as they didn’t know how to handle this boy.
Of course, he became normal, but what I am saying is that sadhana also has to be done progressively, step by step. You can do a little more when it comes to advance courses, maybe four or five in a year, but sitting the whole day in sadhana is not possible. The growth has to come gradually. One day, suddenly, you realise, :Wow, I am so changed. Nothing disturbs me anymore. I am happy; nothing can take away my happiness". This sort of wow comes to you when you look back at yourself.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Sadhana - All The Time?
You cannot, because your body cannot do it all the time. You can’t eat the whole year’s food in two days, or one month. Every day, you have to eat only a certain amount. Similarly, in sadhana also, you can’t hurry up and do a lot of sadhana, then you will be what we call a blue star (here, at The Art of Living). A blue star is someone who is not grounded; someone who is out there!
Once, in the starting years of The Art of Living, a gentleman did the Sahaj Samadhi Meditation Program. He was a brilliant person; he found the program so great, he said, "I want to be enlightened today! I will not give up until I get enlightened!"
He would sit meditating for eight hours a day. He would go sit in the Ramakrishna Ashram in Delhi to meditate. He would sit there all day, and people had to push him out when it was time to close. Suddenly, he started thinking that he was Lord Hanuman. He went to the temple there and would say, "I am Hanuman, why are they worshipping this stone?"
You can imagine what would have happened? Twelve policemen had to take him away, and he landed up in hospital.
In those days, there were no cell phones. I was in Jhansi, and I was to go to Indore for a program. When I reached Jhansi railway station, I told people that we have to go to Delhi now. As I reached Delhi, the people there were so relieved as they didn’t know how to handle this boy.
Of course, he became normal, but what I am saying is that sadhana also has to be done progressively, step by step. You can do a little more when it comes to advance courses, maybe four or five in a year, but sitting the whole day in sadhana is not possible. The growth has to come gradually. One day, suddenly, you realise, :Wow, I am so changed. Nothing disturbs me anymore. I am happy; nothing can take away my happiness". This sort of wow comes to you when you look back at yourself.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru Punch of the day
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Think about all the good things that you have received in your life. All the good things have given you vastness. All the stupid and miserable things that have happened to you have given your depth and made you realize your strength over it. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Think about all the good things that you have received in your life. All the good things have given you vastness. All the stupid and miserable things that have happened to you have given your depth and made you realize your strength over it. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Wednesday, 19 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Q: My mind is very scared and not ready to accept the emptiness of the present moment. It constantly looks for something or someone to hold on to.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This is the nature of the mind! Never mind! People who are fed up with the mind only say, ‘Never mind!’ The mind is like that, but you are not just the mind, you are much more than that.
Don’t try to repair the mind. Repairing the mind is like trying to stop the waves in the ocean. Can you stop the waves in the ocean? If you want to see an ocean without the waves, you have to dive a little deeper! When you dive deep inside of you, you will experience the stillness of the ocean. And if it all frozen, that is enlightenment!
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Q: My mind is very scared and not ready to accept the emptiness of the present moment. It constantly looks for something or someone to hold on to.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This is the nature of the mind! Never mind! People who are fed up with the mind only say, ‘Never mind!’ The mind is like that, but you are not just the mind, you are much more than that.
Don’t try to repair the mind. Repairing the mind is like trying to stop the waves in the ocean. Can you stop the waves in the ocean? If you want to see an ocean without the waves, you have to dive a little deeper! When you dive deep inside of you, you will experience the stillness of the ocean. And if it all frozen, that is enlightenment!
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru One Liner of the day
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Q: If love is unconditional then why do we keep expecting something or the other from loved ones?
...
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Q: If love is unconditional then why do we keep expecting something or the other from loved ones?
...
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Well, expectations are also natural. When they do come up, you should simply be aware that by expecting you are only reducing the joy. When you grow in wisdom, you will see that all these impressions will drop off and give way to something much bigger and beautiful that you truly are.
guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org
guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org
Wisdom Quote of the day
Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Guru is the one who leads you to the light of the Divine (Govind). So it is right. The Guru has always held the highest position in our country since the ages. It is a very unique pedestal and we need to preserve and honour the dignity of the Guru. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Thursday, August 20, 2015
The Guru is the one who leads you to the light of the Divine (Govind). So it is right. The Guru has always held the highest position in our country since the ages. It is a very unique pedestal and we need to preserve and honour the dignity of the Guru. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Say YES! to Happiness with @SriSri! Join us via LIVE Webcast today, 4:30 PM IST: http://aolu.co/AOLWebcast
Gratitude is like a magic wand. When you are grateful, everything else flows to you." @SriSri http://www.huffingtonpost.in/sri-sri-ravi-shankar/the-magic-wand-of-gratitu_b_7901064.html …
Tuesday, 18 August 2015
QnA with Sri Sri
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Q: What is the secret behind the notion of ‘Judgment Day’ in Christianity?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Christianity says a judgment day will come. At that time all those below the earth, the dead bodies will rise and be asked about their right and wrong deeds. According to which they will be sent to either heaven or hell.
The understanding changed from the original meaning due to time and various interpretations.
Today what is believed and discussed as 'Judgment Day' is not what it was originally. The place where Christianity and Islam were born had a scarcity of wood. The land there had only stones and mountains. At that place burying was a better alternative. It was not expensive.
In India there was a lot of wood, so the tradition of burning the dead bodies began. Whereas in the land of Islam and Christianity, burning the dead was not possible. So according to the country and time people would do certain practices.
The interpretation people have maintained is that, on the Judgment Day, the dead would get up from their samadhi, but it is not that. In the Bible, it is said "Judge not and ye shall not be judged". Christ asks not to judge (criticize) and leave the judgment only on God, and one day He will look into the judgment.
In India, we have faith in Karma, which means you will have to reap the result of all your acts. Good deeds will bring joy and bad will bring misery. Similarly, in Christianity they say not to judge and that everyone will have to bear their cross.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Q: What is the secret behind the notion of ‘Judgment Day’ in Christianity?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Christianity says a judgment day will come. At that time all those below the earth, the dead bodies will rise and be asked about their right and wrong deeds. According to which they will be sent to either heaven or hell.
The understanding changed from the original meaning due to time and various interpretations.
Today what is believed and discussed as 'Judgment Day' is not what it was originally. The place where Christianity and Islam were born had a scarcity of wood. The land there had only stones and mountains. At that place burying was a better alternative. It was not expensive.
In India there was a lot of wood, so the tradition of burning the dead bodies began. Whereas in the land of Islam and Christianity, burning the dead was not possible. So according to the country and time people would do certain practices.
The interpretation people have maintained is that, on the Judgment Day, the dead would get up from their samadhi, but it is not that. In the Bible, it is said "Judge not and ye shall not be judged". Christ asks not to judge (criticize) and leave the judgment only on God, and one day He will look into the judgment.
In India, we have faith in Karma, which means you will have to reap the result of all your acts. Good deeds will bring joy and bad will bring misery. Similarly, in Christianity they say not to judge and that everyone will have to bear their cross.
http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Knowledge Sheet By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Worship of the Form and the Formless
...
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Worship of the Form and the Formless
...
You have to go from the form to the formless. If you jump only to the formless, that path is full of misery.
Lord Krishna said in the Gita, that there are people who worship the formless, but that path is full of pain and sorrow. You can see this yourself. Take Moses for example, his path has been very miserable and sad. Jesus - his life was so sad. Take the example of Mohammad Paigambar, he had to undergo so much pain and struggle, and the bloodiest part of history is his. It continued after him too, all his family members had a very painful and sorrowful state.
This is the reason why Buddha said, "Buddham sharanam gachhami", i.e., I go to Buddha for refuge. Buddha is the formless in the form. Then he said, "Sangam sharanam gachhami", i.e., I surrender myself to the society and take refuge in the service of society. And then he said, "Dhammam sharanam gachhami", i.e., I take refuge in the ultimate truth.
To get away from misery, Buddha said four things; recognise there is misery. There is a reason for the misery. It is possible to get out of misery. To get out of misery, take refuge in the enlightened or Buddha. Again, Buddha is the formless in the form.
Lord Krishna said the same thing, "Aham tvam sarvapapebhyo, mokshapapebhyo mokshayishyami ma sucah". Lord Krishna very clearly said that those who worship the formless, their path is very tedious and full of misery. That is true.
Any worship is only for the formless, but the path through the form makes it joyful, easier and more perceivable for people. You may choose a path with rubble and a lot of potholes, or you may choose a nice road, a highway. This choice makes a difference.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Lord Krishna said in the Gita, that there are people who worship the formless, but that path is full of pain and sorrow. You can see this yourself. Take Moses for example, his path has been very miserable and sad. Jesus - his life was so sad. Take the example of Mohammad Paigambar, he had to undergo so much pain and struggle, and the bloodiest part of history is his. It continued after him too, all his family members had a very painful and sorrowful state.
This is the reason why Buddha said, "Buddham sharanam gachhami", i.e., I go to Buddha for refuge. Buddha is the formless in the form. Then he said, "Sangam sharanam gachhami", i.e., I surrender myself to the society and take refuge in the service of society. And then he said, "Dhammam sharanam gachhami", i.e., I take refuge in the ultimate truth.
To get away from misery, Buddha said four things; recognise there is misery. There is a reason for the misery. It is possible to get out of misery. To get out of misery, take refuge in the enlightened or Buddha. Again, Buddha is the formless in the form.
Lord Krishna said the same thing, "Aham tvam sarvapapebhyo, mokshapapebhyo mokshayishyami ma sucah". Lord Krishna very clearly said that those who worship the formless, their path is very tedious and full of misery. That is true.
Any worship is only for the formless, but the path through the form makes it joyful, easier and more perceivable for people. You may choose a path with rubble and a lot of potholes, or you may choose a nice road, a highway. This choice makes a difference.
http://knowledgesheet.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru Punch of the day
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
What is the use of sitting with people who think alike and behave the same? It makes more sense to talk to people who are not like you and have a different thought process and beliefs than yours. That enhances your skills as well and it opens up your mind to new things. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
What is the use of sitting with people who think alike and behave the same? It makes more sense to talk to people who are not like you and have a different thought process and beliefs than yours. That enhances your skills as well and it opens up your mind to new things. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Guru One Liner of the day
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Q:Should we exercise first and then meditate or vice-versa?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It is good to meditate after finishing your exercises. Even if you meditate immediately after getting up in the morning and then do your exercises, that is also fine. Both are alright. You do both and see which approach suits you more.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Q:Should we exercise first and then meditate or vice-versa?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It is good to meditate after finishing your exercises. Even if you meditate immediately after getting up in the morning and then do your exercises, that is also fine. Both are alright. You do both and see which approach suits you more.
http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/
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