Question: I have a question. How do we choose truth from lie??? Is there such a thing exists??? Who made the decision what is truth and what is not? Is it ok to tell a lie in order to please someone as long as you are not gaining something from it? I am not sure if it's a right question to ask you sir, but it been bothering me too long. I do not know the answer to the question. I was hoping you can help me to clarify it.

Question: I am writing this mail from New Delhi. I am an initiated devotee I am also a regular (daily) reader of Sri Ramakrishna Vedanta literature publications.
Recently I have visited The Bangalore Ramakrishna Math at Bull Temple Road. Needless to say, that I liked the place very much and also the serene spiritual environment maintains around the Rock where the holy mother also meditated.
I have visited Ramakrishna Math and Mission at few other places also like --- Chennai, Vrindaban, Mumbai and Delhi. In the Math at Bull Temple Road at Bangalore Has Sri Sri Thakur facing the East direction where as at most of the other Math's Sri Sri Thakur is facing West.
Now my query is, does it has any significance on which Direction the deity is facing or which direction the Devotees should face while doing Japa / meditation or Puja. If yes, then why? My ignorance may be pardoned.
I always perform my daily Japa facing East direction only.
Please advice.

Question: Can you please send the answers to some of my questions? 1. Is it bad to be good? Everyone around me says that we must be good but only to a certain extent. Is it true?
2. In the past I have observed and many people keep telling me that I am too good and have too much faith. Is it good to be that way? It would be nice of you to send my reply.

Question: I am interested to become a Monk. Currently I live in USA.
In the following link "Become a Monk" http://www.ramakrishnamath.com/join.asp
It is mentioned that one has to be less than 30. Why so? According to Vedanta "Thatwa Masi" which means you are already that, which means you are already GOD. GOD has no age limit then why do you have age limit in becoming a Monk?
Is it like joining in Military where there is an age limit? Or is it about eligibility to become an IAS officer? Or eligibility for a government job?
Also it is mentioned that one should have obedience to seniors. But if the senior is mistaken then how can you be obedient to him?

Question: Is there any difference between spiritual initiation and Upanayana? If any may I request you to explain the difference?

Question: I have just found your website when searching for "use of Ramanam". I am 19 years old and doing my B.E. in a self financing college. For the past few months I don't know why I suddenly got interest in kamam. I need your suggestion for controlling one's mind from these matters. I also request you to explain "how for does fate is true in one's life?" I hope you will reply as soon as possible

Question: Do you have a separate matt for women, if so, do you have site for them. Please let me know the address of the site on the web if there is any such web site.

Question: It is stated very often that a guru is required to make real progress in nama smarana along with strict Brahmacharya. As we are unable to select guru by ourselves, so if continue in this way (as you told) can't we make progress really? Till then can we take Ramadoota Noble Monkey Hanuman as our Guru? Also what is Brahmacharya means? As a married person do we need to sleep separately? How to resist thoughts related to women? By looking at other women do we have to prostrate mentally treating them as divine Sakthi?
I am sharing with you again in the view that your sankalpa can purify us in right direction. I apologize for your valuable time and inconvenience if any.
Pranams to your feet. Long Live Sri Ramakrishna Order!

Question: Variety is the Law of nature. So variety of Religions, castes, creeds etc., is in-evitable. So by standing in a particular variety (i.e., Religion, Caste, Creed etc.,) in which a person is born, whether one is able to realize that subtle Unity, i.e the Brahman, the Atman of Vedanta, the Self which is within, Allah of Islam, Father of Jesus Christ, and Nirvana, the un-conditioned state of Buddhism is the test, purpose and Goal of Life. So paths may be different because the variety in which a person is born has no choice over his choosing any particular variety. Hence the concept of this variety is correct, and that variety is wrong, is not applicable because God, the Unity cannot be favorable or un-favorable to any particular variety. So the common platform ,which is the Absolute in nature, the Unity where the differences among the variety get eliminated , can be reached by knowing first about that Nature of Absolute which is called Atman or Brahman of Vedanta, Allah, the in-visible in Islam, Father in Christianity, Nirvana of Buddhism, then thought about it, contemplating on it, meditating , and realizing or by sincere, un-conditional surrender with un-shakable Faith without any deviations in terms of superstitions, miracles and demi-gods. Below that common platform, all differences only will exist because nature of all variety is different.
My question is: PATHS may be different but the GATEWAY (ONENESS I AM) by penetrating that common platform which is Absolute in Nature , can be only One and the same for all varieties (i.e. for all Religions, Castes, and Creeds). That is why Truth gets manifested irrespective of any Religions, castes, and creeds etc., and I could see even to-day many Vedantic Muslims who have taken the messages of same Holy Quran, Vedantic Christians who have taken the messages of Jesus Christ properly , and Vedantic Buddhists ,by becoming Buddha. Without the common GATE WAY of Oneness IAM, the above Unity in those varieties is not possible. Without coming out from all names and forms mentally and by not destroying the names and forms physically, just like for realizing the space I don't have to destroy the pot, reaching that 'COMMON WAY which is Oneness IAM' is not possible. Is my view in this regard is correct or not? Kindly guide me.

Question: What is the significance of Aditya Hridayam Stotram? Can it be chanted daily by everyone? Since Rama Himself is the supreme person then why did sage Agastya gave that Stotram to Sri Rama? Is planetary Sun the supreme person? Or is it in the sense that indweller of Sun being Narayana?

Question: Ashtawakara Gita says that the entire universe is just like a dust in the total Consciousness. Whereas the chain of birth and death seems to be infinite like the vision of snake appears as real, due to illusion, in terms of qualities like example 6' length, 1/2 inch diameter, coiled up.
I know that The Truth is 'the entire universe is just like a dust in the total consciousness.' Being an Advaithist, I had no doubt about it. Kindly clarify then, does the illusion of birth and death appear as infinite due to one's mind stretching in time, space and causation out of Vasanas. (desires).
In reality, there is no world exists. Is my vision in this regard is right or wrong? If wrong, kindly correct me.

Question: Regarding Rama Nama Japam some people say we MUST prefix 'Sri' before 'Rama' to make 'Sri Rama' otherwise practicing simply 'Rama' will not be powerful. Please answer me if you feel my question is genuine.

Question: I am 26 years of age and working as a Scientist in ISRO, Dept of Space in Hyderabad. I am a devotee of Sri Ramakrishna and I visit Ramakrishna Math in Hyderabad regularly during weekends, spend some time in the temple and listen to the lectures given by the Swamijis. I also attend the spiritual retreats whenever they are being held. At home, I do Sandhyavandanam and also read few slokas
My problems are as follows:
1) I am a very short-tempered person. Even for petty things, I lose my temper and get frustrated.
2) I also remain too impatient most of the time.
3) I also dwell too much on the past and keep on worrying unnecessarily.
I would be grateful if my problems are being addressed.

Question: I am a girl of 20 yrs, studying in college. Our entire family has been initiated from Ramakrishna Mission. My problem is as follows:
About my mother & father, both are very devoted to God & have been initiated from Ramakrishna Ashram. About their nature, my mother follows all the rituals, 'Niyam-Kanoons', she believes in various 'shubha-ashubha' habits also like one should not put hand on forehead as it is a sign of misfortune, should wash hands & mouth after taking 'Prasad' etc. she also likes cleanliness in the house but my papa is entirely opposite. He always throws things here & there, do not follow the Niyams even if mummy requests a hundred times also, after eating fruits etc throws the seeds here & there in the house, he never cares for what mummy & even we tell papa to do, enters the GOD room with impure clothes. Many many such things he will do. That we also hate, but we (sisters) don't say anything as he is our father & we should respect him. We tolerate all the 'aniyamas' that he does. But mummy can't tolerate, she becomes mad by seeing all these.
One day mummy was thus interrupting papa. Papa angrily cursed her that in her old age, she will be bed ridden & no body will be near you because all will abhor & detest or hate you. After that mummy has become very depressed. She has left talking to papa since few months except some inevitable conversations. She always remains sad & morose. She always broods over the curse whether it will come true or not. We try to console her, comprehend her but she is as she was.
I want to know whether the curse will come true. Please reply soon Maharaj. The environment of our home has become very morose what should we do now?

Question: I am Doctor, lately facing problems in my professional life. I always felt crying is weakness. I always knew if we have faith in god nothing can harm them. I write Srichakra everyday and read Lalita Sahasranama everyday. This I am doing it, since from 10th standard. I worship lord Ganesha. If I feel scared and depressed I read Vishnu Sahasranama. Now from past few months whatever I am doing is everything wrong. I always empathized with people and helped them out of my way. I always felt they are my well-wishers but they have caused me more trouble. I always felt as long as god is with me nothing will go wrong. Now I am becoming very pessimistic. I always solved my problem alone. I need your suggestion now. Thanking you, I hope a good response from you Swamiji.

Question: I am an engineering college student. My problem is I don't want any base feelings towards the opposite sex. But I can't help it. That thought is always disturbing me a lot. I am lagging in studies also. Few years back I was good at studies. I read Vivekananda's book regularly. But I canÕt follow his advice. Give me suitable advice to be able to overcome this problem

Question: I have been searching for a place where I can study scriptures and more over find the truth about myself. I have been striving my best to lead a social life and find the truth about myself. But I am unable to find the answer. I am not able to fulfill my goal of learning the scriptures, I remain engaged with the worldly works, which to be frank, has not given me any peace of mind nor any satisfaction. Hence after a lot of thoughts and thinking I have been trying to find a place where I can fullfill my goals and learn scriptures. I know it requires dedication and sacrifice, I am sure I want to do it. So for achieving all this I need an able guru and a favorable environment which I have been searching. I have been going through the works done at your ashram and have been inspired by it. So I need your advice and sincere help to find out whether I can achieve the supreme knowledge at your ashram? For which I need to know more about the teachings taught there, I would also like to meet knowledgeable persons and ask for their valuable guidance. Hence I request you to please do guide me in this respect. I am hereby enclosing my bio-data with this mail for your kind reference. I would be very happy to clarify details required on my part.
Hoping for your favorable reply,

Question: I have been reading Bhagavad Gita, Upanishad's like Mundakopanishat, Khathopanishat and some works by Shree Swami Vivekananda, Shree Swami Chinmayananda (Chinmaya Trust, Bangalore) and some Dvaita school of thoughts by Shree Madhvacharya. There are so many twist and turns and inter connections between one and other, I realize, I can't figure out some of the things without a Guru's Blessings and I don't have all the books and perhaps time as well .To begin with these are my doubts
1) "When Shree Madhvacharya (incarnation of God Vayu) preached Dvaita, did he mean people following Advaita should quit and follow? Is Dvaita for "Realization and liberation"?
2) Did he really mean Advaita is misguiding people by its MAYA vada? My concern is both Shree Sankaracharya and Shree Madhvacharya are believed to be incarnations of God (Lord Shiva, Lord Vayu respectively) So I can't think of any one lying for any sake. Both the doctrine's have to be true isn't it?
3) If both are true considering both the schools of thought address spirituality in different angles and hence approaches differ, still I would have some questions like i) Dvaita Philosophy says "Brahman is not the material cause of universe? Does this mean, Brahman (Parabrahman, Ultimate God) does not create this earth and other planets but only are dependent on him? "If this true then who creates? And also what about Advaita philosophy which says ÒExistence of universe is because of only one real 'Chaitanya' that is Brahman?
ii) Dvaita maintains that the distinction between Atman and Brahman is eternal, and union after salvation doesn't mean that Atman will get merged with Brahman.
My understanding is that "Advaita is conveying the same message but at a higher level" Here is how I interpret:
Advaita never denies the Brahman with form. It accepts both forms and formless (impersonal) Brahman. So when Advaita says "Atman gets
merged/united with Brahman after salvation/liberationÓ it may well mean like following 2 ways
a) Atman the individual soul is freed of cycle of birth and death and is living in Gods planet along with God blessed by him forever, offering transcendental service to the Almighty Lord. This is when Brahman is perceived as with form
b) And when Brahman is thought as of impersonal, the salvation may mean ÒThe individual soul after liberation is like Brahman in terms of nature and quality and hence Atman essentially is like merged with Brahman". It may not be to state that Atman is equal to Brahman but he becomes like him, or he becomes one in him". So physically they me be different but conceptually they are same, just one."
Can I interpret like above..? Is it right?

Question: My mind is filled with many thoughts which constantly disturb me during meditation. Help me out to free my mind from all these thoughts during meditation.

Question: For many years I have been going through internal conflicts of all sorts which are maddening and scaring to say the least. I have many a times thought that I was getting mad or insane. I searched through the net and from a medical point of view; I found that I was suffering from anxiety and depression. I can never stop thinking and worrying all day and night. During these periods, I was working for an MNC, getting paid good, I had nothing to worry, but still I did not know what was going on with me, life was miserable. I used to work in night shift; in fact I am working still in night shift for almost 3 years. I would hardly sleep for 4 to 5 hours during the day. One day, a year or so ago, my thinking went to such extremes that I starting sweating all over, I felt my heart racing, and I was fear struck. It was a horrible feeling. For a moment I even contemplated killing myself because, I could not live with myself, my mind was going wild. I talked to my friend about this. Then came the best part. Suddenly from the next day, I experienced something new, something I have never experienced the whole of my life. I was in total harmony with everything, walking; sleeping, eating, breathing and just living gave me extreme joy. I could not understand where I was getting this energy from, I was literally flowing, and life was no longer a burden. It was much more than what I could describe with words. "This state" continued for 2 weeks or a little longer, and again I went back to my normal state of mouring. "This state" happened after that a couple of times, lasting for a week or so. After that it stopped happening completely. From what I have researched through the net, I found that I was may be "enlightened" during those states. At present, I am living my same restless, anxiety-ridden life, in fact even worse these days. I am not sure where to go from here... I am totally confused.....is it possible to attain "that state" ever in life or all these just manifestations of my own mind. Your advice is greatly appreciated as soon as possible, because I am getting very desperate there....

Question: Last time I sent you one question. I have got very good answer. Now I again have one more doubt. My question is with the help of your web site and others I realized we are here for reaching the highest level of life [realization of real nature and Moksha] so why I am busy in the worldly life. Why not am I join any spiritual center and invoke real nature of life? I do every day and night meditation. I do Ramakrishna Aratrikam with the help of cassette. Life is nothing only we are here for invoke true knowledge. If I know this thing, so why I am busy in worldly action. Please so me how I spend my each day and help to me how I get more and more spiritual power.

Question: I am a girl of 20 yrs, studying in college in Baroda. I have an elder sister of 24yrs. We both have been initiated by GURU GAHANANANDAJI in 2002. By the grace of Guruji & GOD we both have understood this fact that the one & the only aim of the life is self realization only & all other things are mere steps toward that. We both were following Guruji's instructions at our best. We both want nothing except God. But it occurs frequently that in between we become slightly less serious about this & attracted towards outer life but again by the grace of god everything becomes as earlier. In this way our life was going on smoothly. But this time only I became slightly distracted from the daily routine of meditation, reading scriptures etc. but my didi continued it; very firmly. Mummy also praises her oh! How seriously she is doing all this. I also do meditate regularly but not for long. From here my problem began. I started feeling jealous of her. I know myself that how much I love GOD, whether I show or not to others .I also meditate regularly, don't miss a day also but don't show it to others but when didi does it everyone notices her. Gradually I started feeling so much jealous that I ceased talking with her due to silly reasons.
The problem does not end here only, I myself feel very shameful for my nature. My conscious makes me feel so bad that am I such a bad & jealous girl? I cry so much at night & ask GOD why did you make me such a bad girl?
I don't remember anything I have done anything bad in my entire life. I never hurt anyone, never did such a work on which I feel shame. But this time why GOD did this to me? I try to make me understand that I should respect her & I try to follow her but I can help it. Why am I so bad Maharaj? I can't face God also who is everything for me. For whom I am passing this life only to meet god, Lord Krishna. Why god is doing this, what is his intention behind this? Please help me Maharaj to come out of this problem.

Question: Swamiji, I have been a devotee of Sri Hanuman since my childhood. I pray to him and him alone. Sri Ramakrishna's teachings have helped me develop greater faith on Hanuman and have given me greater faith. A few years ago, I wanted to have a Mantra for meditation but could not find a guru near about. Somehow, after a sequence of events and thinking I took up: "Dasoham Sri Ramanajuneyaya " [I am a dasa , a servant, of Sri Anjaneya],as a Mantra. Not given by anyone in particular. Right now I treat Sri Hanuman as my Guru and God and repeat this Mantra which simply means: "Anjaneya, I am You Servant". My friends tell me that I should take-up a Guru, but some how I have got so attached to this Mantra that I do not want to give it up nor take up a Guru other than Hanuman and Sri Ramakrishna. Please tell me what is beneficial to me? Should I pray to Hanuman and treat him as Guru (I Treat Sri Ramakrishna as the same as Hanuman, but cannot pray to him generally, somehow). This has also been the reason why I did not approach Ramakrishna Mission for initiation. I just cannot think of taking up another mantra or any other Guru. Am I in a totally wrong direction? I sincerely seek your suggestion.

Question: I am mailing this question on behalf of a few of the seekers from our Gita study group. We had a doubt while discussing on Gita Chapter 4 Slokas 18-22, as it clearly says any body does physical work without attachment, without expectations on end result, without any jealousy and competition, never accumulate any Karmaphala. If that is the case, what is the effect of actions of mentally retarded people? If they do some good or bad in their actions will they accumulate any karmaphala?
Please enlighten us on this.

Question: Today I just went through your website, and I somehow felt relieved to know I have found out some place where I always wanted myself to be. I have been married for past 7 years and have no issue. I am 32 years. Commerce granulate, was working as accountant.
Right from my childhood, I have always wanted love, I wanted to be happy, to laugh, to see people happy, but I am never confident about myself, I have always been afraid of something I don't know. While staying with my parents and now after marriage nothing of my life has changed. I still fear for something. When I was small, I used to get angry of seeing people, my parents fighting, or if I get upset, I used to not talk to anyone for days together, they used to think that I was arrogant or selfish, egoistic. Even now after marriage it is the same, I cant help my anger, I am always low, I cannot find happiness anywhere, everywhere it is the same, same fights, same politics , same problems, I am basically very fed up of my life. But again I was always supported by my God in all my sorrows and problems. I bow to Him for being with me always, right from my birth. Now being married, I am not interested in marital life, I don't desire for anything, very frankly not even to have a child. Yes sometimes I feel that if I had children everything would be ok, yes sometimes I even have desires. I don't deny that. My husband is somehow fed up of me. But he has no choice but to be married to me. According to him I am at fault every time and for everything. Well I think maybe he is right. I know I am never going to have a baby, and even if I have one it would not be out of love but only as necessity of married life. But again life will be the same.
I want to attain peace, I read Bhagavad Gita daily, but I still cannot come out of it. Reading Gita, makes me feel happy, when I am under gods protection, I feel happy, at peace. I know if I kill myself, my God will never accept me, and also I will be hurting my parents and sis/brothers a lot. I don't want to do that.
Sir, I want your guidance, to let me know, who I am, and what I want. I have always wanted to be a part of helping children, orphans, disabled, to be of help to people, to see and sing with unhappy people, to see them happy. I want to devote my life at Gods service. Please guide me into this. According to u, aren't ladies supposed to join ashram for life time. If they are, than how can I join the same?
Sir, I will be blessed, if you let me come under your guidance to devote my life at Gods service.
Waiting for your reply soon.

Question: For years I have been wondering what could be the purpose of my life, or what my "Real nature" is.
I am confused if all this creation has any purpose and order in it, or it is just random (or some thing beyond our imagination). I was a firm believer in God(s), in my child hood; I used to pray for well being. Later I stopped it as the reason behind my prayers was either "want" or "fear". I found no reason why someone sitting above the sky grants my wishes as I praise him and punish my neighbor as he ignores him. I realized that "Instinct", which exists in all the creatures tell them things which need not be taught by anyone or supported by any reason. My instinct tells me that "Good" and "bad" do exist. I decided to be "Good" and do "Good". Not to satisfy somebody, but my self. That gave me some sense.
A person who has some sympathy for the needy and attempts to feed a hungry person at least once in his life looks honorable to me than the one who meditates all through his life, chanting mantras and prayers. I wish, instead of donating Lakhs and Crores for a temple, people give a spec of it to the people who really need it. It makes more sense to me.
Is there any "ideal" way of life, which we are supposed to follow? Does any reason exist behind this game of life and death? How can I follow the way you tell and not something else told by somebody else? Kindly clarify.

Question: I could understand that there is some thing beyond the creation, which is functioning with great accuracy, like the planetary system to the minutest atom.
I also understood that priorities of persons differ and what is good for me need not be good for others, hence we choose different ways of life.
But Swami, more and more questions are cropping up in my mind as I try to understand your answer.
If the purpose of life is Self-Realization, then why should it be so difficult for human beings to understand? Why only a few realize it, and why should many suffer in this cycle of life and death? If there were a purpose, then God should have made it understandable to his children and protect them from the mundane sufferings, if he loves us.
Who is God (or the force behind this creation)? Is it possible to understand Him/Her/It and define? I agree that there is some thing behind this wonderful creation and perfectly functioning universe, but how can I realize that I have that force in me?
Does "Soul" exist in all the manifestations of this creation? All living things?

Question: I have got some questions related to my experience during meditation as said by Vivekananda.
Once I was trying to concentrate on the flame of a candle in my mind closing my eyes after a few moments. I withdrew my mind from the rest of the world and then I experienced acute silence. Then after a few moments, I felt as if my head and body moving in circular motion and then I felt acute silence. During this time I wasn't even able to feel anything even my self. This was the state of bliss I believe. But still, I am a bit surprised and afraid of doing this again. I have experienced this twice for 2-hrs. Please guide me.

Question: There is a doubt that had been lurking in my mind since the past few days: Our entire quest is to eliminate sorrow. We are essentially dissatisfied and therefore searching for a way out of this satisfaction. We seek to improve our "concentration" in this process. But then, in deep sleep we are naturally in a state where there is no dissatisfaction. This obviously means that we need not "attain" some special capabilities to get beyond dissatisfaction, isn't it? Since if we were to attain some capabilities, these capabilities not being in deep sleep, we should not have been able to remain without dissatisfaction.1.
Now, the difference between deep sleep and awaking state is this ego. And it appears to me that all Sadhana is ego driven. We can clearly see the ego saying: "I will 'attain' Moksha". "Attainment", "goal", "achievement", "success", "failure" etc are undoubtedly languages of ego, are they not? This ego seems to be essentially confusing me by saying that, I will have to "attain" something to remain without dissatisfaction and this is an error as I am able to remain in dissatisfaction in my deep sleep without attaining any such capabilities. Is not every kind of Sadhana is misdirection by ego? Is ego driving us from post to post in the name of Sadhana? Prahalada says that God is everywhere around. I see all about me and I do not believe. Is it ego which expects some exotic experience to note the presence of God and thus misleads us from seeing God? Is it again this same ego which makes me seek all sorts of exotic experiences, while here and now I am in the embrace of God? Is this thinking a Sadhana too or is it all to be is missed a mere intellectual jargon?
Please tell me, where am I heading towards? Sadhana seems unimportant to me. Some times I sit down and cry before God, some other times; I simply look at the outside world. Some times, I am carried away by my sexual instincts, some other times I feel sexual instincts cannot even touch me - and truly so, even incidents that can provoke sexual instincts fail to touch me then.

Question: I have visited Ramakrishna Math in Bangalore and Pune, and am very much influenced with the philosophy of karma. I am interested in learning more and to be of more service to the Mission. Please guide me in this regard. Also, if there is any provision for joining Math duties and be a part of the Ramakrishna Mission, like becoming a monk etc. Please guide me or route my request to the concerned.

Question: Swamiji, while praying or hearing devotional songs, why the tears are coming automatically. But, if I want to cry in my mind, it won't. How and why this is happening? I will be grateful to u if you are giving me the answer.

Question: What is the symbolic representation of emblem of Ramakrishna Math? Can you please explain the same?

Question: I was wondering if God created everything, then God must have created all the negative things in life. For example laziness, depression hunger, sadness. Therefore why do we have to work hard to get rid of these negative things?

Question: I have a question. While I am meditating, I saw the light is being taken out from my heart.
I had similar dreams that someone is cutting my head and light is being poured out from my head instead of blood. I also dreamed twice that, I am flying up and up through rocks. I have no control over it. In the end there is light all over. First time I dreamed of it. There was someone scary standing with red suit in the light. I felt so scared. I started to pray the God and then I woke up. Second time I was praying through out the dream. I didn't see the red suit person. Then I woke up. I don't understand all these meanings. I was hoping may be you could help me sir?
P.S.: I don't meditate regularly. Whenever I feel like it, I do it.

Question: I am a devotee of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa since I was 15 years old. I have a small doubt
1. What is the difference between Yogi and Muni
2. What is the difference between Guru and Jagatguru

Question: Sir,Thank you for your reply. I have a few more doubts which I hope you will be able to clear.
1. Why do monks or fakirs keep turbans? Is it a symbol of anything?
2. In olden days monks used to beg alms from house to house, what is the reason for this?
3. Sri Ramakrishna considered a monk who begs for his alms as the purest. Do the present monks of the Ramakrishna order beg for alms?

Question: I am doing daily meditation. Daily I see the Mata sit a place on a rock. She gives blessings to me. I don't no is it true? And I am also seeing in visions wonderful colors. Please give details of meditation.

Question: I am influenced by Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Literatures from my younger age. When I am in Bangalore in the year 2000 I have taken Pledge in front of Ramakrishna idol in Vivekananda Ashrama that I will join in the service of Ramakrishna order once I complete my Graduation. But I failed to fulfill it.
I have great desire to know who am I but I am not believe in God. And I dislike discussing about the God and disliking the persons who will try to Convenes me there is a God. First I want to know who I am without knowing myself why should I agree there is god who is visible.
I am feeling so guilty whenever I visited Ramakrishna temple. In my house they are looking marriage alliance for me. But I am not perfect and pure in mentality. I too have all weakness as a normal man has. Please advise me what to do. Please let me know what Vivekananda accepts from me as youth of India. I am ready to give up every thing.

Question: I feel that the resistance to go inwardly and realize 'I AM' , 'the Oneness' , the Self within more and more creates an inner pressure in oneself which explodes and expresses outwardly in the form of religious violence, religious in-tolerance, hatred, superiority and inferiority of casts, highly materialistic attitude, mental agony etc., Since the realization of the Self within, is beyond all names and forms, it forces oneself to change within and take personal responsibility for his destiny by way of realizing that Absolute within more and more. Thus, the resistance to change creates conveniently the Creator and world concept and expresses it outwardly in the form of distracted reflective images which makes one to cling onto various gods and goddesses, demy-gods, superstitions, and religious orthodoxy.
Vedanta conveys the Absolute Truth by way of Self-realization that there is nothing in the Universe which is not God. Prophet Mohammed in Islam by way of highest Self Surrender without any deviation in terms of superstitions, demigods, miracles and conveyed that there is nothing in the Universe which is God, except 'Allah', the Un-seen. The above Prophecies even though appear to be diagonally opposite, it is exactly the same because, both destroy the ego, superstitions, demy-gods, orthodoxy, and miracles and develop fearlessness, compassion, etc.
The people who crucified Jesus Christ also were not an Atheist, or Agnostic. They also believed that some higher force was there. Since that Great Master was pointing towards the Absolute Truth which is beyond all names and forms and the same was not supporting their Orthodoxy, superstitions, and demy-gods concepts, etc., they could not digest His messages, and hence he was crucified. In the same way Buddha was poisoned to death. Prophet Mohammed was driven away from Mecca to Medina. When he got the messages in the Light of Mountain through Angel Gabriel over the period, he initially started conveying them secretly through his wife and closest associates. He could start openly declaring the messages only after 3 years. Even Buddha, when he got enlightenment, he first hesitated whether to declare that subtle Truth of Nirvana or leave it as it is. After some time, he thought that it was better to declare and finally conveyed them with lots of hesitation.
My doubt is: Whether it was 2000 years before or now, what is the reason behind for giving resistance to that One Absolute Truth within in its True state of Un-seen, Un-known, and Un-knowable? Is it because of thickening of one's vasanas or lack of knowledge of Supreme Self and Self effort (Purushartha) or fear of penetrating into Un-known?

Question: I got a doubt while listening to the exposition of Viveka Cudamani by Srimat Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj. Could you please clarify?
The consciousness in man - is it the reflection of the Brahman Consciousness or is it the Brahman Consciousness itself restricted by body - mind complex.

Question: sir, I am currently pursuing my M.B.A. (first semester) and my age is 23. Though currently stationed at Lucknow but originally a resident of Calcutta. From many monks of the order I have come to know that the maximum age for joining the math is 25, is it true?
Is it really true that anyone who wishes to be a monk can simply be inculcated in the order without any prior check of attitude and values, since monasticism demands a lot of involvement and dedication. It may also be possible that a person may join the order without finding a descent job or to avoid job frustration or to avoid duties towards family life- how do you differentiate between a genuine cause and a fake one?
In order to join do I need to have a prior knowledge of Sanskrit (I am a novice in the subject) or do I have to give a kind of written or oral examination?
At last please give me detailed list of qualities required to join and not the general ones posted on the net. I also want to know the length of the observation period before becoming a brahmachari. All my family members (including me) have taken initiation from the math.
Respected Swamiji, I would be highly obliged if you can spare some of your precious time to answer my questions. I would also like to post similar questions on the issue-I am very much interested in joining the order.

Question: I thank you for your reply.
I have a few more doubts which I hope you will be able to clear.
1. Can we tell lies for a good reason?
2. As Sri Ramakrishna had meditate on Mother Kali and seen her is it possible for us to see him?
3. Is it true that if we meditate under an Amalaki tree our wish is fulfilled? Where do we find these trees? Why don't everyone sit under this tree and meditate? Hoping to receive your reply.

Question: I am a devotee of Sri Ramakrishna math. Recently I started reading holy mother's biography. I have a doubt in it. Holy mother told," in her childhood she used to see a girl who looks like a holy mother and she helped the mother in her activities." Who is that twin girl? Is she a illusion or it is mystery to understand. I have read the same incident in Swamiji life also. During the period of his spiritual practices he also used to see a twin. As the same in holy mother's Kamarpukur days she used to see 8 girls while going out at the early morning from home.
I didn't get any explanations for these incidents in their biography. How do we regard these incidents? Can we have scientific explanations for these things?
Kindly clear the doubts.

Question: People talk about Vedanta says this, Vedanta says that, what is Vedanta and who created it?

Question: I was wondering if god created everything.

Question: Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna left a vivid impression in my heart and soul. After visiting your website, I am very eager to know lot about Ramakrishna Math and join them. I am eager to know about the details on "Become Monk" and if I am blessed I would like to be a Monk. Please give me your contact details.

Question: I would like to join the Ramakrishna Math as a monk.
The only problem is even though I am completely desirous of joining, I cannot immediately, on account of my being the only child, as my parents would definitely need my support and I am fully aware and ready for that. I had visited you earlier, but this idea of leaving everything and taking up the vows of celibacy is coming back to me and causing great mental anguish agony and pain.
I would certainly not like to get married. Also as a current profession of a software engineer I am not able to devote myself to social service which I would like to. As suggested by you I am reading the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna and it has greatly influenced me.
I sometimes feel Karma Yoga is not the right path for me and I would definitely detach myself from the world and lead the life of purity of a monk through worship and concentrated meditation; else the Kamini Kanchan would definitely get its stranglehold on me.
Please advice me on the path to follow - probably even after becoming a monk I could pay my parents a visit sometimes. I do not know how to convince them as I have mentioned this to them sometimes though never seriously and they have also taken it lightly. At one point i had thought of running away to Benaras to experience the bliss of monastic life and austerities.
This life of money/fame etc is harrowing me and I am totally not able to synchronize with my daily work schedule.
Please do answer all my questions - I would have peace of mind. Also kindly inform me on what dates I could get myself initiated from your organization.

Question: I have recently visited your site and found it to be very knowledgeable. I had visited the site as I wanted some information for a friend of mine who is interested in joining the Math and becoming a monk.
He is presently working in a good position, has been brought up in a highly religious and spiritual background and is very interested in leading a spiritual life...
There are some questions with this regards that I need to ask. Firstly, does the authority decide who they have to admit into the math, I mean, do they have the final say in this matter..? If yes, then, on what basis do the authorities decide whether the person is fit to join the math and become a monk or not..? Do they consider the past of the person..?
He has not yet finished his graduation due to some problems and his age is 26-27 years. Kindly answer and oblige...

Question: I have a doubt on "GAYATHRI UPPASSANA". What exactly it is? Is there any procedure to do like the timings, fasting, place, pooja etc? Kindly clarify my doubt.

Question: I have a few of questions to ask you concerning Vedanta:
1. Many times in his life did Ramakrishna have visions of the Divine Mother? But what were these visions really? Was it a glimpse of Brahman meaning that the vision was Reality, or on the contrary, was the vision only Maya and imagination (a vision is only illusion)?
2. What separates Brahman and Maya? Is Maya part of Brahman (since Brahman is everything) or is Brahman the opposite of Maya (as Truth and Reality opposes itself to illusion)?
3. What is the place of Vedanta in Sanatana Dharma? Is Vedanta taking the best things of Hinduism and leaving out the negative points (such as the status of low caste people)?
4. Could Hinduism be classified as an animist religion (the belief that every natural thing contains a spirit and is therefore living)?
5. I plan to travel to India next year and study in the Belur Math for a couple of months (to start with) as it's the best place for mastering Vedanta. I wanted to know two things:
6. Is it possible to become a monk only temporary (for a few years) or must one take a monastic vow for life?
7. Does the Ramakrishna order organize volunteering services during summer? I would be interested to volunteer in any way to help society and community.

Question: I am working as a graphic designer in a well known T.V. channel. But sir things here things are good as well as bad. I have freedom to do my kind of work, but there is no such specific authority to take control of things here.
Some guys in my dep't have their brothers working with the higher bosses so they think they can talk or do anything they like. That is the reason why most of the people here have the most daring attitude for not working.
Once I had a problem with one of the guys as he was trying to act smart.
Sir, I am 27 yrs old, it was not very easy to get this job, and I know with due focus on my job I can do much better, but sir there are times when I feel very irritated to the approach that these boys have in my department.
I at times have Hypothetical thoughts like what if they don't let me take holidays, or obstruct me in my work.
Since I keep myself busy with my work, and my work is fine they don't say much about it. But some times they interfere. The biggest thing sir, I have studied designing, they haven't they are not designers. They are here because they are brothers or friends of some seniors.
Other people in my department are aware of these characters, but no one wants to invite trouble by complaining. If fact I myself don't know what use would it be to complain, although nothing as such has happened, but sir their attitude is like as if they run'g the department. One of the characters has a sound technical knowledge but he does not do much of designing work, the problem is they work least and talk crap to the maximum extent.
I am an ardent fan of Vivekananda. I have read several books published by Ramakrishna mission; I feel great solace in reading his opinion on life.
But sir, I do loose balance, and feel irritated at the okward behavior of these people. Although sir i am not a communal person, I love people but sir all these guys that i am talking about come from the state of Bihar. I agree that they did not get the best of Environment that I got, but they can at least respect the job they r doing. In fact one of the guys with whom I had a confrontation is elder to me by 5yrs, how can I make them understand what is right and wrong it hurts their ego. The other guy is of my age, but he has studied till 12th, but has a good technical knowledge but then keeps on talking ill for other people, as his elder brother works with one of our big bosses as his personal secretary.
I some times out of irritation think that I will go and complain, but then I cool down.
Sir, how can I reach a state where I am not troubled or affected with their immature deeds, and I just go on bettering in my job.
I truly do not feel like hurting any one or speaking rough to any one but sir these thoughts come to me, kindly throw some light and show me the way....things here are not in a very bad shape but working environment is very bad.

Question: Currently I am doing my Night shift so I work and at the same time I mail you in solace. In fact that is what I do, I work, I keep my self engaged with work, that keeps me happy when I make good designs.
But sir, sadly this lack of work environment is a truth here. The day i mailed you, these things were very dominant in my mind, but tonight as it's about a week I am much cooler.
If fact I have to a certain extent adjusted and accepted this scenario, but I try to keep my self awake with work.
But sir you know this mind is restless, as I mentioned you I keep on having hypothetical thoughts what if... they do this... what if they misbehave....what if they obstruct... I know it's wrong but it happens then I control it also, this is how it is.
Although it is not that bad that I need to take a transfer, because my department has the most advanced software on which I do the designing, taking a transfer will make me loose this opportunity.
But yes sir, these guys do try to make their presence felt just by talking, and talking nonsense.
I do tell all these things to my parents, baba (he is a lecturer in English) says what swami Vivekananda said" chalakir dara kono mauhot kaaj kora jae na".
But sir, when you face things then only one realizes what it is like to face trouble or nonsense.
Sir, I love to read these fiery books of Ramakrishna Mission, but I have never done yoga, yes I do lye down quietly and try to see what the trouble is and give answers to it me.
Swamiji is it possible that if remain calm irrespective of the kind of people, rage, jealousy that one faces.
I want to remain unmoved under any circumstance, with due focus on my work. How?
I can grab a better job for myself in the next 3-4 years, but I want to leave this place with a smile and with a great deal of knowledge in my stream of Designing.
Swamiji, I want to be stronger in this respect that let people say anything I will move on...
In this regard I will need your constant touch through mail.
I regularly Visit the Ramakrishna Mission stall in book fair I attained the name of a Swamiji and the timings on when can I meet him... but sir the problem is not that severe and acute, had it been I surely would have made a move.
But I wanted to talk to some one on how to face and live life in the right note, I just get one holiday in a week and I just sleep through out the day or stay at home or go for a walk, sorry sir for this laziness...
But I would with your kind permission like to put questions to you on life or how to face things or situations or people.
Swamiji, kindly give me a reply as you get my mail, I feel mail is a much better was to discuss and when things look severe I will walk my way to you or who ever you suggest. But sir I want to keep in touch with you through mail.
It was a great pleasure to get back a reply from your end I hope you will take the pain of answering my Questions when ever I am in trouble or in Darkness.

Question: I am learning yoga positions. I don't think I am doing them right. I was wondering if I did them wrong. Will that affect me physically/mentally?

Question: Swamiji I want to know about "The Power of Subconscious Mind". I have read a book in English but I can't understand. Swamiji please can you tell me answers & suggest to my questions.
1. What is Subconscious Mind?
2. How it works.
3. How can we heel the power from our Subconscious Mind?
4. How can we reach the goal through our Subconscious Mind?
5. How can we use the power of our Subconscious Mind?
Swamiji, can you tell me is there any Kannada books through I can easily understand & putting in to practice. So many people do not know, what is the power of Subconscious Mind? How to use that including me also?
Swamiji, I am looking for your valuable suggestion & answers.

Question: Thanks a lot for responding back to me. I bought the book which you have mentioned in the mail, and am really very useful for me.
I would also like to know the number of times we have to chant the mantra. Some says it is 1008 times. Some say 108 times. Some say minimum it has to be 24 times So I am really confused here...Can you pls guide me in this direction.

Question: I thank you for your reply. I asked you the question about nirvikalpa samadhi to know whether even in this kali yuga we can reach such a state and if we did how we would escape the newspapers and televisions.
I have a hobby of reading philosophical books. I have read in many books that if we are good and spiritual it means that we seek our own liberation, we are selfish and that we have to work for others and help them even at the cost of telling lies or giving false hopes. Is it true sir ?

Question: Most of my life, I spent believing in god. If god is above me and beside me in everything then how can such a thing happen. When there is righteousness fails ....won't god come to me ???? if the world is maya then aren't I maya too. If so, how can I be hurt?
Please help me to understand sir

Question: I am 22 years young man. I am interested in spiritual life. I am student. I am doing M.Sc-physics. I am in A.P. I concentrate on agna chakram (bhroomadya pradesam). As I try to concentrate on it for some time, I suffer with eye pain. Is my practice is correct?.
My Istadevam is Sree Rama. I want to see him in this life without leaving my duties. Is it possible? Someone say only you reach your goal when all other things are leave. If I leave my duties, what about my parents? We are very poor. For reaching my goal how I do Sadana? In present days there are so many attractions. How can I overcome it. Please give me direction

Question: I have read in a book that one has to offer the five pranas, five indriyas, manas, budhi, ahankar to Lord to get jnana. Can you elaborate on what is the meaning of offering five pranas? Offering five indriyas means always seeing Him, listening about Him, etc., is it? If that is the case what about the indriyas like nose and skin. How do we offer them? Also what is the difference between manas, budhi & ahankar and how do we offer them?

Question: Swamiji daily I am chanting Sri Lalitha thrishathi & evening "Hreem" beejakshara in Likhitha Japa. Some times I feel to go another Naama means, "Sri Lalitha Sahasranama" but I don't have much time to do that.Beacause I am working in a company. Swamiji I like very much "Sri Matha Sarada Devi".
In Sri Sarada Devi Jeevana Ganga written by Sri Purushothmanadaji. In that Ma said "chant My name as "AMMA" is enough.
Swamiji please can you suggest me what should I do. Shall I continue my daily sadhana this is enough for me.

Question: With your kind wishes I am practising Rama namasmarana whenever I am blessed with the remembrance of Lord. I also do practice sandhyavandana during morning and evening as per knowledge from books and websites. (Though I have been initiated during my upanayanam before marriage, at those days I was not interested and lost track.)
It would be great and blessing for me if swamiji can help in this to show a noble person who can give 'hands-on' sandhyavandana training for me.
I do not know whether it is a genuine question to ask Swamiji but I have no other option.
If that is not possible, at least please bless me so that I can continue with the practice. (As you did earlier in case of namasmarana.)

Question: After every person has to die -- Allah is written his fortune on his forehead what will happen after death, I had a doubt about this a person has to die with my hands it is the fortune for that person he has to die with my hands then why I will go to hell his fortune is written that he has to die with my hands then I have to go to hell after death?
Please tell me answer for my question?