Question: I am 27 yrs old single. As i crossed so many bad things in my life, i want to dedicate my life towards serving people like me. pl let me know how can it be possible? is it possible to me to become a monk in our math?
Answer: Monastic life should not be taken as a escapism. It is a very difficult life with lot of struggles. Your age is within the limits of joining in our Order. If you are really serious about joining the Math, please come directly and talk to us.
Question: The following link is a letter written by swami ivekananadaji. "http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Complete_Works_of_Swami_Vivekananda/Volume_6/Epistles_-_Second_Series/LXXXIII_Rakhal"
I having got inspiration from thoughts and books by swami vivekananadaji am not able to digest the views by swamiji on his guru in this letter. The letter describes swamiji quoting sri ramakrishna as sham. I want to get clarification. I hope i have misunderstood the letter.
Answer: This letter which you mentioned in your mail is written to Rakhal Maharaj (Swami Brahmanandaji) by Swamiji. There Swamiji is trying to convince that Sri Ramakrishna is very great than any other guru he has seen in the world.
Working for the mission which Ramakrishna assigned to the disciples is a great way of paying gratitude to him. While Rakhal Mhj. is trying to live a secluded life in the monastery, Swamiji wants him to take the responsibility of being leader to this mission given to them.
This is letter is full of deep emotions and love for his guru. This letter is written to a brother disciple, and Swamiji was very frank and emotional in this letter.
The word "sham" should be read as "Shyam" which means Krishna. Sri Ramakrishna told that Rakhal Maharaj was a playmate of Sri Krishna in his previous birth. Keeping all these background we have to understand this letter.
I am happy that you are trying to understand Swamiji. Very nice. Do it more and more and it will certainly do good for you. For more clarification you can come to our Math during office hours and talk to the monks here. On Sundays we conduct a special class for the youths at 3.30 p.m.
Question: This is _____ here from Bangalore. Sir I am going through a very tough time in life. My life is become miserable every single minute I am leaving in anxiety, fear I desperately need to meet senior monk. I had even once visited Ramkrishna Matt in Ulsoor recently but was unable to meet any monk. I think only they can solve my problem please help. Earlier also I had written to you but I didn't get any reply for my question. I am very disappointed. This time I do hope I get reply from your end. N number of queries are answered then why not mine? I donot know where do I look for my answer (I mean if at all if you have answered my question where do I look for your reply in your website)? Please help.
Answer: First, We pray for you on this auspicious day of Holy Mother Sri Saradadevi's Jayanti day. May the Mother of the Universe manifest in you and give you strength and clarity of thoughts to you.
Today is the very auspicious day for the world. Millions of devotees receive the blessings from the Mother by praying to Her. In this world, Mother of the Universe alone can love us and He alone can help us in our troubled hours. She listens our prayers which come from our inner heart. Please surrender to Her just by prayers. Don't have grief. You will certainly see the light in your life.
Sorry. Your question might not have reached us or not replied by inadvertently. Generaly we reply to all the questions to the questioner directly to his/her mail ID only. Important and general questions are published in our website in order to help the general public.
Mother please come to our Math at any day between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, 4p.m. to 7 p.m. Many sadhus are here. You can talk to them and get guidance from them.
With prayers for your Well Being,
Question: am 30 yrs old, male. Sir, I am unable to get one pointedness. I tried very hard to choose one deity, since about 5 yrs, but my mind goes from one deity to another. I know that all represent the same God. But there always some confusion, and fear grasping choosing one deity. This was my weakness, which I understood so I switched over to Advait, but there also we need some Guru (present in physically or not). My mind always moves from one Guru to another. I am unable to surrender fully, help. Please help. Please guide me some meditational techniques about Advait.
Answer: Success in Meditation on the Lord is the fruit of longstanding practice, with a pure life and with the blessings of a guru.
To meditate you should be initiated by a guru who leads a pure life keeping the Lord as goal of his Life.
Please be serious about the spiritual practices. If you want more details and guidance please visit our Math and meet any swamis.
Question: Study of the vedanta would clearly reveal that we are consciousness. The term Self / Atma means nothing but Consciousness.
This being the understanding a sincere disciple is supposed to work with his mind. Observe the conditionings of the mind and carefully detach oneself from the ego of mind. What is the role played by japa/prayer in this? As far as i can see when a person does japa... he is avoiding his thoughts. There is great peace because the other thoughts are temporarily kept aside. But here, there is no facing of the problem. The feelings, anger, lust etc are symptoms of lack of understanding of one's true nature. by doing japa... one eliminates the symptoms. but the cause is not eliminated. the cause is lack of understandign that one is the Self.
unless one directly witnesses the mind and sees how the thoughts cannot touch oneself who is Consciousness ... That is clearly sees within oneself how no thought can touch me, the consciousness. That is to see how I the consciousness am an eternal witness ... and whether someone praises me or blames me... thoughts of sadness or happiness may be there ... but i the Consciousness am unaltered.
This being the Simple Truth ... why are practises like japa/pranayama taught?
Answer: Through the mind one has to transcend the mind. The consciousness referred to in Vedanta is refers to the supreme reality or Brahaman also known as "Chit". The work is a means to control the mind which wanders.
Japa and prayers are the spiritual practices observed by the aspirants to fix their thoughts on a higher object through repetition and supplications.
This helps a lot in over coming anger,lust etc. this is also help in developing good feelings towards others irrespective of how they behave towards you.
Question: Namaste! I want to know how important is it to observe fast (Vrat), especially on Ekadashi. And which book do I read to understand the rules and procedure for fasting?
I also want to know if there is any particular order/sequence to read these three books? Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads and Brahma Sutra Bhashya. Which one should I start with? Can I read these books at any time of the day or should I read them only early in the morning, after bath?
Answer: Fasting on Ekadasi days is a traditional religious practice among the Hindus. There are different types like - - without water, only liquid, only fruits and/or light refreshment (without rice preparation), taking only one meal, etc. It depends upon one's health conditions and other factors like nature of work etc. It has got to fold effect like cleansing the digestive system and building up of will-power.
It is better to start with Bhagavad Gita with word to word meaning, later with some explanations. After words you can study some of the Upanisads and lastly the Brahmasutra Bhashya. It is advisable to study these books under some guidance.
Question: my name is __________ . i had completed my engineering with second grade. swamyji when ever i give a seminar or explain my work my hands and my body shiver like anything leading to nervous tension and i fail to perform well. last time when i went to an interview the interviewer said that you have no confidence in yourself try to gain that . in my final year project presentation i felt very nervous, i could not control the nervousness my hands very shacking like anything ,i had done all the project with great effort but at final presentation i failed to perform well, with that i was awarded less marks .
once in the my first year i met a swamyji in hyderabad, swamyji has advised me to put some weight in your body. swamyji asked me my weight . i replied my weight as 38 . swamyji then advised me to increase my weight to 50 and comeback to me ,since the four years my weight was same as 37 ,due to problems in health and my mind doesn't accept to eat more when i try to control i fail to do it .if i eat more than i eat daily i get indigestion problems i tend to vomit the food. i am also taking regular advice of doctor but also there is no improvement in me swamyji.
during exam time i was crippled by the exam fear i used to read books like " A LETTER TO A STUDENT" and "HOW TO DEVELOP POSITIVE THINKING " and used to gain some enthusiasm and i would prepare and write my exam . while preparing also i would feel tensed and nervous. even before hand i read the subject also i feeling tensed up.now all my friend are well settled and i am still searching for confidence and enthusism .when i go to my friends house they call for study but mostly they sleep before and take advantage of me .
what should i do swamyji.how should bring my self out this nervousness . and what should i do to improve my health . and remove the shaking of my body when giving a seminar .what should i do to make myself strong
Answer: We are sorry to know your health problems.
"Strength is Life and weakness is death" Says Swami Vivekananda.
This is true for both physical, mental and intellectual strength.
For physical health we suggest you to meet a good physician (MD General Medicine) who can diagnose your health problem.
For the Mental health you should try to tell the Lord's Name (Japa) whatever you like. Read the books which contain the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda and other saints.
For Intellectual health sincere study in your field and continuous touch is a very important one.
We feel that you are an intelligent one and lacking the physical health. So please go to a doctor and cure the problem.
If you are stationed in Bangalore you can visit our Math, during the day time.
We pray to Sri Sri Ramakrishna to bestow his blessings on you for good health and prosperous future.
Question: please give meaning of this mantra swamiji
pavantanaya bal pavan samaana |
buddhi vivek vigyaan nidhaana ||
swamiji we are facing some court related problems i want to chant this mantra so help me swamiji and we need all your blessings.
Answer: This mantra is a prayer to Lord Maruti (Hanuman ji).
Pavantanaya -- son of wind god
pavan samaana - equal to wind god
buddhi vivek vigyaan nidhaana -- Repository (Store house) of Intelligence, Discrimination and Spiritual Wisdom.
Through this mantra we pray to Lord Maruti to bless us with Intelligence, Discrimination and Spiritual Wisdom.
Praying to the Lord at the time of trials and tribulations in our life is a necessary thing. For every one, the Lord is the only ultimate well-wisher. Surrender to Him and pray to Him to give you strength to withstand all sufferings and guide you towards auspicious thing.
He will certainly show you the right path. There is nothing impossible in the world if we have Purity, Patience and faith in the Lord.
We suggest you to read "the life of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi" and the books written by Swami Vivekananda.
We pray for you to Sri Sri Ramakrishna to shower His blessings on you and show the right path in your life.
Question: i am 34 years old. i am very frustrated in life, and i am job less. where ever i go failuer is my friend. i feel i am unworth to my parents as well as to this country.many times i thought to commite Suicide but if i think i feel i am thinking wrong. i want to achive some thing good in my life but its not happening. but is there any possibility to work as a volunteer for life-long.
Answer: Ramakrishna Math is a monastic organization, wherein male sannyasins are living. So there is no possibility to work as a life long volunteer. Sri Sarada Math (Nandi Durga Road, Bangalore) is for women sannyasins. You can personally go there and meet Mataji for guidance.
Though you are troubled by your life experiences you have a mind to achieve something good. It is a great thing. Don't give up the idea of doing something good. Pray to Swami Vivekananda sincerely. He will show you the right path. There is nothing impossible in the world if we have Purity, Patience and faith in the Lord.
We suggest you to read "the life of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi" and the books written by Swami Vivekananda.
You can also come to our Math and meet the sadhus for further guidance.
We pray for you to Sri Sri Ramakrishna to shower His blessings on you and show the right path in your life.
Question: I am an second yar B-Tech student. I am now 20 years old. I am initiated from RAMAKRISHNA MATH. I want to be a monk also. So from now how I should lead my life so that I can be a monk?
Please advise me and bless me so that I can be a monk.
Answer: Happy to know your noble ambition. You are too young to decide the future life. Hence we request you to pray to Sri Sri Thakur to show the right path. Keep your purity (Brahmacharya) intact and adhere to truth.
Along with your academic pursuits, continue to study the Swami Vivekananda's literature. First finish your B-Tech successfully.
Whenever you are free come to our Math and meet elderly sadhus.
May Sri Sri Thakur bless you with good health and noble ambitions is our humble prayer to him.
Question: I am already 30 crossed, so it is not available to me to become a monk in our math, but is there any possibility to work as a volunteer for life-long. If so, please let me know where can I join?
Please note that for leading a fruitful and spiritual life, becoming a monk is not a must. Please come and talk to some monks at ashrama, they may be help full to you.
Question: I am 20 year old female studying as well as working. My life was not meaningful earlier, but after getting in touch with one of the Math of the Mission, I have been greatly influenced by the life of Thakur. I have been initiated. I daily practise the guru mantra twice, but I don’t get enough time for other spiritual practices.
My problem is that though I know that this world is unreal, the mind gets attracted to the worldliness, though at the end I never feel satisfied. I being an emotional and sensitive person get attached to people very soon. I feel very sad when worldliness takes over me.
Why is it so, that the Ramakrishna math is known to all, but Sri Sarada math does not have much access to the Public? Please also suggest me some methods to reduce worldliness and attain purity of heart and mind.
Answer: By your email, we understand, true to your name, you are a loving and responsive person.
All the problem starts when we forget our true nature, which is full of bliss, strength and repository of all the auspicious quality. By asserting our this true nature, we can definitely come out of emotional or any kind of dependencies. I hope you will do the same. This will take care of getting rid of so called “worldliness” which you think is affecting you.
Regarding Shri Sarada Math, true to their modesty, it is true that they don’t give much importance to publicity. However sincere seekers do get to know about it.
You can visit their website at http://www.srisaradamath.org and try to visit nearest centre of your choice.
Question: I wish to achieve clarity of thought. Kindly guide me.
Answer: Clarity means clearness you must be clear in your mind. The ideas must be first understood clearly and then explained. It comes through lucid expression, clear thinking and unobstructed vision. Behind expression there should be strong will power to make the point more clear and remove the doubt of the other person. If you are voracious reader and thinker and fluent writer, clarity comes to you naturally, practise speaking to friends on a particular subject clearly in the beginning for 15 minutes and slowly increase it.
We request you to read complete works of Swami Vivekananda regularly and convey those very same ideas of Swamiji to your friend in your own language. By that way you can develop clarity of thought first think, and then express it.
Question: How to improve concentration?
Answer: To improve your concentration, please observe the following instructions:
1 Do daily Yogasanas or brisk walking, exercise
2 Learn Pranayama from experts
3 Eat only Sativk food
4 Use less salt and sugar
5 Avoid stimulating drinks like coffee or tea, wine etc.
6 Don’t load your stomach unnecessarily.
7 Take good cold water bath twice daily.
8 Read and understand the six chapter of the Gita with commentary and try to understand its meaning.
9 Develop the art of positive thinking and practice meditation regularly both morning and evening.
10 Avoid TV and cinema.
11 Keep good company.
12 Don’t waste time unnecessarily.
13 Do some free service to the poor and needy like free tuition.
14 Concentrate the mind at least for five minutes on a burning candle kept in a windless place.
15 Observe “silence”(Mauanam) at least for 15 minutes in a day.
16 Read Ramakrishna-Vivekananda-and-Vedanta literature daily.
All these, will help you to improve your concentration.
Question: I am a working professional.
I am keen on my career. I want to built up my inner reserve, a source of strength and guidance to help me enhance my career.
My pursuits are materialistic. However I wish to achieve the same through righteous means.
Is it ok to desire what I desire. If it is ok how should I go about, building up a calm focussed mind, cool temperament, clarity of thought and enhansing my mental and intellectual capacity?
Answer: Swami Vivekananda says “calmer you are, less disturbed is nerves and you mind” . Maintain calm mind in times of trails and tribulations. If mind is thrown out of balance, body also gets agitated. Than it is difficult to focus the mind and solves the problems. During such difficult period chanting the divine name of the lord, Pranamyama and heart felt prayer to the lord and Yogasana will help to cool the temperament. Another method is to watch the flow of thoughts and sit relaxed. Never entertain negative thoughts.
The path of righteousness is most difficult path to follow. It is like swimming against the flow of current. Strong mind, determined effort and will are necessary. Above all grace of god is essential
Question: I am 23 Male. I could study only till 10th as my father asked me to stop further studying and help him in our family business. However I wanted to become a Neurosurgeon. I felt disappointed, lost concentration. Also when I try to do business, I feel myself to be very greedy. I simply want to keep my mind in middle way (nor upper, nor lower) please guide me how to keep my mind in a good way. ?
Answer: Your letter boils down to one sentence, i.e., "How to concentrate?" If you follow the following simple suggestions that will help you to keep the mind in balanced way and concentrate well on any subject.
1 Don't take too much salt and sugar. Reduce the quantity of food that you take daily. Don't over load your stomach. Avoid fast food and eat as far as possible only satvik food. Observe Mounam.
2 Get up early in the morning and after ablution sit for meditation and try to concentrate on your Ista Devata or Chosen deity. Or a burning candle kept in a winless place. Read some books written by Swami Vivekananda before and after meditation.
3 take good brisk walk in the morning and evening. If possible do some Pranayama and yogasanas regularly under the guidance of an expert. Don't always sit on the chair, but be active.
4 Read gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, life and teaching of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada devi and Swami Vivekananda.
5 Try to deal with the subjects and situations calmly with out getting agitated
Question: I am 35 year old housewife with 11year old son. Please tell me how to live in the thought of Thakur even there are problems in my family life or in poverty.
Answer: This world is a whirlpool as Sri Sri Thakur puts it in the Gospel. If one enters in to it is very difficult to escape. He has given us an idea to escape from this trap of Maya that is to keep our mind on God and pray to him earnestly. So after entering in to Samsara, if one wants peace of mind one have to live like a maid servant, who says, holding the children of her master, my Hari is a nice boy etc and keeps in her mind that he is not at all her own and her child is in her village. When she leaves that master she never feels for that Hari.
Thakur says in Gospel that before opening the jackfruit one should apply oil to ones hand. What is that oil? That is God's name. To escape from the fraying pan of this Samsara, the best way is to remember Him and to pray to Him.
As you have written that you are in family life, the best way is think whatever you are doing is his work and for Him only. Whenever you start a work just remember Him and start it, in between try to remember Him and at the end offer all the fruits of your work to Him. Feel you are serving His family, His children, and His relatives. Whatever comes, whether praise or blame, good or bad just offer to Him. That will give you peace of mind and strength and feeling that you belong to Him alone but to none.
We don't know where you live. If it is possible try to visit Math once. We recommend you to read "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna" for further guidance.
Question : I am working with MNC Company. I am not intelligent like other people. I am doing so many Mistakes in my work. Please let me know how to become intelligent.
Answer: First and foremost thing is to give up the notion that you are not intelligent. Intelligence is not a must for success; rather it’s the right attitude and sincere effort.
Surest way of coming out of mistakes is to practice well.
Question: Recently I am struggling with fear ness. One month back my close friend died. From that day I am fearing very much. I cannot be in my home or any other place alone. Even night times also I cannot sleep properly. Please help me to get rid of this fear.
Answer: Try to pray as much as possible for the liberation of the soul of your friend. Let him find peace at the lotus feet of the Lord.
Take brisk walk in the morning and o some Pranayama and yougasanas. That will give your strength. Strengthen your nerves by taking some nutritious food.
When the mind becomes weak all sorts of fear enters.
Try to understand the fear and its nature and analyze it.
Read daily Lalita Sahasranama and pray to Divine Mother for protection and guidance.
Question: 1) What is meant by philosophy?
What is education?
Explain the relationship between philosophy and education?
2) What is knowledge? How do we get knowledge? Explain in this connections the sources of knowledge?
Answer: 1) PHILOSOPHY: philosophy in Sanskrit means DARSHANA or Source of knowledge Source of knowledge is Atmajnana, or Brahmajnana know that by knowing which everything else is known. Clear vision and religion is practical philosophy. Philosophy means search for knowledge and clear understanding of the nature and meaning of the universe and human life and soul; study of the principles on which human behaviour is based; and any particular system of beliefs resulting from this search for knowledge. This brings about calm and quiet attitude towards life even in the face of suffering and danger.
The whole scope of philosophy is to reach the glory of man. The one goal in view is the liberation of the soul through perfection.
2) EDUCATION: Education is a system of training and the instruction given is designed to impart knowledge and develop skills. The result from such training will be to grow in knowledge, develop abilities and development of character and mental powers.
Swami Vivekananda says "The training by which the current and expression of will are brought under control and become fruitful is called education”.
Further Vivekananda says, " Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man……".Education is an integral part of religion……we want that education by which character is formed strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded….through education comes faith in one’s own self……"
For more details on philosophy, education and knowledge please read complete works of Swami Vivekananda. That will help you to a great extent. If you give your address, then we can suggest you to go to nearby our Math & Mission center for further study.
3) KNOWLEDGE: Swami Vivekananda says “The word Jnana means knowledge. It is derived from the root Jna=to know. Jnana yoga is yoga by means of knowledge. What is the object of the Jnana yoga! Freedom. Freedom from what? Freedom from imperfections……knowledge is that of your own nature”.
Jnana is taught very clearly in Bhagavad Gita. Please go through this holy book for more details.
Question: I have a query, could you please answer this. A person who is doing all kinds of bad activities like killing people, looting money is living happy life all through his life. A person who is on good principles and is kind , who are poor are poor only and have to bear lot of problems in their life. It is said that the evil doers will get punished in the next birth. But why is this like this that evil doing person has to face problems in the same birth then only that person and the common people realize and don't do evil activities. Why God is not punishing those evil doing people?
Answer: History shows ultimately it is the virtues which win over the vices. Though for time being it may appear that vices are all powerful and glorified, it is ultimately question of time, before very body gets his dues.
It is seen that in the life of so called successful villains, they have everything in life at the cost of mental peace and happiness, even though they may deny this fact publicly.
To be good and to be moral is our real true nature. Anything against our nature i.e., conscience, is immoral which in turn brings misery and suffering. Hence we should be moral our on sake.