What is the way to dry up the craving for worldly pleasure? How can one overcome the bad Samskaras of the mind?
Pray to the Divine Mother with a longing heart. Her vision dries up all craving for the world and completely destroys all attachment to 'woman and gold'. It happens instantly if you think of Her as your own mother. She is by no means a godmother. She
Does the 'Neti Neti' way eradicate desires? How can we choose and apply this way and make spiritual progress? How can we develop such willpower?
Why do you waste your time simply repeating 'Neti, neti'? Nothing whatsoever can be specified about Brahman, except that It exists. "Whatever we see or think about is the manifestation of the glory of the Primordial Energy, the Primal Consciousness. Creation,
What is Hinduism?
Hinduism is the name of a religion that began in ancient India thousands of years ago. Today there are nearly a billion people in the world who practise this religion. These people call themselves Hindus. From Sindhu we got the word Hindu The word Hindu
Can spiritual aspirants take non-vegetarian food?
We leave everybody free to know, select, and follow whatever suits and helps him. Thus, for example, eating meat may help one, eating fruit another. Each is welcome to his own peculiarity, but he has no right to criticise the conduct of others, because
What does the term Upanishad mean?
The term means knowledge received by the student ‘sitting close to’ the teacher. Education involving the student ‘sitting close to’ the teacher means the most intimate student-teacher communion. The higher the knowledge sought, greater is this communion
What do the Upanishads contain?
In the Upanishads, we get an intelligible body of verified and verifiable spiritual insights mixed with a mass of myths and legends and cosmological speculations relating to the nature and origin of the universe. While the former has universal validity,
What are the principal Upanishads and when were they composed?
The principal Upanishads are accepted by scholars to be those which Shankarayacharya (CE 788-820) chose to comment upon, they are ten in number and enumerated in the Indian tradition as follows: Isha, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiiya,
If the Hindus really believe in one God, why do they worship a variety of gods like Shiva, Devi, Vishnu or Ganapati? Is it not tantamount to accepting many gods and goddesses?
Although Hinduism concedes the existence of several gods or deities, it accepts only one God, the Supreme. Out of these deities, Indra and others are actually ordinary souls like us, who rose to those positions in the cosmic scheme as a result of the
What steps have been taken by the Hindu reformers to eradicate untouchability?
There are no two opinions about the urgent need for eradication of untouchability which is universally considered as a blot on the Hindu society. Neither in the Vedas nor in the Dharmasastras do we find any sanction for this abominable practice. While
The caste system has taken roots firmly and deeply in the Hindu society. How did the caste system originate and what is its nature?
The early Vedic society seems to have been divided into two broad groups: the ‘Dvijas’ (‘twice-born’) who were capable of thinking and acting independently, and the Non-Dvijas, also called Sudras, who could not do so. In course of time, as the society
An atheist is often seen to lead a peaceful life without many hurdles, whereas a God-loving and spiritually inclined person is not placed in a similar position. Why?
The case cited is largely hypothetical, although we cannot deny that good fortune visits atheists and misfortune overtakes believers from time to time. But it cannot be shown that good fortune is the lifelong privilege of atheists and misfortune that
Scriptures inculcate that holy company (Satsanga) is necessary for the growth of one’s spiritual life. But then how is one to recognize a holy man?
It is true that holy company is the most important factor in the generation and strengthening of faith and devotion. It is also true that real holy men are very rare. The ideal of a holy man is described in the Bhagavata as follows: Wise men say that
Does God listen to the prayers of people?
God is as much justice as He is love and, in regard to persons who approach Him for favours, He is mainly a judge. He functions through the law of Karma, according to which man’s merits and demerits are responsible for his enjoyments and sufferings. But
I know the worldly life is of no use. But there are desires hidden. How to get rid of these desires ?
[Answer for sincere aspirants] We must rouse a tremendous divine discontent, the discontent the mystics of all ages speak of. Unless we are able to rouse in the soul this divine discontent which can destroy all our attachments to worldly things and desires,
Sir, why are there so many different opinions about the nature of God?
A devotee thinks of God as he sees Him. In reality there is no confusion about God. God explains all this to the devotee if the devotee only realizes Him somehow. You haven't set your foot in that direction. How can you expect to know all about God?
I know the worldly life is of no use. But there are desires hidden. How to get rid of these desires ?
[Answer for common man] Those who have not yet come to the end of their enjoyments should not renounce the world. They should try to perform their duties in a detached way. Before you break the jack-fruit open, rub your hands with oil, so that the sticky
Why does the Katha Upanishad fascinate students of philosophy?
The Katha holds a special fascination for all students of the Upanishads for its happy blend of charming poetry, deep mysticism, and profound philosophy; it contains a more unified exposition of Vedanta than any other single Upanishad; its charm is heightened
Is it possible to give in a brief statement the central theme of all the Upanishads?
The Isha Upanishad embodies in its very opening verse the central theme of all the Upanishads, namely, the spiritual unity and solidarity of all existence. ॐ ईशा वास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् । (Om Isavasyamidam sarvam yatkinca jagatyam jagat;)
How does one experience zest and joy throughout in life? What do the Upanishads say in this regard?
There are any number of passages in the Upanishads where you will find this atmosphere of zest and joy and vigour. The outlook of the Upanishads is characterized by joy and cheer, by what William James called ‘healthy-mindedness’. God’s name itself is
How does a man get real enjoyment in this world?
The Isa Upanishad, in its first verse, takes us at once to the secret depths of Truth: ॐ ईशा वास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् । तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृध: कस्यस्विद्धनम् ।।१।। (Om Isavasyamidam sarvam yatkinca jagatyam jagat; Tena tyaktena bhunjithah
How do the Upanishads view the human body mind complex?
[In verses three to nine of the second chapter of the Katha Upanishad, chapter three], Yama proceeds to expound to Naciketa the nature of this heroic journey to the summit of character and vision through the field of life and action; in verses three and
Man just seeks pleasure, comfort and security. Is there a more glorious view of him?
The katha upanishad says, श्वोभावा मर्त्यस्य यदन्तकैतत् सर्वेंन्द्रियाणां जरयन्ति तेज: । अपि सर्वं जीवितमल्पमेव तवैव वाहास्तव नृत्यगीते ।।२६।। (Svobhava martyasya yadantakaitat sarvendriyanam jarayanti tejah; Api sarvam jīvitamalpameva tavaiva vahastava
What do the Upanishads declare about a samsari or a man immersed in worldliness?
The Isha Upanishad deems it necessary to utter a note of warning in its third verse, which reads: असुर्या नाम ते लोका अन्धेन तमसाऽऽवृता: । 3 ‘Into the worlds of the asuras, enveloped in blinding darkness, verily do they repair after death who are slayers
Does there exist any beautiful poetic illustration of the spiritual journey of man?
The Mundaka Upanishad paints this spiritual journey of man from helplessness to fulfilment in a passage of surpassing poetic and spiritual charm (III. 1. 1-3) द्वा सुपर्णा सयुजा सखाया समानं वृक्षं परिषस्वजाते । तयोरन्य: पिप्पलं स्वाद्वत्त्य नश्नन्नन्यो
What is the highest pinnacle of human wisdom?
The Isha Upanisad raises us to the highest pinnacle of human wisdom: यस्तु सर्वाणि भूतान्यात्मन्येवानुपश्यति । सर्वभूतेषु चात्मानं ततो न विजुगुप्सते ।।६।। (Yastu sarvani bhutanyatmanyevanupasyati; Sarvabhutesu catmanam tato na vijugupsate.) 6 'The wise
What is a healthy society?
A healthy society is one that brings the awareness of this divine nature to more and more of its young and old. There are two major problems plaguing modern civilization. One is the problem of old age, the other is the problem of leisure. Vedanta, with
Where is real peace?
(In the Katha Upanishad) Yama expounds in verse thirteen, this extraordinary Vedantic discipline for the realisation of the Atman: यच्छेद्वाङ्मनसी प्राज्ञस्तद्यच्छेज्ज्ञान आत्मनि । ज्ञानमात्मनि महति नियच्छेत्तद्यच्छेच्छान्त आत्मनि ।।१३।। (Yacchedvanmanasi
Can a good study of the scriptures reveal to me the supreme truth?
(In the Katha Upanishad) Yama speaks of the unique nature of this journey and its goal: नायमात्मा प्रवचनेन लभ्यो न मेधया न बहुना श्रुतेन । यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्य- स्तस्यैष आत्मा विवृणुते तनूं स्वाम् ।।२३।। (Nayamatma pravacanena labhyo na medhaya na bahuna
What is the central message of the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita, more common known as the 'Gita', which is a part of the Mahabharata is an extremely popular scripture. If the Upanishads can be compared to the cow, the Gita is their milk. It is in the form of a dialogue between Lord Sri Krishna and
How does the Bhagavad Gita help humanity at large? Any specific reason for its current worldwide interest?
It is a book that is meant to be a help to realize the eternal spiritual reality within all men and women, along with the humanistic objectives which we have in our Constitution and also those which humanity is seeking in the modern age. That is why this
Many Hindus have been reciting the Gita slokas each day as a tradition across generations. But, is there a way that we can put these Gita teachings to practice especially in a modern context?
So far as we are concerned, we have to approach this study in this modern period from a point of view different from our traditional way. In the past, people mostly read the Gita as a pious act, and for a little peace of mind. We never realized that this
Generally religious teachings are delivered in a calm location like a temple, a cave or a forest. Is there any significance of the Gita being delivered in a battlefield?
Today we need a philosophy to guide our footsteps, so that we can meet the challenges of developing the immense manhood and womanhood of India. It is that philosophy and spirituality that we get in the Gita. The message of the Gita was given on the tumultuous
How does Swami Vivekananda regard the Bhagavad Gita?
The Upanishads or the Vedanta expounded the science of human possibilities a thousand years earlier (than the Gita), and the Gita expounds the practical application of that science. Hence, Swami Vivekananda considered the Gita as "The best book of practical
Can you please elaborate on the influence of the Gita on Western thought? What is the reason for its tremendous appeal?
The Gita was first translated into English by Sir Charles Wilkins and published by the British East India Company with an Introduction by Warren Hastings, the first British Governor-general of India, in which we find the following prophetic sentence:
What is the significance of the combination of Sri Krishna and Arjuna ?
Man needs the combination, in his character, of yoga, or the transcendental vision of Krishna, and the Promethean fire of Arjuna. In the Mahabharata war, Krishna did not do any fighting, he was only the unarmed charioteer of Arjuna. Arjuna was the fighter,
The Gita seems to be a part of the longest epic poem in the world, namely the Mahabharata. How did it become the most renowned Hindu scripture by itself?
For the first time, in the 8th century AD, this book was taken out of that mighty epic, The Mahabharata, by Shankaracharya, who wrote a great commentary in Sanskrit on it and placed it before the people. Till then it had been lost in the Bhishma Parva
Who first translated the Bhagavad Gita into English and what was its impact on the western world?
The Gita was first translated into English by Sir Charles Wilkins and published by the British East India Company with an Introduction by Warren Hastings, the first British Governor-general of India, in which we find the following prophetic sentence:
What is the significance of the Jnana mudra or knowledge pose of Sri Krishna's hand depicted in Bhagavad Gita paintings?
Our body postures have psychological counterparts; as the mind is, so is the body. You are lying down in a particular way; that will show a certain state of your mind. You sit in a particular way; you will find your psyche manifesting in that posture
It seems to me that Arjuna was better than Sri Krishna in the Gita. He wants to have peace, he does not want war. Sri Krishna is egging him on to war. How can we accept this situation?
Arjuna is speaking of peace, non-violence, compassion, and Sri Kṛishna is asking Arjuna to give up these values and fight. But, what does that mean? What is the state of Arjuna’s mind? Is there any virtue in Arjuna’s state of mind? Is virtue weakness?
What is the meaning of Yoga, a word which we hear so often? How many Yogas are there? How do we practise yoga?
Yoga is that which ‘unites’ (yuj—to yoke) the Jivatman (the individual soul) with the Paramatman (the Supreme Self or God). Any path of spiritual discipline which help achieve this union is ‘Yoga’. Yogas are generally considered four in number: Jnanayoga,
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