Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama @ Belgaum » Spiritual FAQs http://rkmissionashrama.org For one's own liberation & for the welfare of the world Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:10:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en SpiritualFaqshttp://feedburner.google.com Can ladies chant the Gayatri Mantra regularly? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/e4vPevZ867s/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/can-ladies-chant-the-gayatri-mantra/597/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:07:57 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=597 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Can ladies chant the Gayatri Mantra regularly?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/can-ladies-chant-the-gayatri-mantra/597/" });]]> Definitely it can be done, as we have evidence that women underwent Upanayana ceremony during the Ramayana period.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/can-ladies-chant-the-gayatri-mantra/597/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/can-ladies-chant-the-gayatri-mantra/597/ What is the importance of Upanayanam in Hindu religion? It is said that only those people who gone through Upanayanam, should chant Gayatri. Why is it like that? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/MVe4uPi5irw/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/the-importance-of-upanayanam/596/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:07:17 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=596 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "What is the importance of Upanayanam in Hindu religion? It is said that only those people who gone through Upanayanam, should chant Gayatri. Why is it like that?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/the-importance-of-upanayanam/596/" });]]> In the Hindu custom, Upanayanam is a rebirth to a man, when he is invested into spiritual life. If you are invested ceremonially, it has its sanctity. However, you are free to chant Gayatri. Learn it from one who knows it.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/the-importance-of-upanayanam/596/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/the-importance-of-upanayanam/596/ How to control our mind so as not to expect anything from others while performing our duty? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/PI01pcYF9pw/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-control-our-mind/595/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:06:20 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=595 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "How to control our mind so as not to expect anything from others while performing our duty?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-control-our-mind/595/" });]]> This noble quality which you have mentioned has to be developed very slowly. After many failures, we shall succeed surely. But it may take a long time. In the beginning, we have to learn to be unselfish as much as possible. When we become absolutely unselfish, then only we shall not expect anything from anybody, rather, we shall always feel like giving to others.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-control-our-mind/595/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-control-our-mind/595/ How to overcome anger and jealousy? Even though I feel both these are bad tendencies they arise now and then. Once these tendencies arise in the mind it is not possible to think or do anything useful. I have found some benefit from self analysis. I would like to have your valuable advice since it sometimes affects me very badly. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/4DHttUekfWM/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-overcome-anger-and-jealousy/594/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:05:30 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=594 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "How to overcome anger and jealousy? Even though I feel both these are bad tendencies they arise now and then. Once these tendencies arise in the mind it is not possible to think or do anything useful. I have found some benefit from self analysis. I would like to have your valuable advice since it sometimes affects me very badly.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-overcome-anger-and-jealousy/594/" });]]> Anger and jealousy are like enemy for a person. It cannot be conquered in one day. But, it can be done by sincerely praying to God and also loving others instead of hating them. We should always remember that we get what we deserve and it does not serve any purpose by being jealous of other’s prosperities. Instead, if we can feel happy by other’s progress also, then only we can be friendly with all and be happy for ourselves. No doubt it is difficult to practise, but if we sincerely try, it will be possible

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-overcome-anger-and-jealousy/594/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-overcome-anger-and-jealousy/594/ Is it right that when you do NAMASKAR gesture (both hands together in the praying position) you say NAMASTE (I salute to the sun that is in me and in you)? I ask you this because sometimes people do not know what really Namaste and Namaskar mean. Do these two have different meanings or the difference is only in the pronunciation? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/7rT1iOyz32w/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/namaskar-gesture/593/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:05:09 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=593 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Is it right that when you do NAMASKAR gesture (both hands together in the praying position) you say NAMASTE (I salute to the sun that is in me and in you)? I ask you this because sometimes people do not know what really Namaste and Namaskar mean. Do these two have different meanings or the difference is only in the pronunciation?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/namaskar-gesture/593/" });]]> The word ‘Namaste’, in Sanskrit, contains two words: ‘Namah’ and ‘te’. ‘te’ - means ‘to you’. ‘Namah’ - means ’salutations’. It usually implies, I bow down to the God within you. The same is done when one addresses God directly. Primarily, it is done to erase our ego. Invariably, our psychology is that others should recognize me as great & they should respect me. That is, we have the superiority complex. By doing namaskar, we shall be effacing our ego and become humble, which is a primary condition for Spiritual Progress.
The act if greeting by joining palms together is called namaskar.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/namaskar-gesture/593/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/namaskar-gesture/593/ What is Sannyasa? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/EEd954MIyUc/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-is-sannyasa/592/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:04:45 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=592 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "What is Sannyasa?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-is-sannyasa/592/" });]]> The word Sannyasa means renunciation. One who renounces both externally & internally is called a Sannyasin or a monk.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-is-sannyasa/592/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-is-sannyasa/592/ What are the duties of a householder? What should he aim for? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/6W07bnZwKXI/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/duties-of-a-householder/591/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:04:23 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=591 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "What are the duties of a householder? What should he aim for?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/duties-of-a-householder/591/" });]]> The first duty of the householder is to look after all his family members with utmost respect and to bring harmony at home. Then to spend remaining time in thinking of God.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/duties-of-a-householder/591/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/duties-of-a-householder/591/ How to keep my mind fresh all the day? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/bKYAYf4qBEE/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-keep-my-mind-fresh-all-the-day/590/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:04:00 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=590 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "How to keep my mind fresh all the day?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-keep-my-mind-fresh-all-the-day/590/" });]]> You are not mind. Mind is an instrument in your hand. Separate the mind from you and watch it constantly; then it will be fresh. Another easy way is to chant the name of the Lord, even while working.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-keep-my-mind-fresh-all-the-day/590/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-keep-my-mind-fresh-all-the-day/590/ I am an engineering student. I want to excel in this field. I am impressed by exhortations of Swami Vivekananda. He says that youth of this country must do something to improve the condition of the downtrodden and poor people. How can I serve the same purpose? I do not think that continuing in my profession will in any way improve the conditions of the downtrodden. I think about it. I can’t concentrate. Hence I am not able to perform well in my academics. Please advise. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/WOiRimwod2Q/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/i-want-to-excel-in-this-field/589/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:03:37 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=589 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "I am an engineering student. I want to excel in this field. I am impressed by exhortations of Swami Vivekananda. He says that youth of this country must do something to improve the condition of the downtrodden and poor people. How can I serve the same purpose? I do not think that continuing in my profession will in any way improve the conditions of the downtrodden. I think about it. I can’t concentrate. Hence I am not able to perform well in my academics. Please advise.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/i-want-to-excel-in-this-field/589/" });]]> I am happy to know your interest in listening to the words of Swami Vivekananda. At the outset give your whole mind to the studies, so that you will be able to do justice to your present vocation. Excelling is not very difficult. As the proverb goes - “A genius is 90% perspiration & 10% inspiration.” If you can concentrate fully in your studies, you will be definitely able to do well.
You will have plenty of time & opportunity to serve the poor & downtrodden once you start earning money.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/i-want-to-excel-in-this-field/589/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/i-want-to-excel-in-this-field/589/ Sir I’m a student in Mumbai, studying in 12th. My exams are coming near, but I can not study as I’m more into performing arts like dance. Please help me to do well in my exams. Thank you. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/5CrFlH3PMmE/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/student-appearing-for-exams/588/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:03:11 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=588 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Sir I’m a student in Mumbai, studying in 12th. My exams are coming near, but I can not study as I’m more into performing arts like dance. Please help me to do well in my exams. Thank you.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/student-appearing-for-exams/588/" });]]> You are now in the 12th standard and the examination is very near. No doubt your favorite art is very interesting, but, this examination alone decides your future. All your friends will go for higher studies in different fields, whereas you will be left behind. Taking all these into consideration, give rest to your arts for sometime and put your whole mind to the studies. Take some private tuition, if needed. But, determine to do well in the examination. Wish you all the best.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/student-appearing-for-exams/588/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/student-appearing-for-exams/588/ Question:In complete works of Swami Vivekananda, Swamiji explained about 4 kinds of Sanyasa : 1) Vidvat Sanyasa, 2) Vividisha Sannyasa, 3) Markata Sanyasa & 4) Atura Sanyasa. Since I could not understand the same, particularly the 3rd type, I request you to explain the same in detail. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/fHB9qeuW0bA/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/types-of-sannyasa/587/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:02:50 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=587 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Question:In complete works of Swami Vivekananda, Swamiji explained about 4 kinds of Sanyasa : 1) Vidvat Sanyasa, 2) Vividisha Sannyasa, 3) Markata Sanyasa & 4) Atura Sanyasa. Since I could not understand the same, particularly the 3rd type, I request you to explain the same in detail.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/types-of-sannyasa/587/" });]]> It is difficult to explain the question you have asked in a short letter. However, I shall try to explain you briefly.

The renunciation must be always natural, rising with the desire for realization of God. Markata means - monkey. The monkey is always restless. Sometimes a man is not at all inclined to spiritual life. But, a sudden tragedy at house such as death of a dear one makes him loose interest in life and he wants to renounce the world. Such renunciation will last only as long as that grief remains in his mind. After sometimes again he gets interested in worldly life and forgets all about his renunciation. Such a renunciation is called Markata Sannyasa.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/types-of-sannyasa/587/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/types-of-sannyasa/587/ 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. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/OlwPvXwDGms/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/is-it-bad-to-be-good/586/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:02:05 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=586 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "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.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/is-it-bad-to-be-good/586/" });]]> 1. No. it is not bad to be good. The goodness that is in you, what is its quality? What is its strength? Can it change a bad man to become good? It is better to be good than to be goody-goody. A goody-goody person appears victorious and respectable. But he has no inner strength/grit or determination to remain good always. He behaves extremely well in order to please people around him. That behavior is not approved; if something wrong is going on in front of him he closes his eyes. He does not want to resist it or fight against it. Such a person is called goody-goody. He does not have the capacity to fight against injustice.
2. Swami Vivekananda used to say that If you want to learn anything from Krishna it is that - good should be equally aggressive as evil. Please read Bhagavad Gita chapter IV, Sloka 40, in which he says, “Never my son does a doer of good come to grief.”
3.Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi was good. But when a mad person by name Harish chased Her, she was able to put him down and slap on his face, and in the process changed his course of thinking. That is the strength of goodness.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/is-it-bad-to-be-good/586/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/is-it-bad-to-be-good/586/ Is it possible for a householder to have self-realization or is being a monk a pre-requisite? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/mRSD7o4rkvk/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/is-it-possible-for-a-householder-to-have-self-realization/585/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:01:30 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=585 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Is it possible for a householder to have self-realization or is being a monk a pre-requisite?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/is-it-possible-for-a-householder-to-have-self-realization/585/" });]]> Religious History says that both Sannyasins (monk) and householders have realised the Self. Only it is easy for a Sannyasin, because of the non-botheration of the family. He can spend more time in his spiritual practices. But if a householder puts the necessary efforts, he also has the possibility of realising the Self.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/is-it-possible-for-a-householder-to-have-self-realization/585/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/is-it-possible-for-a-householder-to-have-self-realization/585/ Can you tell me the various paths to the realization of God according to the Hindu yoga philosophy? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/IgHSAyALiD4/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/paths-to-the-realization-of-god/584/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:01:05 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=584 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Can you tell me the various paths to the realization of God according to the Hindu yoga philosophy?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/paths-to-the-realization-of-god/584/" });]]> Your question is very vague. However, there are four main paths in Hinduism for the realization of God. They are - 1. Jnana Yoga (the path of reasoning), 2. Karma Yoga (the path of action in the spirit of service to God), 3. Bhakti Yoga (the Path of Love for God), 4. Raja Yoga (the path of Meditation).

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/paths-to-the-realization-of-god/584/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/paths-to-the-realization-of-god/584/ Even though I am performing my duties effectively and going in the right path without disturbing others in the way of spirituality. I think the people around me are going away from me as I don’t want to defend my mistakes and others’ too. When I say the same to my family members and friends they are treating me as a hurdle to there free and jolly life. Please suggest me the way to come out of it. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/wxSbWDG7drQ/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/performing-my-duties-effectively/583/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:00:43 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=583 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Even though I am performing my duties effectively and going in the right path without disturbing others in the way of spirituality. I think the people around me are going away from me as I don’t want to defend my mistakes and others’ too. When I say the same to my family members and friends they are treating me as a hurdle to there free and jolly life. Please suggest me the way to come out of it.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/performing-my-duties-effectively/583/" });]]> Do not bother about how the others speak of you so long your conscience is clear and you are on the right path. After sometime they will come round and have regards for you. Truth takes time to get appreciation.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/performing-my-duties-effectively/583/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/performing-my-duties-effectively/583/ What is worship? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/ajaUHk-OfKI/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-is-worship/582/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:00:15 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=582 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "What is worship?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-is-worship/582/" });]]> It is a very vague question. However, any work done with a spirit of service or in order to help others without any expectation is worship. It may be rituals or serving others.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-is-worship/582/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-is-worship/582/ What are ethics and morality in day to day life? What does our Hindu religion say about it? Are these both related or is one based on the other? What should a person follow in life? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/EmbMYrrsKms/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-are-ethics-and-morality/581/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:59:36 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=581 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "What are ethics and morality in day to day life? What does our Hindu religion say about it? Are these both related or is one based on the other? What should a person follow in life?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-are-ethics-and-morality/581/" });]]> Moral & ethical values vary from person to person. What is moral to an Indian may be most immoral for a Westerner, and vice versa. Even in the same country, if a soldier kills the enemies in the war, he will be honoured, whereas if an ordinary man kills a person, he will be punished. I wish you read Swami Vivekananda’s Karma Yoga in which he deals in detail on the subject.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-are-ethics-and-morality/581/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/what-are-ethics-and-morality/581/ Should we have fear for God? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/-qYhSMI5KW4/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/should-we-fear-god/580/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:59:08 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=580 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Should we have fear for God?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/should-we-fear-god/580/" });]]> God is kind and benevolent. He should never be approached with fear. We should approach Him with love. But generally people approach God with fear as they have peculiar concept of God in their minds. They think He is watching all our acts & punishes for all the bad deeds we commit. However, a man starts his religion by fearing God & ends up ultimately in loving Him after getting a true concept of God.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/should-we-fear-god/580/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/should-we-fear-god/580/ How to practise UNATTACHMENT in Life. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/lY_2QtuR4Sg/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-practise-unattachment-in-life/579/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:58:46 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=579 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "How to practise UNATTACHMENT in Life.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-practise-unattachment-in-life/579/" });]]> Practice of unattachment does not come of in a day. It requires lot of Spiritual Practice. At the outset, you have to believe that the whole universe is a creation of God and it belongs to Him. Whatever we possess also naturally belongs to Him. We are only privileged to enjoy it. So, whatever we are earning, spending, loving people, etc. - all is His grace and belong to Him. Since, everything belongs to Him, it is meaningless to get attached to some.
I advise you to read the 3rd chapter of Bhagavad Gita and Swami Vivekananda’s Karma Yoga, which will enlighten you more.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-practise-unattachment-in-life/579/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-to-practise-unattachment-in-life/579/ Does a spiritual aspirant need a Guru ? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/bWfFvuTFiuc/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/does-a-spiritual-aspirant-need-a-guru/578/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:58:22 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=578 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Does a spiritual aspirant need a Guru ?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/does-a-spiritual-aspirant-need-a-guru/578/" });]]> Definitely a guru is required to tread the right path in spiritual life. But one can start the life with the help of books and finding the guru will not be very difficult. But, you have to choose the right guru.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/does-a-spiritual-aspirant-need-a-guru/578/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/does-a-spiritual-aspirant-need-a-guru/578/ How do we choose truth from lie? Does such a thing exist? Who made the decision as to 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 its been bothering me too long. I do not know the answer to the question. I was hoping you can help me to clarify it. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/WStTWdx0wnM/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-do-we-choose-truth-from-lie/577/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:53:07 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=577 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "How do we choose truth from lie? Does such a thing exist? Who made the decision as to 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 its been bothering me too long. I do not know the answer to the question. I was hoping you can help me to clarify it.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-do-we-choose-truth-from-lie/577/" });]]> You have put a highly philosophical question. I do not know to what extent I can clarify your doubt through this mail.

The very ‘existence’ is ‘Truth’. Truth does not need a proof. It is a proof by itself. In the higher realm, discrimination between the real and the unreal is the method. Real is Truth. That which stands in all the 3 times (past, present, and future) is truth.

In the day to day life (Vyavaharika) Truth refers to certain statement of facts to our best of knowledge. Supposing a glass of milk is placed before you mixed with poison. I openly tell you about the fact and request you to drink the milk. Will you not use your discrimination and reject it because it is harmful and dangerous to your health and life? Sticking to the Truth gives us moral strength to face the life as it comes, though at times the results may not be encouraging in the beginning. But the end is ‘strength’ and ‘Joy’.

Though it is not advisable to tell even a ‘fib’, the unpleasant truth should be avoided. These is a Sanskrit Shloka which says: Satyam bruyat priyam bruyat,  Na bruyat satayampriyam

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-do-we-choose-truth-from-lie/577/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/how-do-we-choose-truth-from-lie/577/ People talk about Vedanta like - Vedanta says this, Vedanta says that…..What is Vedanta and who created it? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/jIUlb4ndW14/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/people-talk-about-vedanta/576/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:52:15 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=576 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "People talk about Vedanta like - Vedanta says this, Vedanta says that…..What is Vedanta and who created it?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/people-talk-about-vedanta/576/" });]]> Vedanta does not refer to any book. It is the sumum bonum of the teachings enshrined in Vedas. Vedas are the truths realized by ancient Rishis. The mass of knowledge was classified by Vedavyasa into 4 Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva.

You can read the book “Spiritual Heritage of India” by ‘Swami Prabhavananda’ or any book on Indian Philosophy. 

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/people-talk-about-vedanta/576/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/people-talk-about-vedanta/576/ I am having hard time believing in God. Most of the times I believe in God, but some other times I have doubts creeping up. I see these doubts growing then I loose interest in meditation. I would stop doing meditation. When I start again, I have to start from scratch. It happened several times already. I can’t seem to make up my mind. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/QVjL4zy-hLg/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/i-am-having-hard-time-believing-in-god/575/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:51:35 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=575 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "I am having hard time believing in God. Most of the times I believe in God, but some other times I have doubts creeping up. I see these doubts growing then I loose interest in meditation. I would stop doing meditation. When I start again, I have to start from scratch. It happened several times already. I can’t seem to make up my mind.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/i-am-having-hard-time-believing-in-god/575/" });]]> Please don?t loose faith in God. Doubts will come like clouds. Pray intensely to the Lord for guidance. Keep on praying and practice meditation. Remember him as many times as possible, if not constantly. Be strong and don?t yield to doubts and despair. These are like tests. We should come out successfully. I am sure your faith in God will become stronger and stronger day-by-day.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/i-am-having-hard-time-believing-in-god/575/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/i-am-having-hard-time-believing-in-god/575/ It is said that God is impartial. We pay for what we did, good for good, bad for bad. My question is: is there no way of changing our destiny. If there is none, then there is no point in praying isn’t it? I have faced a lot of disappointments in my life yet every time I prayed. Now I have no more patience. If one has to live one should have some hope, without which it is very difficult to live. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/yR5ys5kl8mI/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/it-is-said-that-god-is-impartial/574/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:50:29 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=574 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "It is said that God is impartial. We pay for what we did, good for good, bad for bad. My question is: is there no way of changing our destiny. If there is none, then there is no point in praying isn’t it? I have faced a lot of disappointments in my life yet every time I prayed. Now I have no more patience. If one has to live one should have some hope, without which it is very difficult to live.", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/it-is-said-that-god-is-impartial/574/" });]]> Your question is very interesting, but unfortunately we cannot do business with God. No doubt destiny can be changed to certain extent by sincere prayer but don’t expect every prayer to be answered immediately. As we have done many good deeds in the past, we also have done bad deeds. We are getting the rewards for the good deeds, in the same way should we go unpunished for the bad deeds?
Since prayer and patience are the only solution for our problems, don’t loose faith, but continue with your effort.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/it-is-said-that-god-is-impartial/574/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/it-is-said-that-god-is-impartial/574/ If we are all part of God then why did we come to this world? Our present state is according to our karma of last life. What I want to know is why did we come here the first time? Before that what was our state? And after getting Mukti what will be our state? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/ZDK4SEzBcJQ/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/if-we-are-all-part-of-god/573/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:49:36 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=573 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "If we are all part of God then why did we come to this world? Our present state is according to our karma of last life. What I want to know is why did we come here the first time? Before that what was our state? And after getting Mukti what will be our state?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/if-we-are-all-part-of-god/573/" });]]> It is an age-old question. The answers are many. The one answer given by Vedanta is that the world itself is an illusion and when we realise our real nature, the illusoriness becomes clear. But, so long we are in illusion, the illusoriness can not be realised. Just as so long we are in dream, we are not aware that we are in dream.
The law of Karma is true, but, the Creation is like a circle, which has no beginning. We have come from God, and go back to God ultimately, when the play is over. We don’t realise that we have come from our God - this is our ignorance.

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]]> http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/if-we-are-all-part-of-god/573/feed/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/if-we-are-all-part-of-god/573/ We all say that what we are doing is ultimately because GOD wants us to do that, all good and bad - whatever we do - it is because of the will of GOD. Does it mean that if we do something wrong, behind that also ultimately GOD was there, then why should we get convicted for that deed, and we have to face the problems for that deed? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SpiritualFaqs/~3/fHBZwZFnGFs/ http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/god-wants-us-to-do-that/572/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:12:03 +0000 rkmissionashrama http://rkmissionashrama.org/?p=572 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "We all say that what we are doing is ultimately because GOD wants us to do that, all good and bad - whatever we do - it is because of the will of GOD. Does it mean that if we do something wrong, behind that also ultimately GOD was there, then why should we get convicted for that deed, and we have to face the problems for that deed?", url: "http://rkmissionashrama.org/posts/god-wants-us-to-do-that/572/" });]]> All these statements have a philosophy behind which you have to think over carefully. If one says that performance of bad actions is due to God, then one should also accept that the results also are due to Him. Conviction also naturally belongs to the God. He who does good, will be rewarded and the other punished for his misdeed.

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