Question:

Should I do japa (repetition of a particular name of God)? Or should I do 'Atma vichara' (Self-enquiry)?

Sri Swamigal:

Keep doing japa.
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Question:

But, Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi says that 'atma vichara' is very easy. Then why should I not practice 'Atma vichara'? Why do You advise me to do japa?

Sri Swamigal:

Ramana Maharishi did not go about enquiring of each and everyone, "Should I do japa? Or should I practice self-enquiry?" For your level of maturity it is good to do japa.
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Question:

It is said that 'Mano nasa' (destruction of the mind) is what is truly needed and that is the goal of the religion of Vedanta. At the same time it is also said that it is not so easy. While it is so, how can one destroy the mind with just 'Naama japa'?

Sri Swamigal:

There is a big tree. When it is decided to cut it down many people have to be employed who work on it with axe, saw and sickle for a number of days. Only after a long period of strenuous labour are they able to cut it down. But, the termites which are so tiny in size gather together in thousands and very easily eat away the tree. Similarly, the Lord's Naamas are like the termites. By doing japa of the Lord's Naama in thousands the mind is destroyed.
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Question:

What do You wish to say to me who follows the path of Bhakti?

Sri Swamigal:

In the name of Bhakti one should not become lazy, coward or lose self-confidence. This is my only advice.
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Question:

What are the 'puranas' (epics) that have been termed as 'satvic puranas'?

Sri Swamigal:

Vishnu puranam, Narada puranam, Srimad Bhagavadam, Garuda puranam, Padma puranam, Varaga puranam are referred to as 'satvic puranas'.
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Question:

Does reading of Ramacharitras or Bhagavada puranas written by poets earn punyas?

Sri Swamigal:

It is good to read the Lord's charitras (life). But, reading the texts of Maharishis and Bhaktas reap good fruits.
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Question:

What is the use of 'upavasa'(fasting)?

Sri Swamigal:

By 'upavasa' the 'indriyas' (senses) weaken. Since the mind is then not pulled down by the weakened senses it attains one-pointedness very easily.
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Question:

How can we become Brahma-swaroopa (the One Impersonal Universal Spirit) by controlling the mind?

Sri Swamigal:

A river originates at a particular place and runs perennially towards the sea. If, instead of running towards the sea the river remains in the place of its origin itself, then it will become a sea. Will it not? Likewise, if we hold the mind in its origin we will also become Brahma-swaroopa ourselves, says Sankarar.
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Question:

Is there no need for the 'Avaahanam'/'prana prathishtai' (to be consecrated) of the 'Salagramam'?

Sri Swamigal:

It has been said that the forest Nymisha, the lake Pushkar, the mountain Govardana and the Salagramam are all the very form of the Lord. Hence, there is no need for 'avaahanam' or 'prana prathishtai' for Salagramams.
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