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Some people possess beauty but are foolish. Similarly, some are highly learned but are poverty stricken. What is the reason for such discrepancies?

Sri Swamigal:

'Punyam' ( good merits) are of various kinds. Some bestow long life while some bestow knowledge; there are yet others, which bestow wealth. People doing 'punyam' invariably do the same kind of 'punyam' all the time. So, while they are blessed in one way they do not receive the other benefits. This is the reason we find that majority of the people do not enjoy all the benefits.

What are the five kinds of 'runãs' (duties)?

Sri Swamigal:

Shastras lay down five 'runãs' for everyone. It also says that one can embrace 'sanyãsã' (ascetic life) only after the accomplishment of these 'runãs'.

They are 'Manushya runa'( hospitality), 'Bhootha runa' (just before his meals man offers some food to the 'spirits'), 'Deiva runa' (worship of the family deity), 'Deva runa' (worshipping the Devas through yaga/yajnãdiis), 'Pithru runa' - (the rituals performed for the dead ancestors.

How is 'Pithru Runa' accomplished?

Sri Swamigal:

With the birth of a son 'Pithru Runa' is accomplished.

We say that Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya; that it was in Mathura Lord Krishna was born, so on and so forth. What is the basis for all these?

Sri Swamigal:

We have heard or seen many Mahans predict future events. Saints possess the power to read the future. Similarly, when they undertake pilgrimage to holy places they are able to 'see' the past events of that place through their divine power. It is only through them that these holy places have come to light.

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