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“I carry out several services useful to the Society. Yet, many oppose and create blocks through various means. When looking at these I feel, ‘Why should I do these amidst such oppositions? Shall I give up these services?’”

Sri Swamiji:

“Cuckoo sings melodiously. Even while we enjoy this a man comes along and hits it with a catapult. The feathers of the peacock is colourful. More wonderful is the way it sways the feathers forward and backward and dances. But, even while we enjoy this a hunter kills it. From this we learn that if we develop hatred towards anybody we fail to see any good in him/her. Therefore, without bothering about opposition from others continue to perform your service.”

“In one of your recent discourses I was pleased to hear you say, ‘Though in the past century some persons have fought for the right of entry of people of all castes into Temples, greater indeed is the fight of Ramanuja towards this cause as he fought even about thousand years back during the Age when caste distinction was very strong.’”

Sri Swamiji:

“It is a great matter, indeed, that at an Age when caste control was being very strictly followed that Ramanuja fought for the permit of entry of all castes into the Temple. But, there is another special matter contained in this. Those who fought in later years fought only for their rights. But, Ramanuja fought with the lofty thought that they should also receive the blessings of the Lord!”

“In one of your recent discourses you had said that Bhagavãn Sri Ramana Maharishi has also performed Kirtan. Did such an incident occur?”

Sri Swamiji:

“Bhagavãn Sri Ramana Maharishi’s mother was staying with him. Once, his mother fell ill. Bhagavãn Ramana, through four wonderful kirtans, prayed to Lord Arunachaleswara for setting her health right. In answer to Maharishi’s prayer the Lord cured his mother of her illness.”

I mention below the kirtans thus sung (by Maharishi Ramana):

“Alaiyã varupiraviyathhanaiyu mãttra
malaiyã yezhunda marunde - thalaivãnin
thãlgadhiyãi vãzhumen thãithãba mãttriye
yãlvaduvu munkadane yãm.

Kalakã lãvun kamala padanjchãrnda
bãla nenaiyeenrãll pãlandhak kãlanthãn
vãrã vagaiyunkãl vãrisame kãttuva
yãrãyir kãlarume yãr?

Nanãngi yãyongu nallarunna vongale!
jnãnãngi yãlannai nalludalai - jnãnãnga

Magachhei thunpadhathi laikyamãkk kikkollvãi
sãgath theemootuvadhen chãtru

Maya mayakkamadhai mãttrarunna mãmalaiyena
ayãr mayakkattrath thãmadamen - thãyãgith
thannaiyadain thãr vinaiyir thakkaruthãl vãrulagi
lunnaiyalã lundo vurai!

“Is bhakti imagining about God?”

Sri Swamiji:

“Yes! This is only called ‘Bhãva’ bhakti. Normally, if you advise a person who is desirous of earning through some business and leading a wealthy life, ‘Imagine how you would enjoy life after becoming wealthy,’ he would happily imagine it. He would wander in that imaginary world. But, mere dream is not enough. He has to work for it. Effort is required. He should face blocks courageously. Only then can he become wealthy. This is what we would say. Dreaming is natural, enjoyable, easy and possible by all.

Yoga, Vedanta, Dhyana, Karma sadhanãs are akin to working assiduously. But, Bhakti is imagining God in several ways to our taste. So, this is natural, enjoyable and possible by all. Therefore, Bhakti is easy for all.”

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