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“Will worship of Mahans’ photographs bear fruit?”

Sri Swamiji:

“The Photographs of Mahans possess divinity in them. As one meditates on these, the divinity in them increases. Clicking too many photographs or videos of people who do tapas (practice spiritual austerities) reduces their tapas (spiritual power). If any devotee were not in good health, Bhagavãn Yogiramsuratkumar would keep his (the devotee’s) photograph beside him and stroke it as he performed japa and the devotee would regain his health. This has happened many a time. There is no difference between Mahans and their photographs.”

“What is the yardstick to measure our mental maturity?”

Sri Swamiji:

“First of all, we should not feel jealous when we come to learn of others’ prosperity and fame. Secondly, it should not affect us adversely. Not only this but we must also feel happy; and this ‘manobhãva’ (attitude) should be towards those who are in the same field as we are.”

“How is it that Jnanis who are Jivanmuktas eat all kinds of food like the ordinary man?”

Sri Swamiji:

“A devotee placed the very same question before Sri Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna replied, “My mind is always in the state of samadhi. Only by eating such kinds of food does my mind come down to this plane. Only on coming down to this plane have I been able to answer the question you have placed now.”

“I perform dhyana. What is your advice for strengthening my dhyana?”

Sri Swamiji:

“Appropriate food habits, physical exercise and cleanliness keep the body healthy. Similarly, righteous living, truthfulness, non-violence and tolerance keep the mind healthy. One should begin to practice sadhana with such healthy body and mind. Celibacy (‘brahmacharya’) leads to concentration of mind. It is difficult for people other than those who eat ‘sattvic’ food to practice celibacy.”

“When I read or listen to the life histories of Mahans like Mira, Thiagaraja, etc. the desire to see God overtakes me. When I listen to Vedanta, I feel that I should attain Mukti. What should I do?”

Sri Swamiji:

“The desire to see God is the highest. If we succeed in seeing God, by His Grace, Mukti is also attained at once. Chanting His name ceaselessly is the easiest way to see God.”

“I always nurture the doubt about the existence of God - ‘does God exist or not?’ What is the reason for always holding this doubt?”

Sri Swamiji:

“Mahans opine that full faith in God does not arise in those hearts that house desire, avarice and are in the habit of drinking alcohol.”

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