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“What is the meaning of the term “Andhanan” (a Brahmin)?”

Sri Swamiji:

“One who possesses beautiful qualities is called an Andhanan.”

“’Ãstika’(Theist) is one who worships many gods and a Bhakta is one who does Bakthi to one God alone now, is it right to call ‘Thiruvayyãru’ Sri Thyagaraja Swamigal a Baktha because he has sung on Lord Shiva at Kovoor, Dharmasamvardhini at Thiruvaiyãru and Lord Shiva at Lalgudi?”

Sri Swamiji:

“First of all we should understand that a Baktha, who has one-pointed devotion to a single god, will neither loathe other gods nor will he hold any dislike for them.

A loyal wife (‘pativratha’) need not necessarily dislike other males or disrespect them. For the sake of her husband she respects her husband’s parents, brothers and sisters Similarly, even an “Ekanta Baktha” may show devotion to other gods considering them as his favorite god’s family. The number of kirtans that Thyagaraja has sung on other deities is negligent when compared to the number of kirtans that he has sung on Lord Rama. Moreover, circumstances made him sing these kirtans. So Thyagaraja is also an “ ‘Ekanta Baktha’ only.”

“I am practicing severe Dhyana since a few days. I am afflicted with unbearable headache. What is the reason for this?”

Sri Swamiji:

“ Just as we experience pain when we are physically hurt so does our mind experience pain when something disturbs it. This is also an emotional injury only. Sometimes we feel physically worn out. We then say “I am feeling tired today”. Sometimes we are healthy and we say “ I can do any amount of work today”. In the same way, some days the mind is upbeat, while some other days it is unenthusiastic. In this manner there are many similarities between the body and the mind. If, one who has never physically exercised starts working for hours together, it leads to various ailments. He should increase his hours of physical labour gradually. In the same way, if one who has let his mind wander about aimlessly in worldly matters suddenly tries to concentrate it, it will certainly result in headache and other mental diseases. One should not be in haste. He should slowly and steadily practice dhyana. But, it does not harm to do Nãmakirtan any number of hours a day.”

“I reduce my food intake sometimes. Is this good?”

Sri Swamiji:

“Sleep and food are absolutely essential for good health. If one stops eating or does not eat in time, it leads to Ulcer and other such diseases. In the same way, if we try to avoid sleep intentionally, it may lead to many diseases. Many a Mahan has been without food or sleep or has eaten and slept scantily. This has been possible through their power of Dhyana and gradually acquired penances, They have converted their ‘sariira’ (body) into ‘siddha sarira’ (supernatural body). With ‘siddha sarira’ they are able to live with little food and sleep. Otherwise, avoiding food and sleep may be detrimental.”

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