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“In olden days, in the Gurukulas, the disciples lived close to the Guru and learnt the various arts and skills. Is such a gurukula system necessary?”

Sri Swamiji:

“Skills like music, dance, sculpture, playing musical instruments, discourse and astrology are primarily based on Bhava. The Guru might experience Bhava in his heart at any time. At such instances, without losing the opportunity, the student should be present close to the Guru and learn them. This is the intent of the Gurukulas.”

“A few stare constantly at their Guru when sitting in front of him, or gaze incessantly at his photograph. I tell them that doing so is not dhyana. But I get a response that in Srimad Bhãgavatam, the Gopikas have gazed at Lord Krishna this way and hence it is not wrong. What is your opinion?”

Sri Swamiji:

“Making one’s mind one-pointed is called dhyana. But the mind should concentrate on a Guru or God rather than concentrating on any single point or thing. Merely gazing sitting in front of a Guru or his photograph as a physical exercise would lead to self-hypnotism. In that state, one could experience silence, vibrations or even some special powers and visions. One might even acquire the power to get others onto his path. However, this is just the result of an exercise. There is a difference in different people performing the same action. When a mother lifts a child, there is affection. When a doctor lifts the same child it involves care and attention. When others lift it, there is a sense of irresponsibility. Hence, the result of an action depends on the state of mind with which it is performed. Just by gazing, we would not become Gopikas. By gazing at Lord Krishna, the Gopikas did not become Bhaktas. It is because of their Bhakti that they gazed at Lord Krishna.”

“We are contemplating on installing a Hanuman deity in our village. In what form should it be installed so that it benefits the village?”

Sri Swamiji:

The deity should be in the standing posture. One hand holding the mace and the other hand giving ‘Abhayam’ (protection) is good. This Veera Ãnjaneya posture, which would fulfill the prayers of the devotees and also allay fears of demons and evil spirits, is the best for the village.”

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