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You say that we should never have negative thoughts in our mind and should always think positive. Is this possible?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

Negative thoughts are also necessary but should be within limits. In a way, it gives us some kind of a protection. For example, someone wishes to go to Vãranãsi and bathe in the Ganges. His long cherished wish fructifies one day. He goes to Vãranãsi and sees the Ganges. His joy knows no bounds. The river is flooded. The first thought that comes to his mindis, "The river is in full flow. If I am not careful I will slip." Can we say that this is wrong? This is just a defense. So, instead of saying that one should avoid negative thoughts it would be appropriate to say that they are within limits.

A mirror falling down and breaking is considered as a bad omen. Why is it so?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

Usually, we handle a mirror much more care than any other thing. Even while trying to be so cautious, if the mirror breaks, it means that the person's mind is not calm. Because his mind is restless he drops it down and breaks it. It is in this state of restlessness that he might continue to other works, too. Thus, he would end up doing all work in the wrong way. It is for this reason that it is said that dropping down and breaking a mirror is a bad omen.

Q. Why do Jnãnis perform pooja?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

If someone needs to learn swimming, he learns it in water. Even after mastering the skill, he exhibits it by swimming in water only. Similarly, pooja is done at he beginning stage only so that it can be done with complete Jnãna. Hence, even a Jnãni performs pooja.

Why is it said, 'Karma will not bestow Liberation directly, it will only cleanse the mind; This has to be followed by spiritual practices such as japa, dhyãna, Self-enquiry in order to attain Liberation'?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

Japa is higher than puja that is done physically. Murmuring the japa is greater than chanting aloud. Mental japa is greater than murmuring the japa. This is verily dhyana. What can we infer from this? Total involvement of the mind is not certain in karma yoga that is done physically. Why then has Karma yoga been advocated? The idea behind this is that it is human nature to do some work or the other. Hence, it is not possible for him enter into dhyãna (marga) directly. Therefore, one should perform karma without attachment. As a result of this the mind is purified. When dhyãna is done in such purified mind it easily becomes fruitful and one attains Samãdhi.

The fruit of 'velvi' ('Yãga') is heaven. Then how can it be said that performance of 'yãga' selflessly would purify the mind? Would it not be right only if they attain both the heaven and purification of the mind?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

The fruit of 'velvi' ('Yãga') is heaven. Then how can it be said that performance of 'yãga' selflessly would purify the mind? Would it not be right only if they attain both the heaven and purification of the mind?

You consent to the fact that if I perform a good deed and offer its fruits to the Lord, I will not acquire its benefits. Should it not be the same if I commit a sin and do not desire the consequence?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

Let us say that the government of a country has decided on bestowing an award on someone who has done some good deed. The reward cannot be forced on the person if he does not desire it. However, if this person had committed a wrong and does not desire to undergo the punishment will the Government spare him? It is akin to this.

If a lamp is lit in a dark room, the darkness immediately vanishes. In the same way, shouldn't one attain 'Jnãna' once his mind is purified? Darkness in a room vanishes immediately on bringing a lamp into the room. In the same way, should not Jnana (Self-realisation) dawn as soon as the mind has been cleansed?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

It is indeed true that darkness vanishes as soon as a lamp is lit. But isn't it also true that the darkness is removed only to the extent of the brightness of the lamp? Similarly, one would attain Self Realization only after he attains complete purity of mind.

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