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Only the same group of people repeatedly attend your discourses, bhajans and participate in festivals like Gokulãshtami utsav that you celebrate. Is that not so?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

In a home the mother desires to always live with her children. What is the reason behind this? It is only due to 'prem' (love). In the same way, for devotees like us it is verily a great joy to talk about the Lord's 'guna', sing His praises and celebrate festivals for Him with those who enjoy listening to the Lord's Lila, singing His praises, celebrating festivals for Him. 'Prachãra' (preaching) comes only next. 'Prachãra' comes about of its own accord through all those who have true Bhakti.

In days gone by all people were guileless. Therefore, the path of Bhakti that has faith as its base bore fruit. In present Age people are intellectuals and thus question. Would not only Vedanta offer solution to such people?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

Well! As you say, as people have become more intelligent the existence of God can be instilled in them through Vedanta that is rational. But, is it enough to help them in just accepting the existence of God? Should not one have total dispassion? Should not one conduct himself as the Lord wishes? Will Truth, love, discipline be born through mere development of knowledge? What does Vedanta say? It does not suffice to just know the philosophy ('tattva'). 'Sarva sanga parityãgam' - total renunciation - that is, one attains the 'experience' ('Jnãna-anubhavam') only if one embraces 'sanyãsa' and lives with total dispassion. Through knowledge one can know only the philosophy ('tattva'). They also understand that 'prema bhakti' is difficult. It is for this reason that we advocate, "Chant 'Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare! Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!' and you will reach ashore as did Ajãmila.

Limitless is the power of Mahãns. Why then do they not perform miracles through such powers?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

If the Mãhans were to perform miracles, as you say, it would only sow the seed of desire in their devotees to earn such powers and perform miracles; the desire to attain liberation would not arise in them. The aim would change completely. It is for this very reason that they do not exhibit their power; instead, they show themselves as 'asaktha' (powerless). However, many miracles do occur due to the greatness of their very Presence.

Did Bhagavãn Sri Ramana perform tapas in 'Pãthãla guha'?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

Bhagavãn Sri Ramana was completely immersed in the 'Ãtmãnubhava' (experience of the Self - as verily 'the Self') that he had achieved at Madurai and did not perform any tapas, for, there was no need to do anything there. Yet, it cannot be refuted that it is only the Supreme Power that is behind Bhagavãn Ramana's state. Very casually we remark that the Sun rotates in space and so does the earth. How is it possible for the earth, the Sun, the Moon, etc. to rotate of their own accord in a closely controlled manner? The Truth is that there is one Supreme Being who rotates them and takes care of their proper functioning.

My Guru instructs me to do service ('kainkarya') to the Lord. But, my desire is only to do dhyana. What is good for me?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

'Jnãna' dawns only through the grace of the Guru and never through mere sadhana efforts. We may attain various extraordinary 'siddhis' (supernatural powers) as a result of our sadhana, but not Jnãna. As Jnãna can be earned only through the grace of the Guru, we should earn it through His blessings by doing what is desirable to him. Only the performance of service to the Lord that is desirable to Him would do good.

We find that Bhagavãn Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa while practicing the various spiritual paths dressed as prescribed for the particular path as also followed the ordained practices special to the particular path. What was the need for this?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

Seeing a person who wears unkempt hair, plain dress and sheds profuse tears creates grief in one's heart. Similarly, eyes with deep red tinge, the loud barking of dogs creates fear. Beautiful and costly dress, ornaments, auspicious musical instruments cause joy. Army dress and the sound of drums cause valor. In the same way, Gopichandan, Tulasimãla, white dress and the sound of bell, fragrant smoke, light, flowers, the sound of conch used in worship as advocated in our Bhakti Shahstras instigate bhakti in the mind and heart. Therefore, there is deep meaning in all these.

I have been performing many a meritorious work throughout my life. Will I attain Mukti?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

'Mukti' is attained through the Lord's or the Guru's grace. It cannot be bargained for through charity. The great Sage Vasishta till date lives only in Saptarishi mandala. Dasara is also only in the heaven. But, Ajamila the worst sinner attained Moksha!

What can be attained through the chanting of Nãma (the Divine Name of the Lord)?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

In the matter of Nãma one should not judge it as one does in the case of 'Ashttãnga' yoga, Karma, Dhyana, Vedanta Vichãra in which spiritual experiences are counted. They depend on the sadhana. But, this (chanting of Nãma) is based on the Lord's grace. Chanting the Divine Name of the Lord is the only thing to be done by us. The rest is taken care of by Him (the Lord).

Is the fruit of all Mantras the same?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

One can chant any Mantra for making the mind one pointed. But, it is not so if one is looking out for a particular gain ('phala'). For example, if one desires wealth there is a special Mantra for it. Doing japa of this Mantra would bring only wealth but would not cure one of a disease. So, one earns only the fruit of the particular Mantra.

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