<Prev |  Next>

What is the 'phala' (benefit) behind repeated performance of Veda 'pãrãyana' (chanting of the Vedas)?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

The sound of the Vedas ('Veda shabda') fills the space to this day. By repeated 'pãrãyana' of the Vedas the potency of these Mantras get strengthened. If, however, 'pãrãyana' is not done at all, the potency of these Mantras would get diminished. Thus, the 'phala' for which the Veda Mantras are chanted do not come about. This applies to chanting of the Divine Name of the Lord ('Bhagavan Nãma') and reading of Holy Texts like the Bhagavata, Ramayana as well.

A friend of mine does puja, dhyana, etc. with good involvement. He also visits the Temple daily and worships the Lord. However, he has possesses bad habits. Therefore, he has become the subject of others' criticism. I am unable to comprehend this situation. Why is he like this?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

His devotion is true and so are his bad habits. Bad thoughts are found in all. In some it remains at the level of thoughts while in some it come out externally in the form of action. When it is exhibited outwardly we label him as 'wicked'. A man begins to perform spiritual sadhana like bhakti, bhajan, japa, yoga, etc. only to come out of his bad habits. He does not all at once (the next moment or next day or next month) transform into a pure man. When the devotion that he has begun to show grows gradually day by day it reaches a high state and it is then that he comes out of the bad habits totally and becomes pure.

In Temples, why is 'teertha prasad' given three times?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

'Teertha prasad' is given three times to protect one from untimely (unnatural) death, to destroy all the sins and for cure from all diseases.

I have become very old. I am worried about my state after death?

Sri Sri Swamiji:

When a person who enjoys worldly comforts is told, on the basis of some illness that he is suffering from or by reading his horoscope, that he would not live long, he would deeply worry only about leaving the worldly comforts.

When such a situation arises after having attained Satsang (association of a Holy man), listened to Vedanta it is but natural to be concerned about one's state after death. Yet, one who has becomes the vessel of Guru's Grace will never fail (in attaining a good state).

<Prev |  Next>

Home • e-MM • Contact

Radhe Krishna