Question & Answers with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
![](/sites/all/themes/aol-zen/images/Q_A.jpg)
Q:
I cannot accept criticism. So I get disturbed.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
For how long does this happen?For some time right?So, it’s alright. If you think you shouldn't get disturbed, then you get more disturbed. The disturbance doesn't stay for all time.If there is some point in their comments, take it. Welcome the criticism. Is it for your improvement or is it the impression that you have created?You doubt compliments. So doubt the criticism as well.
Q:
Are we all part of the Divine Light Source?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Of course. But until it becomes your experience, keep it at the back of your mind.Q:
Why does one marry? What is the secret of a successful marriage?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
A successful marriage is when both are happy. Then the children will also be happy. You choose! Choice is yours and blessings are mine. This is something that you don’t choose with your head. If something clicks in the future, make a choice.Q:
What should we do to always be happy?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
First be more and more happy and then if some moments of unpleasantness creep in life- accept them.Don’t get upset because you were upset sometimes in the past, and then you will always be happy.Q:
Dear Guruji, thanks to you to people are feeling better and the world is getting better. How can we make politicians understand that a peaceful world is better? Why is there so much hate, murders, drugs dealers, arms, wars? What can we do? What would you forbid if you were the world’s president?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Thank God! I don’t intend to be, I don’t want to be. Why, you don’t like me having a big smile? You know these are the questions that u need to keep with you. You know an answer can be used only once, but the question which appears like a path can be tread on many a time. These questions you keep asking time and again you will get different answers and implement them at those times.Q:
I feel close to you but the closer I get to you, I seem to face tougher situations sometimes, is this something related to Guru mandala?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Longing brings out a lot of creativity in you. It can bring out a lot of poems. Longing is Radha shakti….Krishna. Be very fortunate.Q:
Guruji, how do we handle situations where we feel we havebeen blamed unfairly?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Just with a smile. In this world,there is place for ignorance also. If someone is blaming you, it is out oftheir ignorance. And if it is not ignorance, it is mal-intention or jealousyand I would club all these emotions as part of ignorance. So, the best is you moveon and don’t get stuck because you have no way to control other’s opinion andyou don’t need to - everyone can have their own opinion. The best formula is toeducate and ignore. You have to; if someone says, you are a thief, you can’tsay, let him have his opinion. You educate him. If they believe it or not it’sup to them. So, keep this as a formula in every relationship. Educate andignore. If you just ignore in the beginning, you will only exhibit arrogance.Educate is also a little strong word. You can say inform and ignore, which iseven better. In education, there is more effort. In anger, people say, I willteach him a lesson.Q:
We always perform Tarpana on Amavas in reverence of the departed souls of the beloved ones, is it really something scientific or just a ritual?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Well, Tarpana means ‘to satisfy.’ ‘Tarpa’ comes from ‘tripti’, which means fulfillment. Your ancestors had some wishes. Fulfilling them or taking them to be fulfilled, don’t crave for anything. That is exactly what Tarpana is: remembering the people who have departed once in a year.In Christianity and in Islam also they do this for departed souls, particularly once in a year. So in India, in the ancient days, on amavas (moonless night) they kept remembering all the ancestors and they kept the full moon day to remember all the different manifestations of the Divinity. It is not only that every amavas you have to do something, but remembering them and doing some good work in their memory is good.
Q:
Who is Radha?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Radha is one who is going towards the source. Dhara is flow, and read other way it becomes Radha. So, one who goes towards the Self!Q:
Dearest Gurudev, just to handle one person I lose all my energy, how do you handle so many people?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
That is why I am sitting here!