FAQ

Q. When we get one joy in life, another leaves us.
    Can we get all the joys of life together ? Can we get everything by doing meditation ?
A. In life both positive and negative thoughts exist together. Thoughts cannot be totally positive or totally negative. Every person does not have bad times always in his life. Happiness and sorrow are two faces of life. But by doing meditation, the mind always stays on positive thoughts and hence negative thoughts are reduced and sorrow also slowly decreases. The negativity in you becomes less and its effect on your life also weakens. You start looking for happiness in all circumstances. Your mind starts noticing good qualities in everyone. You are not troubled by people or situations. Regular meditation brings about positive thoughts in your mind which makes you happy.

Q. Can small children be taught to meditate ?
A. Certainly. If the child can sit regularly (and practise meditation), daily for 15 minutes right from his childhood, he will benefit more. His level of concentration will increase. He will be mentally stable and his restlessness will decrease. He will be able to concentrate fully on whatever he is doing, be it study or play. Thus he will perform better in studies with less effort and will improve his memory. He will always be cheerful and content. He will not cry and be upset over little things. He will be satisfied and happy with whatever he gets. If all the members of the family meditate, then there will not be any need to visit any (outside) temple as the home itself will turn into a temple. The vibrations in the house will suddenly improve. The whole family will experience joy, peace and happiness.

Q. Is it proper for women to meditate during their monthly periods ?
A. Yes. You can meditate even during monthly periods because I am talking about the soul, where there is no difference between male and female. And this is a quality of the physical body. That is why before I begin my discourse I address all of you as Punyatmas (Sacred Souls). In meditation one has to proceed from the physical to the subtle body in which there is no distinction of gender.

Q. I get many negative thoughts. What should I do ?
A. Meditation is the only way to control negative thoughts. Whenever you get any negative thoughts, alert yourself and tell your mind that Swamiji has told me not to think negatively, hasn't he ? If you cut off the very first thought, then the chain of thoughts will not develop. If you don't cut off the first thought then it will create a space for the second thought. And then the third .. .. .. and in the end you will be caught in thoughts of the past for more than half an hour. As a Marathi writer has written, when the first glass of liquor comes before you, if you stop yourself, then it is alright. But if you drink that first glass, then your self-control for the second glass will lessen and slowly your mind will become weak. And you will become a drunkard. In the same way if you stop the first negative thought, the second will not appear. And even if it comes, you will realize that you have to be aware and not get caught in it. But if your mind weakens then it will be difficult to control it. For that you have to pray to your Guru. You have to be alert and keep your mind on what your Guru teaches. If the Guru does not act in a particular way, the disciple will also not be able to do so. In this way, your attention will be on the Guru. Only then will you avoid these things.

Q. What is the best time to meditate for maximum benefit ?
    Morning or evening ? Should we meditate only after a bath ?
    Should we keep our eyes open or closed during meditation ?
 A. Bathing makes one peaceful and balanced and improves blood circulation. One feels clean and fresh. The appropriate time is before sunrise from 3.30 to 9.00 in the morning. The atmosphere is peaceful at this time and there is less pollution of thoughts. Therefore, one can concentrate better in meditation. The radiating energy which spreads through your body after morning meditation helps you in all your activities throughout the day. You are freed of the whole day's thoughts after 15 to 30 minutes of meditation in the evening. The mind becomes calm and steady. You feel light and happy and can sleep peacefully. The mind turns inward when you close your eyes during meditation and it is easy to turn your mind away from external objects. But if your mind travels to the cinema hall, the bus stop, friends, other people, or some other place, then by opening your eyes and looking at a flame your thoughts are destroyed.