Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Question - Gurudev, Can we alter our Time of Death by taking better care of ourselves and by praying? Or is it that when it’s time to go, we have to go? Is it true that no one can alter that? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar ji - This is a mystery. There is a possibility to extend life if the soul desires for it. But that should be an innate desire from the soul and not from someone else. Sometimes, someone else’s desire can also work, but that is only sometimes. This is a well-guarded secret in the universe as to when someone is going to exit from this planet. Research studies show that Meditation keeps you young and improves longevity. One of the main reasons for this is its diminishing effects on stress, a factor that has a negative impact on the body. So, Meditation, Yoga and taking good care of oneself will definitely have an impact.

On the second day of Navratri, Mother Divine takes the form of Brahmacharini. This is a quiet, beautiful, and yet powerful form of Durga Devi, where She undertakes severe penance to attain Lord Shiva. Brahma signifies infinity. *Brahmacharini is that which moves in infinity. What is interesting is that even when infinity is all over, it can still move. Movement in infinity is the reality of the subtle. It is like space; while it seems static, it is actually dynamic. There is enormous movement in space.* *The second meaning of Brahmacharini refers to the virgin aspect of energy. Newness is depicted in the second form of Durga. It can be compared to the rays of the sun. While the sun’s rays are old, and have been around for millions of years, they still have a fresh and new feel as they shine every day.* *ब्रह्मचारयितुम शीलम यस्या सा ब्रह्मचारिणी।* *सच्चीदानन्द सुशीला च विश्वरूपा नमोस्तुते.* *या देवी सर्वभेतेषु मां ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता।* *नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नम...

Question: Gurudev, what brings satisfaction in life? Whatever I do finally does not bring great joy and contentment after a while.   Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji:  The whole idea of finding satisfaction by doing something itself is not correct. Satisfaction comes from deep rest, by reposing deep within oneself. When you get established within your Self, then there is contentment. The satisfaction you think that comes by doing some work is very temporary and lasts only for a short while. If your work is successful, then you feel the need to do more work. When you get more success, then that again drives you to work more. You do not feel like stopping after having success. On the other hand, if you face some loss or failure in what you are doing, then also you feel, “Oh, how did it fail despite my efforts? I won’t give up; I will try again and succeed”. You feel challenged to do more. So you want to work more and work harder whether you get success or failure. And...

The first day of Navratri, dedicated to Devi Shailaputri. She is the goddess of Mooladhara (Root Chakra), from where one begins their journey towards awakening. “Praying to Shailaputri brings strength like a stone; it brings commitment. When the mind is wavering, chanting the name of Devi helps the mind to be centred and committed. It gives us strength, courage, and composure. *”वन्दे वांछितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखरम्। वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्।। पूणेन्दु निभां गौरी मूलाधार स्थितां प्रथम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्॥ पटाम्बर परिधानां रत्नाकिरीटा नामालंकार भूषिता॥ प्रफुल्ल वंदना पल्लवाधरां कातंकपोलां तुंग कुचाम् । कमनीयां लावण्यां स्नेमुखी क्षीणमध्यां नितम्बनीम् ॥ या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै, नमस्तस्यै, नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।

Question - Gurudev, how to be humble yet authoritative at work? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar ji - That is a skill that you have to manage. You have to be humble and yet firm. It is easy to be strict and arrogant, and it is easy to be humble and weak. But humility with weakness is no good. Strength with humility is the most appreciable quality. Arrogance with authority is very easy, but authority and humility together is something which is worth having. And that if you can manage to master, you have succeeded in life. Similarly it’s easy to give up things in anger, and in frustration, but letting go with a fullness of contentment and happiness is a skill. Also, did you know this, one of the rarest combinations in the human personality is the co-existence of confidence and humility. Often people who are confident are not humble and people with humility are not confident. Confidence blended with humility is most appreciated by everybody. Question - Gurudev, How can confidence be...