Happiness, emotions and enjoying life

Yoga is fun, ultimately it is great entertainment. But if there is no love inside your heart how can you be happy. And a happy person is having all the fun. No fear at all. And I think purity is the basis of happiness. I remember one fairy tale from somewhere about a bridge across a river. And people were passing and there was lot of happiness there. It was a sort of a magic forest. Some trolls, – do you know trolls? – they were standing guard on that bridge. They would stop every vehicle, everybody and say: give us some tax, then only then we will let you pass. What is the tax? They would just demand, “Give us a true smile and you can pass.” And very rarely somebody was able to give them a smile. I love that story. A real smile will always come from heart.

Yoga is not just a set of physical exercises, it is playing with your own consciousness, when you are trying to explore your own mind. You are going inside your own heart to see what is there. How many emotions are living there? So even when a simple emotion comes to surface, the person becomes disturbed. But this heart is a vast ocean of emotions. So if we are trying to learn what is in our mind, we will have to experience every emotion as well. And they are good to have – it separates us from so many other beings.

* * *

As you already practice that heart opening technique, we have to go inside the heart – only then your mind will come under control. It is already in the heart. You see all over the world how the word “heart” is portrayed: feelings come from my heart, every emotion lives in the heart – the whole world knows it. And every girl says that the true feeling emerges from the heart, not from the mind.

* * *

Q: In your life you have two types of emotions, pleasant and unpleasant. Those which you enjoy and those which distort you to make you unhappy. As a yogi, what shall you do? Shall you face all these emotions and try to enjoy all of them?

No, I think the word “enjoy” is not the right word. I would rather experience those emotions. Both good and bad. Because you will be learning out of both. Bad emotions teach you even more than good.

* * *

Q: Should I try to control my emotions?

A: Why? God has given them to you. Try to understand them instead of controlling them.

Q: Just realize?

A: Not exactly. If you understand them, that will be realization and you simply cannot control what you don’t know or don’t understand. You got to understand your emotion.

Q: What do you mean by understanding the emotion? Understanding the source of it? What is the source for the emotion?

A: I am telling about emotions in totality. The source is just a part of your emotion. Think on that.

* * *

I think the more refined you become with your practice, your emotions also become more refined, more clear.

* * *

When your mind is calmer, you will begin to understand the true nature of your thoughts. That means the true nature of every emotion, even which you react to – another person’s thought.

Q: And then emotions will disappear?

Shailendra: Not disappear – you will go beyond them. Emotions will never disappear, but you will go higher and higher; and you will experience new higher emotions. Like when we were small children emotions were very different. Now when we can look we can understand them, but our emotions are very different. When we progress as yogis, the emotions are very different. But the person will the same – who will continue to experience those emotions. And that’s how we learn.

Q: The reason is that the causes of emotions will also change?

Shailendra: Yes, yes. And the more mature in your thoughts you grow or the more old you become, you will learn more how to control them. I think having emotions is a very good thing.

* * *

Q: The books teach us that emotions are a bad thing.

A: They are the real teachers. I myself am a highly emotional person. Always I have been highly emotional, but I am happy with that.

Q: But when somebody gives rise to irritation yogis don’t shout at this person.

A: I have been known to do it.

Q: But if I were to cry should I cry or not?

A: Of course, is it more natural thing in the world.

Q: You have been known for doing that without involvement.

A: No, anytime anything is possible.

* * *

Q: Guruji, such emotions as anger, hatred… Gods and rishis are described as being not free from such emotions.

A: Nobody is asking you to be free from that. God has created these emotions. If you want to experience everything about consciousness, then you will experience it in its totality: anger in its totality, love in its totality. Otherwise how can you call yourself perfect? Before becoming perfect, you should know every type of that. Then only you will be per fact (another tool of language). Why is nobody perfect? Just think. Because nobody knows the fact, so they cannot be per fact. If you understand every fact of life, then only you can call yourself perfect. We cannot say that Jesus was a perfect being if he did not know hate or anger. I think he knew everything. Do you think if you go up to Jesus and give him a guitar he will not be able to play? I will tell you he would have played it then and there.

* * *

Q: If a person is beautiful, what does it mean? Was he good in his previous life?

Sh: Physical beauty doesn’t matter. What is really important is the beauty of the mind. A beautiful person without mind will remain too busy trying to look beautiful and achieve nothing in life.

Q: Some people want to look beautiful for God — is it okay that they beautify themselves?

Sh: But trying to look beautiful for God is nothing, because you and every single person are a special creation of God. You just need to find real beauty and accept what God has given you. And only the person who accepts his nature can be happy. He accepts the truth and doesn’t try to change what God has given him. Take Michael Jackson for instance. He went through so many cosmetic surgery and died a very sick man. And his talent had nothing to do with his appearance. It was already there, without a nose or skin operations. The talent was already there, that was his real beauty which he failed to notice. So many beautiful people are moving around without talent — but who will remember them? So that beauty which God gave him was his talent. To be able to sing, to create extraordinary music and to affect millions — that was his beauty which he could not see.

S: A lonely man cannot be happy. No matter how many millions he has, if he has no friends, he is the unhappiest and the poorest person in the world. I used to go to school by bicycle. There was a man who was repairing bicycles. He was the happiest man I’ve ever seen. He was poor, because his work was just to repair bicycles. I liked to discuss things with him. He used to sing a song to his wife: “A guest has arrived. So, my love, please make a tea for us!” And she used to answer singing from a kitchen. That was the happiest couple I’ve ever seen! I always felt very good there.

Man: You have also mentioned another man, whom you called “one of the happiest”. The one who killed several persons out of revenge and spent his days in a prison.

S: Yes, he was satisfied and happy in that particular moment. But the man with the bicycles was happy every day. The other was happy the moment he killed his enemies, then he went to prison and spent his life there enjoying the feeling of satisfaction. But the man who was always singing songs to his wife was just fantastic! It was a great privilege for me to know these people, just to see them and to be happy with them. They were from Gwalior. So even very simple people who have never heard of yoga can be very happy. Their hearts were good. He was always ready to help others.

Man: So do you think that if somebody is always happy to help somebody, he is happier than those who don’t have this ability?

S: I think their mood makes them happier, yes. They always are very happy. I don’t know if he is still alive or not. It was long ago when I saw him the last time. He was about 50.

Man: Oh, really? I thought that he was a young man.

S: No, he was 50. And he loved singing songs. And he was very romantic with his wife.

Man: And what was the age of his wife?

S: I’m not sure now, but usually in India the wives are 3-5 years younger.

There should be some entertainment in life. Otherwise, life will become too boring.

Q: This is interesting, because what you said in some respects contradicts to the internal idea that the whole life must be practice, practice and only practice and all entertainments must be forgotten and everything should be concentrated on practice and also spreading knowledge to those who will use the truth.

Sh: But then when you begin to appreciate the work of the mind, then every entertainment comes from the mind.

* * *

Lokananda Samadhi Sudham. It means the worldly pleasures and the pleasure of Samadhi . Finally, they are one and the same. Whatever worldly thing you are doing, you are experiencing it with your mind. Samadhi — you are experiencing it with your mind. They are almost the same. After you have experienced Samadhi, everything will be same.

* * *

I keep on saying that all the entertainment is here. You just need to realize that. In the old times when people began to talk about liberation there was so much misery around, they were sad, they were suffering. So everybody was hoping that one day they would be liberated from this. Now we are enjoying more. So we are becoming liberated from misery. We can see the humor in life now. So what is the point of attaining liberation if it comes to that philosophical thing? Actually we don’t want to be liberated. We just want to develop ourselves to our full potential.

And if it is liberation from limitations then we call it liberation. So it is better to be here. And also we should see that god has created this world for a certain purpose. So let’s find out that purpose by living here instead of crying for heaven.

* * *

Q: But isn’t that the aim of yoga to try not to come here again?

Sh: Well, yoga has different variations. It can grant you, it can make you immortal and it can give you liberation with no need to take your other birth.

* * *

Q: What is happiness in your opinion?

Shailendra: When the most prominent desires are being fulfilled then that thing is happiness. And even I think that the next step beyond happiness is satisfaction. They are together I think, you can not separate them. Without the satisfaction of any kind you simply can not be happy.

Q: Yesterday we discussed that you were saying: why rely on the comments of others — my happiness is lying inside me.

Shailendra: Yes. Everybody cares about what others will say about him or her. If you are confident enough then you will feel happy in what are you doing. Still when your happiness depends on somebody’s else comment you simply can not be happy.

Q: That is true. I observed long ago that a very poor person can feel very happy and a very rich person like a king may live unhappily almost the whole life.

Shailendra: I think this thing is also not right. Because poor people tend to think: “Oh, he must be also unhappy”. But how can you judge whether he is happy or sad?

Q: Sometimes even from the descriptions of history you can judge whether the person was satisfied or not at least.

Shailendra: Okay. But you also have to experience every type of happiness he had in his life. And also after becoming a king there is nothing else remaining for him to achieve. So maybe what they call unhappiness is simply a boredom? What else to do?

Q: But if we continue your concept everything is about the mind. It is lying inside, it is your attitude.

Shailendra: Not exactly attitude, simply having an attitude is nothing unless you are trying to achieve something, trying to do something in the world. Even following your destiny is a very big task. How many people do you see who just make themselves follow the destiny? Those who have realized that you have to follow the destiny no matter what you do. Such people can be called much more happier then a normal person. They realize that they have to follow the destiny, so maybe they are less unhappy than others.

Q: If they know what is the destiny for them.

Shailendra: No, they have realized the power of destiny. And they let themselves just flow with it. Because simply they will follow the destiny, they will be continuously able to realize what their destiny is having for him. So then life can become like an adventure for them. Unhappiness starts when you try to put your mind over the destiny. “I want this. Why is this happening to me?” Then unhappiness begins. Instead of understanding why it is happening he starts to demand. And you know like parents never give a child everything he demands. Because they are in a position to see: this thing is good for him and that thing is not. But that will make the child unhappy. So much more deeper and bigger understanding is required.

Q: With some point of time there is a trigger: you feel that you are happy.

Shailendra: Only when you are in the dominating position and whatever you are saying is going on and some of your desires are being fulfilled then you think you are happy. And if you are being confrontated, and somebody else is trying to dominate over you, trying to order you around, you feel like in a very hard situation. This is human nature to dominate others.

Q: How to overcome it?

Shailendra: You can not overcome it. It is deep down in us. So that’s the instinct: to dominate others or I will die.

Q: How to face this situation?

Shailendra: Simply by understanding it.

What is Life ? Life... Life begins when the soul enters the body. My main observation is to simply see that the soul comes and brings life When life comes, consciousness arises in you. When consciousness arises then "I am" this feeling also arises. Breath is your life Because breath is telling that life is still inside you. Life is actually union of the soul and the gross body How to motivate yourself to achieve your goals in life ? Life should not be motivated to achieve your goals. We need to make the most of our life by the power that has been given to us by the soul

And great people have told us that God himself is residing in the heart, then when soul and God himself are in you, then who are you to motivate in life ? You should make good use of your life Then you will be successful in achieving any goal. You have to think about how can you make your life useful. Long time ago someone asked me, he is a disciple now - "Guruji , Whatever I do, I fail. I haven't been successful in anything yet". I told him to Think positive things. He said how to remain and think positive after so many failures? I told him, just think that you were completely successful in achieving all kinds of different failures

So this is also a kind of success. How many people can get so many failures successfully? You are a special person So he thought something positive. So now it seems that some success has started coming to him.

Q: What is happiness in your opinion ?

Shailendra: When the most prominent desires are being fulfilled then that thing is happiness. And even I think that the next step beyond happiness is satisfaction. They are together I think, you can not separate them. Without the satisfaction of any kind you simply can not be happy.

Q: Yesterday we discussed that you were saying: why rely on the comments of others — my happiness is lying inside me.

Shailendra: Yes. Everybody cares about what others will say about him or her. If you are confident enough then you will feel happy in what are you doing. Still when your happiness depends on somebody’s else comment you simply can not be happy.

Q: That is true. I observed long ago that a very poor person can feel very happy and a very rich person like a king may live unhappily almost the whole life.

Shailendra: I think this thing is also not right. Because poor people tend to think: “Oh, he must be also unhappy”. But how can you judge whether he is happy or sad?

Q: Sometimes even from the descriptions of history you can judge whether the person was satisfied or not at least.

Shailendra: Okay. But you also have to experience every type of happiness he had in his life. And also after becoming a king there is nothing else remaining for him to achieve. So maybe what they call unhappiness is simply a boredom? What else to do?

Q: But if we continue your concept everything is about the mind. It is lying inside, it is your attitude.

Shailendra: Not exactly attitude, simply having an attitude is nothing unless you are trying to achieve something, trying to do something in the world. Even following your destiny is a very big task. How many people do you see who just make themselves follow the destiny? Those who have realized that you have to follow the destiny no matter what you do. Such people can be called much more happier then a normal person. They realize that they have to follow the destiny, so maybe they are less unhappy than others.

Q: If they know what is the destiny for them.

Shailendra: No, they have realized the power of destiny. And they let themselves just flow with it. Because simply they will follow the destiny, they will be continuously able to realize what their destiny is having for him. So then life can become like an adventure for them. Unhappiness starts when you try to put your mind over the destiny. “I want this. Why is this happening to me?” Then unhappiness begins. Instead of understanding why it is happening he starts to demand. And you know like parents never give a child everything he demands. Because they are in a position to see: this thing is good for him and that thing is not. But that will make the child unhappy. So much more deeper and bigger understanding is required.

Q: With some point of time there is a trigger: you feel that you are happy.

Shailendra: Only when you are in the dominating position and whatever you are saying is going on and some of your desires are being fulfilled then you think you are happy. And if you are being confrontated, and somebody else is trying to dominate over you, trying to order you around, you feel like in a very hard situation. This is human nature to dominate others.

Q: How to overcome it?

Shailendra: You can not overcome it. It is deep down in us. So that’s the instinct: to dominate others or I will die.

Q: How to face this situation?

Shailendra: Simply by understanding it.

I think the beauty depends on the situation. We all appreciate the beauty of a lion or a gorilla or a tiger when we are safe watching them on TV or inside the zoo. If we are facing them in the jungle, the appreciation disappears in 1 second. So, the appreciation of beauty depends on the situation also. Beauty is at the same time objective also and subjective also. And depends on the observer, what he is trying to see, how much he he is able to appreciate what he's seeing. So, [clears throat] that means physical beauty may be secondary. It may be attractive in the first glance,

but [clears throat] if there is a bastard inside the physical beauty or a very cunning person, you will stop liking that person in no time. That doesn't mean that you stop appreciating beauty. Your understanding of the beauty became a little bit more deeper. It became subjective also and it was objective already. So, appreciate beauty, develop your mind so you will be in a situation to appreciate beauty to the limit. You have my best wishes. Thank you.

Well, somebody asked someone what you like best in my beauty, which feature? And he said, "Your mind is absolutely stunning and most beautiful." Because to be beautiful physically with extraordinary intelligence, awareness, and a touch of heart, and with a great sense of humor will enhance beauty to unlimited heights. I agree. You agree? I agree. That's the point. A lady looking very beautiful or a man is looking beautiful, but he is continuously nagging you, always saying you are a You will begin to hate that beauty in no time. Yes. So, behavior, sense of humor, intelligence, mind, so there's so much there and that's beauty.

I think we are all allergic to life, so we are doing our best to spoil our lives. We should be addicted to life, more and more and more life. How I can describe such beauty as yours? My eyes have no tongue, and my tongue has no eyes, so I cannot describe. Okay.

WHAT IS HAPPINESS?

we’re so grateful to You that You always make us full of the heart and not creating unnecessary rules

Guruji: we’re not starting a cult; we’re trying to open your mind, not to close it.

what do You think: what does it mean to be happy for the person?

Guruji: when without any apparent reason you feel like laughing and singing, the whole world around is beautiful - these are symptoms of happiness. The reason – nobody knows. Keep singing!

is it possible to be always in this state? Or it’s impossible?

Guruji: it is one of the results of yoga.

could we say that if your consciousness is developed enough so you can choose the state in what you prefer to be?

Guruji: when you have a developed consciousness, only you can enjoy everything more and more than a normal person.

Development is very much needed. I was asked this question many years back and gave the example: imagine the idiot is kissing a girl and Leo Tolstoy is kissing a girl: I’m sure they were feeling different. When Tolstoy is kissing at the back of his mind he might thinking how to write it down – but idiot will be all in the moment and he will enjoy(laughing)

so this state is like you’re under some drug every time?

Guruji: no, the touch of innocence is required. Any innocent person will enjoy far more than intellectual arranged.

that’s why I asked You a question about too much knowledge which can spoil all your enjoyment?

Guruji: only bookish knowledge will spoil your enjoyment. And bookish knowledge is not wisdom: wisdom comes with only experience. In hindi there is very famous saying; roughly translated: he has read a lot but he’s not experienced.

So experience is real wisdom.

so if the person is too serious – he is not practicing very good?

Guruji: that is true. But some traces of seriousness will come and go. If a person is too serious – he’s a religious person( smiling), not a spiritual one. My observation is this: when ever witch is seen – she’s always laughing, monsters or ogres are always ha-ha-ha; devil is coming with laughing; saints are always with a long face and weeping. Why is that – I don’t understand. If they are so near to god – they should be full of joy. Vampires are smiling, devil is very happy; think on that!

could we say that to be full of joy is the criteria of very good practice?

Guruji: it is a criteria that you’re very satisfied with your own self and existence.

but the practice develops not only the consciousness but simultaneously the satisfaction of your own self?

Guruji: of course. The more you will know yourself – the more self-confidence will increase. And the best thing I’ve noticed over the years: very subtle sense of humour will develop. I think that is very much welcomed thing.

the sense of humour it’s the expression of the energy flowing through?

Guruji: it is the direct grace of god – if there is god. You read Hodja Nasiruddin?

yes

Guruji: my favourite book: read it again!

"But sometimes Guruji, when we don't feel like doing anything, we just stay seated for hours. Is that also an experience?"

Guruji: "Those are contemplative times. There is something going inside your heart. The mind in such situations withdraws itself from the normal day to day life and reflects on something - whether consciously or subconsciously. That’s why the outside activities appear still or slowed down. You should feel these times as well, remaining seated and letting the mind have its silent time. Once all the inner batteries are charged, you’ll be out of this phase and feel more rejuvenated than ever. So once in a while it's okay to experience this kind of a state."

"I keep evaluating myself and sometimes i have a strong desire to perform, and sometimes I feel laid back."

Guruji: "Let this be an important lesson. Over-evaluating also leads to a lot of tension and complications. You can't always remain in one particular mood. If you are experiencing some mood, enjoy it, and after a few days when you come out of it, look back and reflect on it. It's very difficult to understand a mood in its beginning phase. Only after it ends can you fully understand it.

"Sometimes it's not about any mood but it feels good to sit idle, because the mind also gets tired and needs some rest. Your work doesn’t involve any physical stress, it's all mental as you have to concentrate for long hours at a stretch."

"The evening exercise routine that you've told me is wonderful! It takes away all the mental stress and also relieves my eye strain."

Guruji: "Oh! About that, even our avatars (divine incarnations) have said 'if you are mentally tired, exercise'. And if you are physically tired, then indulge in some mental exercises. Both are very much connected. If you physically exert your body through exercising, your mind will automatically become happy and active. There are many references available on the various harmones that get released with exercising, that reduce stress, rejuvenate your mind and body, and also help you sleep better. Exercising also adds to an overall feeling of well being due to which our reflections gets better and clarity of mind sharpens. Ultimately it has a major effect on the performance of a person. And what else is there in life except performance? Life itself is a performance. After death even Yamraaj (lord of death) judges you by your performance in life.

"A man should always be practical in life. By being practical I mean he should always be down to earth. Have you ever laid down in mud? No? Is there some facility of mud-bath in America?"

"Yes, there are a lot of mud-bath spas around here."

Guruji: " Then you should try it. You’ll really enjoy it. Mud is a direct connection with earth. There you’ll have to pay for it, otherwise here you can just lie down on the ground anywhere during rains. It's a natural mud-bath. But you’ll definitely feel something immediately. After all, mud is mud."

ENJOY LIFE WHILE YOU ARE HERE

once You said that You remember the face and the voice: is it possible being in samadhi to find the person in the world?

Guruji: no, you will be beyond carrying for that person. It is possible: but only if it is important for you. Otherwise – useless exercise.

mentality priorities?

Guruji: nothing. World changes: you’re no longer recognizing anything, you’re cognizing things. That’s the catch. Recognizing anything – and cognizing everything.

but still you’re living life and communicate with people?

Guruji: it took time, yes. Not suddenly.

and you need to wish for that – like desire?

Guruji: not exactly

it was automatically process?

Guruji: no, it was my duty as a Guru to answer questions. What is the use of having so much stored up wisdom in your head if you’re not able to boast about it or discuss about it?

You see, most of the approaches are very negative – in religions and spirituality: leave everything! – these are saints’ statements. Not a single person you will find who is talking positively about this! I say: if life has been created – learn out of it: understand, what is life; live a life. You’re born – and you’re continuously thinking about heaven, which will come after you die. As long as we’re here – enjoy life!

Follow your heart – which maybe the most difficult thing in the world.

what will be if follow the mind?

Guruji: mind is always calculating. Heart will tell you the exact thing the first time: then mind takes over – and you make the wrong decision. And what mind? Only 1% of your mind?

so this first feeling like intuition?

Guruji: intuition is good: that is what following your heart means.

it’s the easy thing to do…

Guruji: in the society it will become the hardest thing to do. Society doesn’t accept your heart.

GREAT THOUGHTS

If you’re weak – you will always think violent thoughts.

The very arrogant man usually falls. Take the middle path.

When there was so much power cut in Uttar Pradesh, Lord Rama went to inspect things; and heat was on, and so much fire – and few people were sitting peacefully. He said: how is it possible? And they said – we’re from Uttar Pradesh (laughing) no electricity, nothing – so they’re used to heat.

How ancient ayurvedic doctors covered all these things – I’m amazed. The diagnostic program is extraordinary. Maybe it works also. I’ve never seen any old hospital; so how did humanity survive without hospitals? Now there are hospitals everywhere.

Very good thing to know; Indian grassroots level wisdom is:

The first happiness is a healthy body, no disease.

Second happiness is having enough money in your hands.

Third – is the devoted wife.

And fourth happiness is an obedient son. So they described happiness in 4 things.

Happiness is a combination of these 4 – if there is really such a thing like happiness, then.

THE INNER TRANSFORMATION

Only by keeping inside the transformation will take place. Coal is not doing anything, it is just remaining inside the Earth and the transformation is taking place.

Q : so we need to keep our emotions inside and they will transform by themselves?

Guruji : you have to keep it inside. And also same time keep developing your mind also: otherwise how you will use that extraordinary force, power?

Q : not remembering – just observing that it’s inside?

Guruji : first you must be wise enough to understand, what your anger is and then to keep it inside and at the same time keep developing yourself. When it transformed finally – you will have some use for that transformed anger, the potent force. Even in Gita there is said, that when you’re able to keep all the emotions inside…

You must learn this thing from the ocean: ocean takes every kind of shit – but returns it in a most purified way. That is amazing thing, we must learn that from the ocean. Human beings have corrupted most of the rivers: they are taking every pollution into the ocean and he’s absorbing it; but returns to the human beings as a rain, which is most pure thing, distilled water. so we must learn it.

PROGRESS TO THE LIMIT

How much wealth you have – that is criteria of progress. Not only spiritual, material accepts also. The real progress is how much you’re able to develop yourself. Means not singularity: every single emotion which can be expressed by your own consciousness – you have to respect it and to develop it to the limit. Take it to the sublime level – that is progress in my opinion.

to develop it means…?

Guruji: evolve it.

how to manage to tolerate the emotions which are stronger than you can withstand?

Guruji: by understanding them! People start fighting with them instead of understand them – so we need to develop our understanding: that is progress in my opinion.

if we will understand – we will not experience to that level?

Guruji: what you will not experience – you will never understand, so they go together.

so we must react without responding?

Guruji: response itself is a reaction. Responsibility: ability to give response, “response ability” – it gives the reaction. Your social behavior is all reactionary behavior, we’re all reacting to something. Stop reacting – then you will begin to see the act by which all reactions are started; and you will become the wise man.

CATCH THE ESSENCE OF EVERY EMOTION

what about anger?

Guruji: same thing: if you nurse it, keep it inside – it will become the very strong force. And if you’re able to use it in a very positive way or in a creative way – you can do anything.

but vairagya: you must overcome it?

Guruji: by transforming like a coal into diamond, then it is vairagya. So transform it.

it doesn’t mean that you experience it?

Guruji: oh, you’re experience it – but you know that you have convert it into something else. There is a very good line from a hindi song: the way I love – there is no answer to that: I was just small piece of coal – but by burning in your fire I also became a fire. That’s how it should be!

By remaining silent somehow he manage to convey the impression that he’s a wise man.

emotions always coming to diamond state?

Guruji: you will catch the essence of every emotion, whatever it is.

how to use them?

Guruji: it’s up to you.

when emotion overcomes us, we cannot digest it – what we lose?

Guruji: you will lose your digestive power – and only shit happens after(laughing)

You’re doing right things – but you have to keep the option that it maybe wrong also.

can you catch yourself in the peak moment when you’re experiencing something very strong?

Guruji: of course, yes: that’s why we keep suggesting – develop your consciousness, develop your mind. Yoga Sutras are saying: by the power of pranayama your normal intellect will become superintellect – ritambhara: then you’ll be able to discriminate and deliberate and so many things. That’s why they stress so much on the development of the mind.

When you get too much emotions – you also get lose motions.

JUST BE NORMAL

When you want something and after all you receive it – then euphoria comes and that feeling is called happiness. And when it’s over – in the gap of appearing another desire you will feel peace and satisfaction. And that is beyond them. All these are temporary phenomena, but that peace will last for longer and longer time.

Guru’s guidance is extremely important. This is not a thing you just take very lightly: you’re using your pranic force and life force, and if something will go wrong – the result will be dramatic. If your consciousness is very physical – then it will be problem, it will not understand the supremacy of the mind.

but it is normal

Guruji: what is the definition of normal? Nobody is normal – everybody think he’s better than others. One thing is very easy: to define what is normal.

I mean if you have fears, you have habits for analyzing…

Guruji: fear is very important – it will make you careful. Fearless person is just an idiot. You learn to use emotions like this – anger or fear – in a very positive way. Only a person with slightly developed consciousness or having a good Guru will use them in very positive way. Main thing is how we react to these things.

so emotions like happiness and sadness?

Guruji: they are like waves in the ocean: when you’re going deep into the ocean there’re no waves or storms. Go deeper! All go beyond what you called atmosphere effect – into the outer space where are no wind flowing, no snow falling, no cyclone. Go very deep or go by that. You’re swimming – not diving very deep into the ocean. But you never know, what dangers are lurking here or what can happen in outer space.

BEAUTY REQUIRES MONEY? WHAT IS BEAUTY?

Well in my opinion beauty is the gift of God. How you handle it that is your hard work.

How you keep it well how you handle your beauty which is given by God; and you don’t need money for Beauty. To be born beautiful you don’t need money, you need good genetics and grace from God.

And sacrifice: what sacrifice? Of course, you will have to deal with the jealousy of other people.

That’s the main problem, otherwise everything is good!

Beauty is beauty, hard-work is to keep yourself clean, that’s it. But no more than that.

And you must learn how to handle yourself. I mean, don’t be so arrogant that you are more beautiful than others, even you can feel it inside, but don’t let it flow. Be very diplomatic about it,

I hope everybody will be beautiful, and they are in a way. All of them are, but sometimes it shows, sometimes it doesn’t show.

Mostly people admires the beauty which is only skin deep.You are just seen an objective object of beauty.

But until unless you go get to know that person, beautiful person, and his thoughts,and his nature, and his sense of humour is not beautiful - you will stop liking that person in no time.

So beauty is not just physical expression, it is expression of hundred percents of your personality.

Those who think they are very philosophical and very wise, that beauty is only skin deep; but I would like to remind them: the skin is the largest organ you have!

So keep that in good condition!

ENJOY YOUR LIFE WHILE YOU STILL CAN

Well, I just observed somebody’s life…

He was working all his life, to make some money so that after sometime he will live peacefully and eat whatever he will want and do what he will do.

But when everything is there his teeth are gone, and he is so much suffering with arthritis. And because of arthritis he cannot travel anymore.

Be careful, enjoy life while you still can!

All the best!

LOVELY BAD MAN

We love to laugh – so share your laughter with others.

WHAT TO DO?

Well, if somebody will ask me to give some commandment – how, what to do? I have only one commandment for all my friends and everybody: be happy in any situation you’re facing. Why? God lives in your heart. If god is inside your heart – why are you so sad? Remain happy!

HOPE!

My heart is very little, with very little hope: just to reach out and touch the moon and skies! Keep hoping! It’s a song from Bollywood.

HOW TO BECOME HAPPY

on what happiness depends?

Guruji: I will say – if your happiness will depend on other people’s opinion and comment – you’re never going to be happy in your life, even after death. Essence of happiness is inside you. Find it! Everything other is just a mean to express your happiness which is already inside you. Yogiraj uvacha!

how is actually choose the right decision?

Guruji: I tell you how I made decisions. When the some situation comes and I need to decide – when the first thought come to my mind, I decide that. Your heart will tell you instantly – even you have time to think after. Listen to your heart.

What is e-motion? The motion ( laughs) that’s why your heart is always in emotion.

TO SHARE A GOOD MOOD

Many people are coming to You with their problems; do You feel they take something from You – like energy or something?

Guruji: No, nothing. Maybe some ideas (smiling).

So You just create a field around You – and the presence here is very positive?

Guruji: If the feeling is good – that is good (smiling). Nobody likes the person who creates a bad mood – or is always complaining and creating negativity. One time one man from my hometown came; he was suffering from a very severe headache. After 10 minutes he said: my headache is gone! I told him: it's coming to me (laughing) – but it happens rarely.

HELL OR HEAVEN

you must know the path, and the path is the sound?

Guruji: when you’re coming to Govardhan - you’re not coming aware of the nada. This information was not given.

but we know address?

Guruji: remember, you’re not alone. When you will advance – you will be expose to so many different people who are already on that level. Notes will be exchanging, information will be exchanging, you will learn so much out of it.

What is heaven? Having very good ultimate communication and friends – that state is heaven. Hell – no communication, everybody just cutting you behind and everywhere – that is hell. When you’re in that level – I hope you’ll have very good company, lots of information will be exchanged. Good time will come.

How long you can live luxurious life every time having massage and drinking champagne if you haven’t good company? It will become like hell in no time. Good company, good communication is a must to feel happy.

MOST BEAUTIFUL FEATURE

Well, somebody asked someone, what do you like best in my beauty, which feature?

And he said, your mind is absolutely stunning and most beautiful.

Because to be beautiful physically, with extraordinary intelligence, awareness, and a touch of heart, and with a great sense of humor, will enhance beauty to unlimited heights.

Very good. That’s the point.

A girl looking very beautiful, and a man is looking beautiful, but he is continuously nagging you, always saying, you are wrong. You will begin to hate that beauty in no time.

So there you are. Sense of humor, intelligence, mind. There is so much there.

I ask you, how can I describe such beauty as yours? My eyes have no tongue, and my tongue has no eyes, so I cannot describe.

But then we are all allergic to life, so we are doing our best to spoil our lives. We should be addicted to life, more and more and more.

A SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE CONTEMPLATION OF BEAUTY

I think the beauty depends on the situation.

We all appreciate the beauty of the lion or the gorilla or the tiger when we are safe, watching them on TV or inside the zoo. If we are facing them in the jungle, the appreciation disappears in one second. So, the appreciation of beauty depends on the situation also.

Beauty is at the same time objective also and subjective also. And depends on the observer, what he is trying to see, how much he is able to appreciate what he is seeing.

So that means physical beauty may be secondary. It may be attractive at the first glance, but if there is a bastard inside the physical beauty or a very cunning person, you will stop liking that person.

That doesn’t mean that you stop appreciating beauty. Your understanding of the beauty became a little bit deeper. It became subjective also and it was objective also.

So appreciate beauty, develop your mind so you will be in a situation to appreciate beauty to the limit.

You have my best wishes. Thank you.

HOW TO THINK POSITIVELY

One time one man came- I cannot forget that person; he was the very depressed person, respondent to always. I told him: think positive! He was here for three hours; then he touched my feet – so, ok, I’m going. Then he came back from the gateand he asked: what should I thinking positively? ( laughing). isaid: please, leave me alone, I’m getting very great depression now( laughing)

but what do You think on positive thinking? If the person will think positive in any situation, no matter how hard it could be;- will he recover from it?

Guruji: he will be able to create his own reality. That will be something. Here I recommend the movie: “Life is beautiful”- it’s classic and must seen movie. One of the best I have seen so far. Everybody is living in their own reality; even though who are giving this concept – their reality is the only reality. Just smile and ignore; people are saying: ignorance is bliss; I concern: ignoring them is bliss. So, learn to ignore!

It's matter of accepting the challenge: the spirit of adventure is the basis of it. And what is our moto? Let us see, what will happen! It is the best.

Most of the useful things are not beautiful. And most of the beautiful things are not useful. If you find something which is beautiful as well as useful – it’s direct grace from gods or maybe from Lucifer.

SHREE SHAILENDRA SHARMA

NOAH FROM INDIA;

we have our own factory in our mind – so we can create any type of emotion, even like using the drugs?

Guruji: why you’re so attached to the drug emotions? Go beyond that. Whatever drug you will experience – you will experience with only 2% of your brain capacity. And you don’t know, what desire will remain after you have 100% awakening.

can we say that drugs put some dirt into the consciousness – but Kriya make it clean?

Guruji: if your 2% are not clean – how your 98% become conscious? With the practice your desire to become very pure will sublime. And you will begin to understand your emotions also and the origin of your emotions also: the emotion might not be yours – it maybe the reaction to something you have been exposed to. You will begin to understand the true nature of your emotions: that is the beginning of real understanding. Let us say – most of us are following our emotions. After you will begin to understand them and their origin – they will begin to follow you . Great change!

Your brain and your mind – in that way; but different reactions, different situations begin: they create different type of emotions. That depends. Your genuine emotions will come from your heart; otherwise most of them are created things.

What advice did you get from God to be happy and to make other people happy?

A: I think that’s the most important blessing from the Guru and the God, that if somehow you can radiate happiness around you. And if you are able to make sad faces smile, I think it is a very big thing for me. I try my best to do that.

Q- Guruji, I’ve been practicing asanas for many years at Anna’s studio. I’ve been reading a chapter of Gita every day for 2 years already. I’m feeling some processes that are happening inside myself, and I’ve noticed that something that used to bring me joy and pleasure no longer does so. And I haven’t discovered new sources of joy. Sometimes there are difficult moments when I can’t find any joy or anything I can lean onto. Where can I find some support?

A- I will say that one chapter is over, another chapter is beginning, so he is in between. He will get over it and new joy will enter his life. Very soon.

WISDOM IS THE ENTERTAINMENT OF THE WISE

what is Your opinion about the thought that with much wisdom comes much sorrow?

Guruji: I think, those people who were depressed to begin with for knowledge – they just found sorrow; and my observation is: wisdom is the entertainment of the wise. Every new wisdom and new experience brings absolute entertainment and entertainment gives you a certain state of the mind.

personally You have not experienced the sadness or…

Guruji: no, I enjoy every emotion

experiences of the world – you see the same things happening already?

Guruji: you continue to see the same things – but there is always a new flavour.

so it’s the same thing with new flavour?

Guruji: no, from generalisation it may look like same thing, but nature has not created everybody as equal or same; that’s why our fingerprints are very different, even the blade of grass is different than another blade. So no matter if the general situation is appearing as similar, but the emotion, the reaction, and the total outcome will always be different.

the wisdom You took out the experiences are not becoming Your burder?

Guruji: no, not at all! As they say that: water first drops on the mountain top, then flows down and finally flowing down mix with the ocean. The negative point is that when the downfall begins – there is no limit to it. I’m saying: when the water reaches the bottom of the thing, merge with the ocean; then the Guru – Sun – gives them rays, and with the fire of the tapas water becomes lighter and lighter and rises above the atmosphere and then comes back as rain again: that’s how we see snow on the mountain top. That is a full circle. We can just see one aspect of it: that everybody is full of sorrow. There are times – because that is the very strong emotion and you have to experience it. You cannot simply ignore it: accept it! And then finally it will turn in some sort of joy.

NICE LIFE

have You find something really genuine in the depths of subconsciousness?

Guruji: I will tell you a story – then you will draw your conclusion. There was a very nice couple living – very nice gentleman, very honest and hard-working. They had a son – he was a very obedient, carrying son. He went to school and find very nice teachers there; he passed college with very good numbers and good degrees. He found a very nice job. After his job was settled he found a very nice girl, they got married. They bought a nice house and got nice children. Then he retired and live the very nice retired life and then he died. Where is adventure in that? Very boring life – and adventure is always welcome. If life is so sweet – you’ll become diabetic in no time. Then you find a nice doctor, who will treat you very nicely, giving you nice medicine.

could psychological violence harm you like a physical one?

Guruji: if you’re taking him or her seriously. If this person is really important and his or her opinion really matters – that’s the first point. If that person becomes very happy and you’re getting nothing positive from that or he becomes very angry and you don’t getting anything negative from that – so why you care? Your confidence should not depend on someone else opinion.

BE HAPPY

Let’s hope one day we’ll find some real thing. Most of the Indians who went to the west – they became reach and famous. Their empire is still running. Even then – the name will continue. We have saying in India: if other one is eating bread with lot butter on it – don’t be greedy: you just eat your dry bread, drink water and be happy. So if they are making lot of dollars – it’s fine.

To develop you sometime need challenges: without challenge no development is possible. What you consider as your weakness may turn out to your strength in future – if you’re able to overcome it.

to overcome something you must understand it completely?

Guruji: without understanding what you can overcome?

We keep hearing – that nobody is perfect. I said: you cannot be perfect without realizing the fact. When you will discover the fact – then you can be as per fact; and you will be perfect!

if the countless consciousness is choosing by itself, how to appear – why it choosing to appear as miserable people?

Guruji: it is another emotion: misery or happiness – they are just emotions. You should read my commentary on Shiva Sutras: mind takes over the body as a bride, makes it pregnant with the seed of consciousness, and then the consciousness as the fetus grows in the body. So body is the mother of consciousness and mind is the father. When consciousness is fully developed – it is delivered in the time of physical death. Then it is together forever with the Time. Consciousness is child of mind and the body.

what if in one moment all creatures in the universe will wake up?

Guruji: they are already awake. They just don’t realize they’re awake.

but miserable people…

APHORISM

Wisdom is the entertainment of the wise!

But ignorance is not the entertainment of the ignorant!

FEELING OF GUILT

Guruji, I’m very interested, and what should I do with my feeling of guilt?

Guruji: I cannot tell you what you should do with your feeling of gilt, but I can show you how you should get rid of it!

Please

Guruji: Look at me! (Guruji shows the movement) Relax! Enjoy!

but should we control our emotions?

Guruji: we need to understand them first.

sometimes they made the practice difficult

Guruji: even with these emotions you must continue to do practice. You need to understand them. I think – having emotions is the very great gift for human beings. Even though I see most of the animals – every animal has different emotions. That is the play of consciousness, which is very important.

to find the source from where they come, the reason?

Guruji: to understand them. This is the main problem with human beings: from the first moment they begin to talking about control of everything. If you just try to control everything unnecessarily – that will create for you so many problems.

but without controlling the emotions it is difficult to practice yoga, for example?

Guruji: no-no, make them your friends – they will support you. This word “control” is the very negative word.

The goal of life is death, the destination of life is death – and there is no other way. Body is a temporary thing – it will go away one day. As long as it is there – take a good care.

everybody wants to be happy?

Guruji: we’re temporarily here – so we deserve some happiness, why not? It’s not a sin. And all the fun is in hell: in heaven you will live like Adam and Eve, naked, without toilet and kitchen – but in hell everything is given. To save yourself from cold – fire is there.

Because you’re here – so you need to experience life, understand it: for understanding better is practicing yoga. You will develop your consciousness, it will develop your mind to a very great degree: better your mind is developed – more you will understand life.

when your consciousness developing – you want to experiencing the life in a different way?

Guruji: of course, the level of experiences will change.

could emotions destroy our body?

Guruji: you need to understand first – whether your body is disturbed by emotions or by some other reasons. Don’t blame yourself. Make it sure – why your body is been disturbed. You need to understand your emotions better.

they cannot destroy at all?

Guruji: your breathing is destroying your body. You have particular number of breaths. How to use them – slowly or fast – is up to you.

because yogis breathing longer – they live longer?

Guruji: yes, their breathing slow down a lot. But only live long is not the main aim of yoga: the main thing is to make your spirit your friend.

BE ABLE TO ENJOY LIFE

You give 10 billion dollars to a very poor beggar: he won’t be able to handle it. But a person, who has work hard to earn it – it’s easy for him to handle it. Development of the mind!

but it’s the very common situation when very rich people – if they are self-made and achieved everything by themselves – they feel themselves very bad and they are unhappy?

Guruji: I’ve never seen any person who is satisfied in the position he is living. Any! This is basis human nature.

why it happens this way?

Guruji: human being is never satisfied.

is it because of rajoguna?

Guruji: no, just exposure to the nature. If everything is going fine – his stomach will go bad: anything!

maybe it’s because of some program is working: to find something?

Guruji: no, it’s just exposure to the society. A man is never satisfied. Most of the man is gone like this: you give him 10 billion dollars – I don’t know why I keep repeating it – to a 99 years old man who is about to die. Give him that money and say: go and enjoy it! What he will do? That’s a problem!

so people cannot enjoy their life?

Guruji: it is not fitting their idea of what enjoyment is – that’s why. Lack of imagination.

Guruji, but where is that border between the desires which are obstacles in our life and the desires which making us grow?

Guruji: only obstacle is inability to fulfil your desire. That is the biggest problem. There are only two tragedies in life: one – you fail to fulfil your desire; second – to fulfil your desire. Both conditions are tragedy.

mostly desires are fulfilled in the moment they are not need anymore

Guruji: but still something will remain if you fail to fulfil them

Guruji, so what to do???

Guruji: you take yourself in introspection and develop it.

I think main problem You already said: lack of imagination – how really to enjoy.

Guruji: that’s true: lack of imagination, lack of sensitivity and awareness.

what I understand when I became Your disciple: Guru have great imagination and when you have such Guru – he gives you great program in life

Guruji: it gives extra hope, yes

we don’t understand it in the beginning – but with the time we understand that the program is really enjoyable

Guruji: don’t you think a hope is also a form of imagination?

yes! And only yogi, when he became realized, knows how to enjoy

Guruji: only they know how to enjoy!(smiling). The biggest mystery is what will happen. When you’re a child – the sense of wonderment is everywhere. The moment you start to find the reason behind everything – that thing is gone.

is it good to be highly sensitive?

Guruji: why not?

because you will feel the pain of other people

Guruji: that is good to have feelings. When you will progress, you will learn how to manage with it. Maintain the distance.

WE HAVE FEELINGS BECAUSE WE’RE HUMAN BEINGS

what we should do with ashes?

Guruji: just keep it with – it will give you great protection. It is like a blessing.

why human has feelings? Why we live here with feelings and they make us suffer?

Guruji: Yogananda has written a very good thing in the end of his “Autobiography”: leave some questions to ponder in eternity.

First you develop your mind, your consciousness – then think on it. There is no ready answer to it. You need to develop the understanding of this. We have feelings because we’re human beings and this is our main strength.

do we need to suffer?

Guruji: are we suffering?

I feel it, yes

Guruji: enjoy your suffering!

I don’t understand, how can I enjoy suffering

Guruji: you will develop and you will enjoy

when the war will come – so many children will die, it’s awful

Guruji: every soldier was a child before becoming a soldier. You need to see the whole picture in it’s totality, you cannot categorize that.

how could I learn to perceive the death?

Guruji: by accepting it – it is part of life.

without suffering?

Guruji: there is no suffering. In urdu the word “suffer” means journey. On the journey of life you will experience so many things; what you call suffer is just another experience. You maybe suffering from your point of view: but other person maybe enjoying your suffering.

I would like to feel death without fear?

Guruji: only by knowing death there will be no fear. It is our nature to fear the unknown. Face it – you won’t be afraid.

Many people they don't like their own company. Most of their things depend on other people's comments and other people's opinion about themselves. And they keep ignoring about their own opinion about their… about themselves. That's why most of us cannot remain alone. We will come back our own company. When you are friendly with yourself then you may start enjoying your own company. and then most of the phobias and complexes you will get over and a journey towards success will be. Thank you.

If you are a depressed person, even the entertainment and funny situation will depress you even more. So, the main thing is to get rid of your depression and see the funny side of most of the things which you are going to face. Of course, of course. I agree.

I will say dive deep in your emotions. Only a coward will remain in shallow waters. And even a more coward will just sit on the bank hoping that some wave will come and bite them. So be brave, dive deep. Thank you. Okay.

I feel life more deeply and more experienced. I learn something new every day, some new ideas keep on coming into my mind. And even today my practice has more to find in it. Sometimes I feel sad. I can say that I am able to identify every single emotion of my mind. And they are highly-refined now. You can say I am a very highly-emotional person. I am not free from emotions. They are under control. It depends on the maturity level for them – mental maturity.

The child is not so mature so his emotions are all indiscreet. When he grows up he becomes more mature so he’s able to control emotions. I feel my emotions become more refined after yogi. I’m not very hard now. Because the more you practice yoga, the more sensitive you are. You will be sensitive when you have senses. And also some sort of empathy develops. When I see somebody and somebody is happy, my mind connects with that mind somehow. That’s why I like to remain isolated.

It is difficult for me to go outside. I don’t think a person who is free from emotions is a good person. If you cannot be a human being then what is the use of creation? Yes, they are under control, but you should be able to experience them. I think we have been taught in a wrong way that we should be without emotions. They should be more refined. And thanks to practice – yoga practice and everything – your mind becomes more refined as well as your emotions.

And you actually have the experience of the highest level of emotions, which an undeveloped person can rarely experience. Somebody once asked me a question. There was a story in books that when the son of Vyas Shukdi left him for entering Samadhi, the father followed him trying to stop him. He told his son not to go and he wept. Somebody asked me: he was such a great person, he was perfect – and why was he crying because his son went away? And I told them what was the reason – because he was perfect. So that emotion of losing his son was also there, in perfection. So it is perfect. If a perfect man is there then every emotion will be there, in his perfect understanding. It is not that a perfect man should be without emotions, it is just an assumption which may not be corrected. I think that is not right.

When you reach a higher mental level you keep a distance from the general public. Otherwise you will die because of sentiments. All the time you cannot feel the suffering. The moment you begin to feel suffering you will start suffering. And just to avoid it I keep on making jokes, talking about movies, bodybuilding and all these things. Otherwise life is so sad. I mean if you look all over the world – it is miserable, it will make you very sad. That’s why I don’t go anywhere. I don’t like to go outside.

The force of emotions is too much over me. And rarely do I see news on TV also – it is the best way to make you sad. You just switch on the news channel and you are full of misery. But I think sometimes it is good.

It is difficult to live with such emotions, but it gives you enough strength and power to understand emotions and to avoid them also. They will always remain a part of your own person.

A person conveying the impression of being very strong also has emotions. He is feeling every emotion inside. But he is afraid to display it. The fact that you never cried in your childhood means you are becoming better and better. Yes, strong men do cry, but they are afraid to show it to others. Because people may think that tears may be the sign of weakness, but they are not. Sometimes when I was watching news for many times I noticed tears coming to my eyes. Even yesterday I had tears in my eyes. I will describe that scene which I saw and maybe it can make you cry as well. Yesterday there was one accident and many people died in a stampede – more than hundred and fifty. So one bagman was lying there and his young daughter was begging him to get up. That scene simply broke my heart. I am a sensitive person. Even a strong and supposedly very hard person will feel that inside but he will be afraid to display it. But I was alone so there was no problem.

Those who are confined within physical limitations and assume sensual pleasure to be the only pleasure do not realize that a person who appears to be passive towards physical pleasures enjoys much higher pleasures, because, he has overcome physical limitations by realizing them and has enjoyed the immensity of his consciousness. From a commoner’s viewpoint, compared with sensual persons, a yogi can be described as one who enjoys the pleasure of infinitum up to the expanse of infinity.

Envy is that feeling which is expressed as revilement arising out of one’s inferiority complex.

An envious person can never be a good competitor.

Heart-felt emotions are expressed by tears. Tears are those flowers, which blossom out of emotions emanating from within a person. These are those flowers, which are offered as obeisance for the best emotions of life.

Look at the beauty of human mind — while suffering from miseries he has began to feel happy merely by the thought of happiness while still being in misery. Perhaps miseries have a happiness of their own. Yet, I will say that instead of feeling happy in miseries one must obviate the causes of misery.

All those acts, which are termed as inhuman, are entirely human because a human being alone executes such so-called inhuman acts.

Apparels are the cause of appeal for nudity.

Avarice gives us the strength to hold on to an object of desire.

To be emotional is a great virtue, but there is no vice comparable with unrestrained emotions.