Fear, anger and revenge: facing and using them

Q: For example you have some tension with your boss and you wish him quit out – wish his promotion so your problem will be resolved. Don’t wish him bad so you will avoid karmic affects of a bad karma.

A: But if a person is powerful enough he will resign himself – he will not need to do any job in his life. If he has power of visualization within he will not need a boss.

Q: So if a person does not have enough power to visualize it this trick with his boss simply does not work.

A: I don’t think so. Inside your heart you are feeling to give him a serious beating and you are trying to visualize his promotion. It will actually disturb your peace of mind. You want to kill that person and you are imagining his promotion.

Q: For example you just want to get rid of the trouble he creates. Let him find a better place.

A: After getting promotion he will become even more powerful and he will be in a position to create more trouble for you.

Q: Promotion in another organization.

A: Even then. It is a very honest observation that if I have one enemy I will not want his progress in life. Everybody would like to see him fallen.

Q: No, you may not wish this – there is a saying that God will punish him.

A: There is another saying – I heard it in a Hindi movie: one man was out to take revenge on some bad men and one priest was saying: «Don’t you think it is God’s work to punish them?» And he answered: «Yes, God will punish them but I will send them to God.» So I agree with him.

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Q: And why Jesus said: “If someone slaps your cheek, just give him your second one to slap again?”

A: Okay, one time you can give him your second, but then again he slaps on that cheek then you are free to break the bones of that person. He never said anything after that. Or may be it was more of an individual question. May be that man was of very violent nature and Jesus was trying to teach him some humility. Could be that. Most of the answers Jesus gave were given to the individuals. They should not be taken as a general message. You can learn something out of them but you don’t have to generalize them.

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An open heart means an open mind. If a person has a very open mind, he will respect others also. Because every single person is part of the nature, as we are part of the nature. Open mind means go natural. I mean, if somebody is abusing you, anger is a normal reaction. I say: be natural. Because we have been taught so much unnatural way – we are in society. And we begin to take that unnatural way as very natural. So we have forgotten what is being natural.

My father used to say as I got very angry sometimes: “Nurse your anger. Then it will become extraordinary power inside you after sometime”. And I found out it is true. Don’t say: don’t be angry, because anger is a natural reaction. If you are facing an adverse situation, of course first thing will be anger. But instead of letting it go, you learn to nurse it inside. Like a hen sitting on egg go on nursing it and then it will become a great power, which will make you very powerful.

* * *

If somebody is just cutting your throat, is stealing everything from you, it is very natural to hate that person.

Q: So what is bad? Bad is when it’s uncontrolled.

A: I think the bad thing is which stops in progress when you are in the focus of that.

feelings , mind

Question: Why we learn lessons only through suffer?

Guruji: Because suffer makes us serious; before everybody is taking everything like a joke or a play. One slap on the cheek makes you sober and you start to think very seriously. Every suffering is a slap from someone.

Question: So no need to give another cheek?

Guruji: Yes; according to the religion you should put another cheek and if you receive a slap even there and no free cheeks left – you’re free to beat that person. There was discussion: one man said – not many people understand me. I said to him: I’m very sorry, but do you understand yourself? That’s the point. Everybody learn to understand you the day you start understanding yourself. First – understand yourself, then hope for others.

Question: Why we learn lessons only through suffer?

Guruji: Because suffer makes us serious; before everybody is taking everything like a joke or a play. One slap on the cheek makes you sober and you start to think very seriously. Every suffering is a slap from someone.

Question: So no need to give another cheek?

Guruji: Yes; according to the religion you should put another cheek and if you receive a slap even there and no free cheeks left – you’re free to beat that person. There was discussion: one man said – not many people understand me. I said to him: I’m very sorry, but do you understand yourself? That’s the point. Everybody learn to understand you the day you start understanding yourself. First – understand yourself, then hope for others.

ABHAYA and NIRBHAY MUDRAS

abhaya mudra looks like open palm fingers up?

Guruji: yes, and thumb touching index finger also

both variations?

Guruji: when you put too many rules and too many logic – it’s like fingers connected. It means – ok( smiling )the meaning of both gestures is the same

Abhaya: without fear; nirbhay – without fear; but it is nearly impossible to describe mental state which is without fear. There is no word for it. Always fear is there: without fear, without fear . What is that mental state – nobody is elaborated on that.

maybe only immortals – because they have no fear of death?

Guruji: but this mental state we need to experience. Experience first – then discuss. Maybe we’re put into this samsara so we can experience millions different types of fears: so we can analyse them one by one and get over them and then be fearless without going to every type of fear. I don’t think it will be possible to live without fear.

what do You think – the root is one: the fear of death?

Guruji: they can be so many different: on losing something; instead of your own life you fear for your dear ones more – it is so vast.

and immortality will remove all fears – or only the fear of death?

Guruji: that’s why Gita stressed again and again: remain without attachment.

People are amazing: I had one distant relative, he was involved in politics locally. It was the time when our first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru died; I was the very young child then – maybe 5-6 years old. It was summertime and we all were sleeping in the lawn, that was the fashion – no ac; summertime people will sleep under the sky. I felt down easy – so I woke up; he was sitting on his bed - holding the hand on his heart: my God, what will happen with this country now? I mean he was so worried about India – what will happen with the country now. That was another type of fear I’ve seen. I think some people were really innocent in those days.

some deities has this Abhaya mudra, and some -no: so someone could protect worshippers and some - no?

Guruji: no, it’s our own impression and we put it on them: because they always taking care – so they put Abhaya mudra there. You cannot remain forever in this pose( showing Abhaya mudra)

I thought maybe someone had the vision of that particular god with this mudra?

Guruji: mostly – artist’s imagination first.

ANGER

what happens with anger when we transform it into something positive?

Guruji: what happens with the coal when it turns into a diamond? So anger is like coal: if you will nurse it inside, keep it inside, you can observe the great pressure which it will create: it will turn into a diamond. It will become extraordinary potent force; you can use that force and achieve anything with that! Anger is a very great power: we just need to learn how to convert it. Like a coal becomes a diamond.

You learn to control your reactions: basic behaviour of society is reaction only. When you will study reactions – you will reach action, which started this reaction. Then you will become wise enough to do some action – so you will have desired reactions. So simple.

so we must take a little break before reaction on somebody?

Guruji: you need to study that reaction. Because there will be some situation in life when you will need to react immediately, you cannot take break then. But you need to ponder on that after the thing has been done. Generally -you should not react.

so the first task is to observe it and to understand it?

Guruji: yes

HONEST AND ANGER

how to be really honest? If you will be honest every time – it’s nearly impossible?

Guruji: I think you remain honest with yourself – otherwise honesty is just a social behaviour.

could we say that to be honest with yourself is also the result of the development of the consciousness?

Guruji: yes, because you start to understand yourself better.

what exactly we must to do if the anger is coming? How to nurse it?

Guruji: keep it inside.

and what to do with it inside?

Guruji: nothing – just keep it there. Suddenly you will never be able to control it so keep it inside. When some time will gone you will have the different perspective on it and transformation will begin. Local principle here is: if the person to whom you’re angry is weaker than you and there is no police problem – give him a beating. This is local thing; if he is stronger than you and police will be involved – smile and give him Namaste(smiling) remain safe!

WHAT TO DO WITH A FEAR?

Guruji, maybe You can give us some advice how to behave with the fear?

Guruji: o, face it! Face your fears! That is the only way. If you will keep running from your fears they will become even more bigger – so face them and see what will happen.

so we must face everything what make us afraid of?

Guruji: why not? You must face the cause of fear. And remain diplomatic also at the same time. It’s a complicated social behaviour.

BE ABLE TO USE YOUR BRAINS

We have the grassroots level story – I don’t know why I remember it now; how the person who follows your orders exactly – the outgoing result, what will happen.

MOST IMPORTANT

So can we say that greed is the main obstacle in yoga practice?

Guruji: Greed and jealousy. If someone can get over greed and jealousy – he’s a very saintly person. I will say that if your aim is very clear in front of you, you’re so concentrated on achieving that – you will forget about greed and jealousy – if you compare yourself. You will have a very single-minded purpose. The main thing is to find your purpose: then your whole life will be concentrated to achieve that. All other things will leave you without any problem.

What is more dangerous – greed and jealousy or kama and krodha?

Guruji: When concentration is coming from the main purpose – then it’s the most dangerous anger: if he concentrates on it then he will be withdrawn from the purpose. He’s then too busy in that to achieve it.

Can we say that kama and krodha are more tricky than greed and jealousy?

Guruji: See, that’s the point: if you don’t have a goal, you will be focusing on the things you desire more and you will keep revolving around them. Because you’re trying to remove them – they will grow out of proportion – and you will be always focusing on them. But if you have a Goal – you will bypass them instead of giving them too much attention. So finding a purpose is more important.

What about bad company – it is also often mentioned in different texts?

Guruji: That's again the same: if you do bad things – you will have bad company.

You think on a certain level the bad people will not be attracted to the yogi?

Guruji: They will be attracted and they will feel confronted – because they will feel immediately that the yogi’s much different. So: stay away. After some time they will also stay away.

So there is no perfect situation even for the accomplished yogi – that bad people are avoiding him, no bad company around?

Guruji: Even Kapil muni was suffering with the bad company: he had to incinerate them all.

When your company totally changes – is it a sign of progress?

Guruji: Yes, no doubt. When you’re trying to enter the ocean – you’re receiving so many waves and so much resistance; but when you cross over the initial waves- then it’s completely another thing. Then the cyclone comes (smiling).

IF SOMEONE IS JEALOUS OF YOU

It is a sad fact – or just a fact of life -- that even if you’re doing very good things, if you’re living in society- we have to live in society – many different emotions people will feel. Some will be intimidated by what you’re doing good, or some people will feel jealous: so many reactions society gives. So we have to be careful. Then if you lose your temper, then they will say: o, you’re practicing yoga, you shouldn’t become angry – it will create bigger anger. And they are provoking ( smiling ). We learn these lessons slowly: over the years you become more wise, more mature. Every day is a new learning from different angles. And it adds to your self-realization.

Like in Gorakhbodh: when the yogi has experienced all the situations…

Guruji: Every situation is a test. It’s a very rare phenomena: only by good luck you come across some people, who are very open-minded, with a sense of humour and you feel good talking with them. Sense of humour is a gift of god . It always comes together with the open mind.

When I see the people without sense of humour – I’m not talking with them

Guruji: They are very limited, narrow minded. Some people are born like this: if you’re laughing – they will be jealous: why is he laughing? Better to ignore them. They say: ignorance is bliss; but I say – ignoring them is bliss.

Usually they are also jealous…

Guruji: Then you can have some solace that jealousy is always towards the person, who is better than you. If they are jealous – you’re definitely better than them. And first jealousy, which I have experienced, is from your physical strength and good looks. This is the first thing which creates a lot of jealousy. We used to go to one akhara in Gwalior; it was vyayam- shala, an old type of gymnasium. On one side – Indian style of wrestling, some barbells, some bars and double bars. There was one old wrestler; he would guide us from time to time – even though he was working somewhere, a one-eyed man. Kanwa Guru said: if the thighs are very muscular – and even if he goes in torn clothes, the world will stop and look at him. And I agree absolutely. So first jealousy is from a very well built body: everybody desires to have a body – but not everybody is ready to go all the way, do all the work to develop it.

Of course – who is stopping them?

Guruji: Their own laziness: they will never do it. I heard it from Kanwa Guru more than 50 years back – but I remember it: they carry a very great wisdom. And they were not saying that “he’s developing his body” they used to say “sharir kamaraie” means “he is earning the body”, it was their way of saying. And I agree with that.

HOW TO TURN ANGER INTO A POSITIVE FORCE?

There is a very popular concept about the different types of shariras we have. What do You think about it?

Guruji: They were trying to explain something, and people took it as if there were different bodies. But they were just trying to explain something.

They say that negative emotions create holes in your bodies?

Guruji: But what do you think: might anger or any negative thought be a reaction to a certain situation or exposure to family or society? I’ve just told you: our social behaviour is reactive by nature. So, if you are facing something negative, negativity will definitely come inside. It is very difficult to avoid such things. So, face it!

If, after communicating with someone, a person feels a lack of energy, does it mean that his energy structure was damaged?

Guruji: That means he is not strong enough to be angry. Anger can potentially make you very strong from time to time—if you use it in a very positive way; otherwise, it will damage you.

If you cannot reach the target…

Guruji: If you are able to tolerate the force of your anger within yourself.

How can you understand that you are ready to tolerate that force?

Guruji: If you have tolerated it, then you are ready to tolerate it (smiling). Otherwise, let it out in any way you want. If the object is weaker than you, give him some kicks and punches and use all the bad words you can. But avoid problems with the police.

But is it better to keep it inside and try to transform it?

Guruji: If you do not react, then the situation will change. After you have learned to control your reactions, you will also learn to act in a certain way to get the desired reactions: that will make you more intelligent than the layman.

We need to think deeply about that. It’s a matter of understanding, which always develops very slowly. It takes its own time.

FEAR IS THE KEY!

About our fears; from “Autobiography of the yogi”: when Yogananda was young – his mother frightened him that if you will not do something – there is a monster in your room…

Guruji: I think every child has gone through it…but there are greater fears that are waiting for you in real life; and you can overcome them by facing them boldly. Face your fear – and it will stop bothering you.

Ok, but if there is only one attempt: to experience it and die?

Guruji: Then you must be intelligent enough to survive and tell the story of it. It is better to tell your own story instead of someone else recording it: there was a brave man, he began to fight a great monster and then became the breakfast of the monster.

In some cases it is possible to experience and then not be afraid of it – but in some cases…

Guruji: I will tell you one more thing: everybody is afraid. Fear will make you extremely careful. Only an idiot is fearless: because he doesn’t know what can happen. So: make fear your strength – and you will overcome it. That is a moment, when you overcome your fear, – you become truly brave. And it will make you more careful: fear is a very necessary thing.

The fear will make you stronger, the panic will kill you?

Guruji: Agreed, yes.

Could we somehow attract the situation if we’re afraid of it?

Guruji: Definitely: your chemical reactions are taking place inside you, you’re creating different types of vibrations, which will attract predators.

So if you constantly concentrate on your fear – it will come?

Guruji: When you’re more experienced in fear – you will learn to keep it inside: that is also a very great achievement. As I read in one American novel: fear is the key, which opens every wallet, safe and pocket. Fear is the key! You can open anything with that.

It doesn’t mean that we must tease ourselves every time with the situations which affect us with fear?

Guruji: Understand your fear, develop it, transform it.

I think – I’m not comparing myself to others; I’m trying to evolve and to transform myself.

Guruji: When you’re alone and very secure – there is no feeling of fear. When you’re moving out of your security zone to face others – then fear starts. First day of the school – very frightful. Real tensions start from this day.

You’re talking about transformation of different types of energy; so fear, sexual energy, anger – what does it mean to transform and to digest them?

Guruji: First you need to understand them. And also you need to develop your mind to the level that you will be able to transform them to do what you want them to transform into. First thing is to develop your mind – then understanding will come; then transformation may take place.

So you must imagine the aim – not a process?

Guruji: No, you must have a very clear idea: you need to understand them first. Only by understanding their true nature, from where they are coming – you may be able to do something.

Is it all through practice?

Guruji: Practice is given to you – so your mind will develop (smiling) with a developed mind – understanding will come, more awareness will come and you will begin to understand so many things. We’re trying to give you a basic tool.

In normal social life – fear and anger are the obstacles?

Guruji: They are not obstacles – they are just stepping stones for understanding yourself better. Anger must be a reaction to some situation. What you want – and somebody is hungering you – then you will become angry. And if a bad person is more powerful than you – socially and money wise: you will have fear also. Fear has so many different types. Or if you want to ask a girl – then different fears will be there: will she, won’t she? That is also an expression of fear. So many fears! Even if you start researching fear – countless types of fear! Love your fears – they are yours. Your respect in the society, your face, your life, your money.

Could they come from previous lives?

Guruji: This life has enough fears, enough situations to make you afraid.

Atma doesn’t carry different fears from previous lives?

Guruji: Maybe she is coming inside your body to experience different types of fear.

The new ones?

Guruji: Every person will give some additional taste to a fear. We are masters in that (smiling).

When you overcome these fears – will vairagya come?

Guruji: No; with me – only when I’m paying the electricity bills – fear comes. When I see some money – I overcome that (smiling).

Could we say with 100 percent understanding the emotion will go away forever?

Guruji: No, they will transform into very sublime things. They will not go anywhere. When you were a child: where did this child go? Transformed into you.

Fears are also passing with DNA: monkeys are afraid of the smell of a lion since they were born?

Guruji: Of course – but that is not fear: this is the instinct of surviving. You’re confusing fear with the instinct of surviving.

What is the difference?

Guruji: Think on it. That is a basic education.

In Your book – “At the right hand of God” – there was a question: how should I not let the emotions take me from anything? You said: You should have one goal and stick to it, always think about it. I’m trying to make it a good example for my own life.

Guruji: I support that.

Shri Krishna is also saying in Bhagavad Gita that fear is the obstacle for the yogis, who want to achieve the highest level?

Guruji: Yes.

What was meant like fear: like instinct fear or…

Guruji: That means if you will not understand the fear – your mind will never develop to its full potential. It is also one very strong emotion; as we’re studying all our emotions so you need to know the basic nature of fear also.

Is it a target for all of the yogi's?

Guruji: For every person, who is able to think deeply on something.

Ok, I’ll take my case: I should understand all fears of mine to achieve something?

Guruji: Yes, fear is expressed in many different ways: you should understand them all.

Them all – or only the root of them all?

Guruji: By only studying the fear you may reach the root somewhere.

Include the instincts in DNA?

Guruji: Of course. That will be part of your self-realization.

it’s like You were saying about the anger which can be transformed into great power?

Guruji: like coal becomes a diamond.

could this immense power of anger be transformed in something very good and positive?

Guruji: yes. I will tell you: I had one friend- he was the very angry person but a very good friend. Then I suggested him something and he was able to overcome his anger. Whenever he will be angry: I told him to go to the gym and workout twice more – that was positive use of anger. He became very quiet and very strong as a result.

in my observation – if something happen and I feel anger, I’m trying to collect it to the evening practice. And after practice I feel that something really changed: the situation is the same – but no more anger remains: what happen this way?

Guruji: it neutralised! You used your anger very positively and it gave you more energy for practice. You became stronger.

what happens in astral plane in that case?

Guruji: if you’re able to make it a very positive force – your own power will increase. Like if you’re able convert a coal into diamond – your wealth will increase.

if you understand that the situation requires your answer and you cannot leave it?

Guruji: never run away from the situation, face it!

it’s better than transform your emotions into something good?

Guruji: no, if there is the situation – face it!

but it’s better to act without any anger?

Guruji: you see, that is not possible: if the situation demands – the anger will be there. But you should be mature enough to do the right thing, even if you are angry. Even though – it is a difficult thing. But if the protection is there – even the adverse situations will become positive.

if you feel that in the anger you do something wrong?

Guruji: don’t feel, support yourself. Here I think it was a good training from Babaji and Giriraj Ji: I faced so many different situations. And if you will not face the situation – you will stamped as a coward all your life. So I faced them all, never ran away from the fight or something. Now I’m look back and I’m happy with that. The whole lineage is behind you, Shiva’s blessings with us: we shouldn’t be afraid of anything.

ABOUT STRENGTH OF AGGRESSION

Guruji, and the thing with aggression? is the strength, you know, it's brute force. You can make something.

Guruji: Actually, if you are able to nurse aggression, I will give a simple example of coal. If coal is able to maintain its tolerance about heat and pressure, it will not burn out. It will become diamond like that. If you are able to use your anger and aggression, whatever you call it, keep it inside and tolerate aggression, it will turn into a dam. Very potent force. That is very positive transformation.

That is also high level stuff.

Guruji: But then we are discussing high level stuff.

You know, Guruji, the thing with anger, aggression is that it's such a volatile energy.

Guruji: But then you should be mature enough to handle it.

See, if you are facing a very strong person or a policeman, you will control your anger. So understand the situation and act accordingly.

It's also important to know how you're going to express that anger.

Guruji: Keep it inside. Let the strength grow. You don't need to express all the time.

Yes, there are those who say that if you keep your anger inside, it boils into cancer or something like that.

Guruji: They’re idiots if that say it. A coal is never getting cancer, but it is transforming into a diamond because he is holding back.

What will be the best revenge? If someone slaps you.

Turn the other cheek?

Guruji: No. And if he slaps on the cheek also, then you are free to break its bones. Because nothing further is written in any scripture. But you said: “Sorry, sir. You are lifting your hand and my face came into the way” - and you think this is not my lifes purpose to answer this man.

And the best possible revenge will be. You become so great in comparison to that person that he will always feel guilty that “Oh my God, I punished such a great slap such a great person.”

So that person is carbon.

But you are the diamond.

Guruji: Yes.

FEAR AND IGNORANCE

Fear protects our ignorance.

Well I will say that fear is guarding the ignorance. And we love actually our ignorance and we revel in it and we protect, we fight to maintain our ignorance.

And if someone comes and point out you are ignorant, we very easily crucify him. Because he is pointing out we are ignorant.

And we love our ignorance. Because ignorance is bliss. We are blissful people.

What is the greatest fear? That we may lose our ignorance. Then what will we do? We are so used to it, we have started to love it.

Remain careful there.

but if these two are giving controversial results?

Guruji: even controversy can be very entertaining or tragedy: it maybe tragedy for you or someone else but it maybe entertaining for someone else.

tragedy is good entertainment?

Guruji: if it’s happening with someone else( laughing)

only higher emotions makes our mind busy?

Guruji: when you’re going into the sea in a boat – to cross over the big waves it is difficult, but when you’re over them – it’s more calm. The example is not exactly, but you will understand. Confidence is very much needed – you will be controlling yourself. If your mind is calm – you can tackle most of the situations. Anger will always take you the wrong decisions.

you don’t know what is coming first?

Guruji: anger is evolution of your frustration. First frustration, then anger, then some violent action may follow, and if they dare too violent – the police will come. the right understanding develops with time; when you suffered enough – then we say yes, now we begin to understand.

what about the fear?

Guruji: when you actually overcome the fear – you become truly brave. Becoming brave is when you overcome the fear – and it also make you very careful. You cannot live in fear – even movies teaches us so many things. You cannot live in fear – you have to face it. And from that movie – Ghost rider: about Satan having a soul: he can have my soul, but he can’t have my spirit.

If you will not understand them – then who will understand? You need to be very careful in deciding whether that emotion is just a reaction to someone else or your genuine emotion which are coming from the within? That discrimination is very important. Most of the time what you call emotions are just a reflection and reaction to the situation you have – you have to discriminate it. Most of the girls have a touch of empathy: if someone is suffering they’re start to suffer. It’s a very difficult thing of girls. Some men also have this, but ladies are more prone to this – that is our good luck.

FEAR

If you’re courageous enough to face your fear – it will not affect you anymore. We should be brave enough to face such things.

something bad can happen if you fear of something?

Guruji: bad things can happen if you’re running from your fear. If you’re ready to face your fear – only good things will follow you.

fear is the sort of emotions?

Guruji: fear is the sort of a power, which may affect you and if you use it positively – it will make you very strong. Emotions are very powerful things.

REVENGE GOOD OR BAD?

Somebody asked me:

that forgiveness is the name of the game?

Because revenge is not a good idea – it brings only negativity in your life.

I may agree on this; but also to look at the brighter side of it:

the feeling of revenge may give you a very important thing in life – it can give you a purpose!

And to find a purpose in life is very important, remember that.

Let’s quote the Queen!

Let the game begin!

Revenge

Yoga is a hard work and you must have the really strong desire to practice it. Studying is up to you – read books on yoga, read Gita very carefully. Have you read it?

with Prabhupada commentaries

Guruji: and what you can remember from it?

that Krishna is saying – you can worship me at any way…

Guruji: I’m suggesting you to study it more carefully.

what is your opinion – is it right, when people gave penalty for death to the killer?

Guruji: killer has no compassion to the person he killed. Let’s hope – human beings in our society become so sensitive – we will no need to give penalty because it will be no murder.

what do you think about revenge?

Guruji: it is personal decision and I don’t know what to say on that. It depends on whom, who started the chain of events and for what purpose. You will have to go to the source – why the first murder was committed and for what. I will tell you one story.

the main thing is the fear of death?

Guruji: there are millions of different fears

so these fears are subconscious: it exists but we cannot feel it?

Guruji: you will know everything what you have done – all the past lives also.

when yogi is just started his journey – he feels this fear from past karmas?

Guruji: we live in fear and you need to examine it. Most of the people afraid and feel the fear – but they don’t examine it. So yogis are in a better situation.

what do You mean “to examine”?

Guruji: to see its every aspect. Like a doctor examines.

it’s like in a religions they say that when the person comes to the hell – all his deeds are examined from every angle?

Guruji: but yogis do this consciously and by themselves. Normal people are not think about it, they are not even aware of such thing exists

but they have this fear subconsciously?

Guruji: everybody is afraid

mostly of the past?

Guruji: and of the present as well

when yogi is seeing not very pleasant things from the past lives…?

Guruji: he learns out of it. He is not running of them, he’s ready to face the consequences – and he’s learning out of them. That is the difference between the layman and the yogi.

if the person is not religious at all – he also is afraid of his past?

Guruji: learning will be there. Of course, he will never be at peace. No matter if you escape the police- you will fear some day somebody will catch you. One time one Russian asked me: please, show me the way to god, I want to realise god. I said – you’re asking this question from a wrong person. You should go to priests, mullas, pandits – they are experts in showing you the way how to reach god. It is not our subject. It’s religious subject – so ask them. We’re just concern about our own spirit and development of the mind.

I’m trying to understand: this fear of past is common for everybody?

Guruji: depending on your deeds: if your deeds are not that good – you will be more afraid. Or you can say: let’s see what will happen – then you will see it without fear. Take the brighter said: you can think – if police will catch me, I will have free accommodation and medical care( smiling)always take the brighter side!

sometimes I could be very angry for something – does it mean there is some spirit inside me?

Guruji: no, it’s yours. If you can’t avoid it – go for it. If you really feeling angry and the powerful man is in front of you- change your mood and remain safe.

Social life is supposed to be the most unnatural life. Humans are trying to suppress nature from the very beginning. Nobody around will accept your natural behavior. Another point: maybe we are living the most natural way of life. We are not creating anything. We just taking everything from nature and combine or develop it.

Struggle

Guruji: "Struggle is never-ending. I think if the struggle in life went away, we would die of boredom! Only when you relax for a moment after the struggle is over, you feel real happiness. Then new struggle begins, with new challenges. When that finishes, you feel happy again. But the feeling becomes grander and grander with each challenge.

"If you sit around doing nothing, without any struggle, then there’s nothing else but boredom. The more opposition you face, the more positive, extra-ordinary development of your personality happens. If there are two men, one who has struggled and one who hasn’t, the one who has struggled would be more knowledgeable. And to rise or to develop, you do have to struggle."

"Milarepa’s story is so inspiring! And it's not like he had signs from his childhood that he's going to be a great soul."

Guruji: "His story is very inspiring. The biggest thing is the feeling of revenge that was borne in him. That feeling gave him so much strength that not only he took revenge upon his enemies, but also used the same strength to gain knowledge and self-realization. A weak person can’t even exact revenge. They say things like 'whatever god wants will happen' to excuse themselves. He at least took proper revenge. And when he felt guilty about killing so many innocent people, the power that he had developed to take the revenge, he was able to use it positively. That’s why he is a legendary figure today. The feeling of revenge gives a lot of energy."

"Really?"

Guruji: "Of course! Take Ravana out of Rama’s life, what will be left? Or take Kansa out of Krishna’s life, Krishna won’t be Krishna anymore. These are the highlights of their lives. This means that the feeling of revenge is what brings meaning in life (laughs).

"Main point is that opposition should be there. Without any opposition, how will you be refined? How will you prove that I can face any kind of opposition and come out a winner? Even in bodybuilding, the training principle is called Progressive Resistance. Only by increasing resistance you develop further. So is with life.

WHAT IS AHIMSA

what does it mean – the real ahimsa?

Guruji: real ahimsa means no more violence remains inside your nature. And the whole nature becomes very friendly and start to care about you. That is being established in ahimsa. There is no other definition: the word is “no violence”. But what is that state is not written anywhere. A-himsa: no more himsa.

should we try to be non-violent in real life?

Guruji: well, I try my level best; that’s why yogis were suggested to leave the society and live alone in the jungle. Because in society it’s almost impossible thing to achieve. Even if you’re not doing anything – someone will provoke you, someone will taunt you, someone will take some pleasure in ragging you – so many things. As a reactions violence will come. So stay away from people.

when You came here – a lot of people tried to provoke You?

Guruji: yes, I answered them that way.

when You answered – You were not in non-violence state?

Guruji: no, I was in a very violent state.

so as a yogi You were not observe ahimsa in that moment?

Guruji: that was the moment thing – it was just a reaction. Not that thing – I deliberately coming out to fight with someone, they were coming to create problems with me. Now finally some peace is there.

is it different karma for the person who is doing violence with pleasure and who is just reacting?

Guruji: who starts the violence – is always not a good thing. Bad karma will follow.

but if you’re giving the adequate answer without any feeling, just you know you must do that?

Guruji: you see, in India, when we go by train third class and it’s so overcrowded; when you’re trying to board the train – there is always big resistance: don’t, don’t, people not allowing you but you just force yourself – then things settle down. Then everybody is in non-violence state. Same thing always happen.

so violence is too much instinctual and not intellectual?

Guruji: although you need to think, what is the reason of doing it. Usually it is greed, jealousy, or some self-interest. Maybe business supremacy. Maybe the utopian thought – that I will create the empire myself – you will get over it; maybe the violence will leave you as well.

could we say that we established in non-violence when we understand our anger and control it easily?

Guruji: no, the reason of the anger. Until unless you will remove the reason of that anger – anger will remain. And also: anger is a very potent force. If you are able to learn, how nurse your anger, keep it inside; it will become the extraordinary potent force with which you can do many things, achievements. That’s up to you, how you use that anger.

I will quote mr. Amitabh Bachchan here: maybe 20 years or something his interview was on tv. Girl -journalist was asking him( in my opinion, it was idiotic question): if you’re going somewhere and somebody slap you – what you will do? Hats off to mr. Bachchan, he simply said: I will just say “sorry” and move on. I’m too busy to answer that. If man’s lifetime ambition was fulfilled by slapping me – but I’m too busy to answer him that way. I will just say “sorry” and move on.

I like this answer very much. You don’t have to react. If you have some very big thing to achieve – it will be just wastage of time and disturbance in our focus into it. We need to consider that also. And I’m sure: if someone will slap Amitabh Bachchan like this, as she asked and he not answering him, just moving on achieving his heights in his carrier - I think it will be the biggest punishment for the person who slaps him. best answer. Anybody, who has achieved the great heights in any field they are – they have something to teach, you have learn of the experienced.

if someone is irritating you so much: you can ignore him – or you can make him suffer easily but without anger, because you know how to hurt?

Guruji: I think the best answer is not to response. Ignoring is bliss!

but if he’s standing in front of you and don’t let you go?

Guruji: do like that( show the wave and turn). And you must be intelligent enough to be diplomatic to avoid. It’s just a test of your brains. Remember the story? You must not stop hissing. It’s a great wisdom in that story.

but if you’re discipline someone without any anger – it’s also bad karma?

Guruji: no. if he needs to be discipline.

why we learn lessons only through suffer?

Guruji: because suffer makes us serious; before everybody is taking everything like a joke or a play. One slap on the cheek makes you sober and you start to think very seriously. Every suffering is a slap from someone.

so no need to give another cheek?

Guruji: yes;

according to the religion you should put another cheek and if you receive a slap even there and no free cheeks left – you’re free to beat that person.

There was discussion: one man said – not many people understand me. I said to him: I’m very sorry, but do you understand yourself?

That’s the point. Everybody learn to understand you the day you start understanding yourself. First – understand yourself, then hope for others.

I have no enemies in my life?

Guruji: but others maybe taking you as their enemy. Someone can think, that you’re his enemy. So be on the safe side.

don’t You think, that good life is the best revenge?

Guruji: from whom?

I mean – if I’m happy in my life – it’s the best revenge for my maybe enemies?

Guruji: no. revenge not entering here from any angle. If by becoming prosperous you’re demeaning some poor man – that will be called revenge. Otherwise it’s ok, to have a good life. Having good life is not sin. But sometimes sins are more interesting.

how to refer the anger to the right direction?

Guruji: anger is a great force and you need to learn how to nurse it and to keep it inside: slowly-slowly it will become the very powerful potent force, with which you can do anything. It is mental work. Also – to let go your anger depends on a situation – whom you’re facing, whom you’re angry with. If you’re facing policeman – you cannot show anger to him. anger is the very powerful thing, which you can use creatively and positively. First – keep it inside, let it grow. Like a hen, sitting on the egg.

not only anger – every our emotion should be kept and transformed?

Guruji: anger, love and hate are very powerful emotions. Work with only these three.

REACTIONS OR THOUGHTS

How can we control our thoughts? What are thoughts? My answer was: it is extremely rare that we experience real thoughts. Most of the things – whatever comes to our mind, which we call “thoughts” – are just the reaction to a certain situation or family member or general reaction to the society. When you will stop reacting – you will begin to see that it is just a reaction, not your actual thought. After the reactions have been subsided, you’re not reacting any more – then, maybe, you will begin to experience the real thoughts, which are all your own; till then – keep fine.

But reaction is a big power and the real thought is also a big power…

Guruji: Real thoughts are a really big power.

But reaction is also a big power?

Guruji: But real thoughts will remain in the background, always. Reaction: all behaviour of the society is based on reaction. We are always reacting, and react on reactions – so we don’t know the source. First you try to control your reactions, calm down, then you start to react experiencing the thoughts.

Practice helps to tolerate these reactions?

Guruji: Only with practice your mind will develop to a certain degree – you will begin to recognize: this is not action, this is your reaction. This is not the original thing. That’s why yogis were suggesting to live alone, to go away from society: so they would be reacting minimally. Then they start to experience the real thought from the Void, consciousness of the Void.

Very difficult to understand – what is the real thought and how does it happen?

Guruji: It will be the big thing in your life; already some thoughts are developed.

It's like wisdom, like an idea or…?

Guruji: Suddenly you will begin to understand certain things.

Like insight?

Guruji: Something like this.

Our world is constructed on the reactions of society; people reacting on reactions of the reactions and don’t even think about it?

Guruji: When you’re able to think – the first thing you learn is to keep quiet. Because society's reaction will not be so good.

It’s like You said before – if the mortal will punch immortal?

Guruji: What he will think: immortal, look at him and think – oh, he’s going to die anyway in the next 20-30 years, so why should I bother?

I remember these your words and if somebody tried to insult me, I think: he has very natural life – so he suffers; so let him go

Guruji: It is better this way. Because fighting always disturbs.

But when we must fight?

Guruji: When it is a direct insult to your honour, your loved ones – you will have to take a stake. Then don’t worry about the outcome – they did well.

I remember the life before Kriya when I was fighting; even if I won – I had a very bad feeling.

Guruji: Most of my fights started after I got Kriya yoga initiation- but I took it as a training. Now I’m looking back and taking it as training – then it was very different. I think Babaji put me in certain situations – so I will learn more about humanity. Otherwise it is not possible.

But You don’t feel bad after You kick someone?

Guruji: You see, guilt is something I’m trying to harass somebody on my own on an innocent person; then you will not feel good. But if the person is trying to harm you and trying to harass you for no reason – then the harder you beat him, even then the thought remains it was not hard enough.

AGGRESSION TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING

Many people said that you should get

rid of the aggression which is inside you and then that you will become very relaxed, calm and quiet

I said it’s fine…

But for Me, calm and quiet and

satisfied feeling will come when you have to achieve your goal !

So some form of aggression

Is most needed , and to use that power

in the very positive way- it will propel you for success towards the goal what you want to achieve.

So, go for it!

this part of Gita is very confusing when it is saying you should be away from lust, from anger?

Guruji: that time will also come. When you are expose to society some of these things as reactions always be there. The more you will advanced in your development – the more refine these things will be come. It is a part of you. And more advance you become – more refine it will be and more possibilities of use it you will have. Use it in positive way. Anger is a very potent energy. If you nurse it carefully – you can use it power for great things. How to use it it’s up to you. You can use it for the benefit of many people. First you learn to nurse the anger which is already there. You become more powerful. Then use that force to do something creating.

first you must recognize the anger

Guruji: oh, everybody could recognize anger. It’s easy thing to do.

I have the different opinion about it. The person, who is so weak that he is capable of no killing or not even defending himself will always have the violent thoughts. And the person who is very powerful and is capable of killing anyone – his mind will be very calm and quiet. Not many violent thoughts will enter his mind because his capacity he knows. It doesn’t mean that you refrain from killing – no, violent thoughts should enter your mind, that is the main thing.

what do You think about ahimsa – why it’s very needed for a yogi, to have this discipline?

Guruji: yogis are very powerful beings – here I will say something about ahimsa; a person who is very weak – physically, mentally- if he’s facing the situation he will smiling go away but in his mind he will continuously have violent thoughts about the person. Let this person die, let him go away, let he will be sick and all unimaginable things. But if a person is very strong and very powerful, who is capable of doing anything, even killing someone – he will rarely have very violent thoughts, because his capacity he knows. It all depend s on your physical power, mental power and spiritual power. Only a powerful person can exercise ahimsa. It’s not a tool for the weak. After becoming a yogi you maybe will understand it. In the beginning what we understand – nothing. Yoga will always remain a great mystery.

but yama and niyama must be in the beginning?

Guruji: it is not the beginning – they start with Samadhi, describing Samadhi. This was the style of the ancient rishi – first they will discuss the result then the process. Yama and niyama are also achievements of the yogi. He start with the results – and then the six steps, they are the process. Gorakhnath and all the great yogis starts only with these six – asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana and others. They never even discuss yama and niyama. It’s not confusion, it’s rather an achievement.

Mudra. Nervous Mudra is when there is no fear and you are absolutely relaxed. You can relax only when there is no fear of any kind to you. Then you can relax and usually a person who is nervous sits like this.

At the root of violence is an inferiority complex of a person. Violence erupts in mind towards a person with respect to whom one finds himself inferior.

Reasoning and counter-reasoning is only a process of giving clarity to one’s thoughts. The more is the clarity of thoughts the more clear will be the efforts, and clear efforts alone is the step towards attaining success.