Questions by readers- Answers by The Mother! These answers are in no way definitive; nor do they make any claims to authenticity. These are supposed to answer the seeking. The insights contained in these answers issue from patrons of The Mother, among who are saints, holy men, scholars and advanced seekers. To submit a question, send email to editor.themother@gmail.com. Do not feel disappointed if The Mother does not publish the answer to your questions. The Editorial Board will choose questions to be published in The Mother depending upon its significance and service to the spiritual seekers at large. However, we will strive to answer most queries and personally communicate the answers to those who put forth genuine queries. Editor.

Kinkar Vitthal Ramanuj Answers

Q.

Can you briefly tell us about the different bhavas?

Ans.

There is vatsalya Bhava – this is the motherly bhava like Yashodha’s love for Sri Krishna. Dasya Bhava – this is the bhava for servitude like Hanuman served Lord Rama. Sakhya Bhava – this is the bhava denoting friendship like Sri Krishna was a friend, philosopher and guide to Arjuna. Madhurya Bhava – this bhava denotes love and romance like Radha’s love for Sri Krishna. Shanta Bhava – this bhava is for the rishis (saints).

Q.

What is the significance of tears in spirituality?

Ans.

The tears wash dirt in one’s heart. Following quotations from Shrimad Bhagvatam, Thakur’s writings, Tulsidas and Geetanjali enlighten us more.

The Lord has assured that, “Tears of bhakta crying for Me while singing Naam alone can bind Me. By no other means, can I be purchased.”

Thakur has guaranteed that ‘whosoever worships God with his tears, he shall have God’s darshan, without any doubt.’

Tulsidas has shown the path to attain God. ‘Adhere to the sadhana given by your Guru, speak the truth and do not hanker for the riches of others.’

Q.

Whenever I sit for doing japa, I have tears flowing from my eyes. Is this natural?

Ans:

Ashru, tears, are most beloved to Hari. They are the result of sattva infused with unspoken but deep devotion. These tears are invaluable.

Q.

Why were you so interested in giving diksha to that man? He did not bring even one offering for the Guru. He was weeping profusely at a time when he should have been happy.

Ans:

He did not bring an offering? I did not notice. See how eager and pure he is... He was overwhelmed by positive emotions not fully known even to himself, hence he had the tears. Is that a small gift?

Q.

What is your perspective on prema (love)?

Ans:

Prema (love) is thing of the high heavens. As students of literature, we recognize that the main sentiment in the world is prema. Man dares to undertake the journey towards the Infinite by taking support of prema. Prema helps transcend beyond one’s limited, finite, insignificant self. It is through prema that one is attracted to urddhva chaitanya, higher consciousness.

Q.

How can the human mind (which is finite) be blessed by the bliss of the Infinite?

Ans:

The mind is able to hold the Infinite through the finite. For ages, devotees have realized the Infinite by bringing the Infinite into the finite. It is possible to bring the Infinite within the limits of the finite through prema.

हम लोगो को सब चीज पे जय करना है ।
क्य शक्ति है जय करने की, बोलो?
प्रम … एक वही शक्ति है।

Hum logo ko sab cheej pe jaya karnaa hai,
Kya Shakti hai jaya karne ki bolo?
Prem! Ek vahi Shakti hai.

We must triumph over everythimg.
Tell me, what’s the power with which we may be able to win our victory? That power is love, and love alone!"

Q.

Why is it important to attend satsangs? Is it not enough to do sadhana by oneself?

Ans:

A sukshma parimandal (spiritual orb of subtle vibrations) envelops the devotees and increases the spiritual power of each one in the satsang. Buddha too has stressed on sangha as being a precious jewel which serves as a spiritual refuge.