Spiritual questions answered by HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji
Q. Why should one have a Guru?
A. Devotion and Wisdom are not entities that can be comprehended or acquired by the use of one’s intellect. It is beyond that. If we enter a house where a death has occurred, an indescribable sadness grips us automatically. If we visit a place where a joyful celebration is in progress, the waves of happiness prevalent there are infectious. Like wise, we need to be in the company of those great souls who are ever immersed in devotion to nurture the same within us. Guru is the one whose company arouses the urge to realize God within every one of us.
Q. Why is it customary to exchange Betel leaves on important occasions? Why do we offer betel leaves to God during worship?
A. Every betel leaf has an innate quality that we may not be aware of. There is a herb known as ‘Pathala Bhairavi’ which can nurture enmity between two individuals. There are herbs that can transform Iron into Gold. Some herbs can bestow wealth. We even find descriptions about herbs that can make a man disappear. Likewise, betel leaves possess the unique property of nurturing love between two persons. In those days, betel leaves were exchanged at the time of registrations, engagements and weddings as a sign of love and trust. It is believed that relationships such as Husband-wife, devotee-God are fortified by betel leaves. This explains why betel leaves constitute an integral part of worship. In fact, a monk who has renounced all worldly relationship is forbidden from taking betel leaves because he should not develop worldly attachment or bondage.
Q. Why can’t we say that Vedas were authored by people? (Contrary to the fact that they originated from God)
A. If we say that Vedas were written by man, it would amount to confining them to the limit of the human intellect. But the content of the Vedas are way beyond the realm of human Intellect. Therefore it would not be correct to say that they were authored by Man.
For more such answers by Sri Swamiji, or to ask a question of your own, please visit the Nama Dwaar website at www.namadwaar.org.
Guruji, as we affectionatelyl call Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamigal is very dear and near to us. To keep that closeness, we prefer to call lhim but respect him much more than a Guru, almost the living God.
Eventhough I respect and constantlly remember his through his maha mantra Hare Ram Hare Krilshna, domestic compulsions rob me of the pleasure and privilege of having his Darshan more frequently and gt his blessings.
I am I correct in assuming that I am not privileged to have his company deaily (though living in chennai) because of Karma Phala? Eventhough I don’t meet his have his darshan, I am prayiang his in my pooja Room and pray hime everynight before I retire to bed. I hope, I will reach my goal of my being near him some day in my life, even aat this laate age of seventy eight. My sautations to lSri guruji.
M.Srinivasan
Can someone please send the email ID to ask question to Swamiji?
Thank You
Sunder
contact@namadwaar.org
No one can give me a solid answer, so I’m wondering if you can help me.
What do Hindus believe about God?
What is the truth about God according to Hinduism?
What is the difference in Hinduism in comparison with other religions?
I am interested in Hinduism. Thank you.